2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from the previous year, simplifying its lineup to six trim levels. Most models came with more standard features, and the pricing ranged from $34,355 to $51,505, plus a $1,195 destination charge. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, with its 21-inch wheels and upscale design elements, aimed to give the Atlas a more premium look. However, the interior, while displaying simplicity with a premium flair, suffered from low-cost materials and an abundance of hard, shiny plastics, which detracted from the overall quality.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, introduced as a longer version of the standard Grand Cherokee, featured an elegant design with modernized lighting and improved paint finish and panel fit. The interior was luxurious, with high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and quilted Nappa leather, making it feel like a high-end vehicle. The Grand Cherokee L's design and tactile quality were reminiscent of a Mercedes, offering a visually stimulating and comfortable experience for passengers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a 3.6-liter V6 engine. The turbocharged engine produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, but required premium fuel for maximum output. It had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and an EPA fuel economy rating of 22-23 mpg combined. The V6 engine, producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, could tow up to 5,000 pounds but had a lower fuel economy of 19-20 mpg combined. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an optional 4Motion AWD system with Active Control calibrations. However, the V6 engine lacked power, efficiency, and refinement, leading to dissatisfaction. The Atlas' handling was sound, but the ride quality was busy and noisy, especially with the 21-inch wheels.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, but felt insufficient for the vehicle's weight. The V8 engine, available on higher trims, produced 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, offering a more satisfying performance. The Grand Cherokee L also had a 4xe plug-in hybrid option, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with electric motors for 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The V6 had an EPA fuel economy rating of 18/25/21 mpg, while the V8 had a lower rating of 14/22/17 mpg. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was stellar, with a taut and direct steering feel, and an optional air suspension that provided a comfortable ride. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its five ride height settings and various driving modes.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a spacious and comfortable interior, seating seven people with ease. The discontinuation of the base S trim level meant that cloth seats were no longer available, with V-Tex leatherette seating becoming standard. Higher trims added features like tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient cabin lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The Atlas provided ample storage space, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 96.8 cubic feet with the second row folded. However, many storage areas were unlined, causing unwanted noise from items sliding around.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a sleek and sharp interface. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls were easy to use, and the central rotary shifter was intuitive. The Grand Cherokee L offered plenty of space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. The panoramic roof, large windows, and ample USB ports enhanced the comfort of long journeys. However, the air vents were small and didn't direct enough airflow, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was quite loud.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, featuring an 8-inch display that expanded to 10.25 inches on higher trims. The SE trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with last-generation infotainment, while other trims featured the next-generation MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the infotainment system had a slow startup, and tuning the radio was a cumbersome process. The voice recognition system was hit-or-miss, making it less reliable for navigation.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, including multiple massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, a 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system could take over the instrument panel, providing a zoomed-in view of the next corner. New for 2022, Jeep added an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat passengers. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids were standard, with additional features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition available on higher trims. The Summit Reserve trim included a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a surround-view camera system. However, the Lane Assist technology had issues with old construction markings and exit ramps, and disabling it while driving was cumbersome. The Atlas received decent crash-test ratings but did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. Higher trims offered additional safety features like automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic sign recognition.