2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over from the previous year with only minor modifications, as Volkswagen had already made significant updates to the 2021 model. The lineup was simplified to include SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line trims. Most models came with more standard features than before. Pricing ranged from $34,355 to $51,505, plus a $1,195 destination charge. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, with its Aurora Red paint and second-row captain’s chairs, brought the price to $53,790. The SEL Premium featured R-Line design elements, including 21-inch wheels that enhanced the SUV's upscale appearance. Despite its bold styling, the interior materials were crafted to a low cost point, with hard, shiny plastics that detracted from the overall quality.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, a hallmark of Land Rover's luxury SUVs. Its design referenced the larger Range Rover's profile, scaled into a sporty package with a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a distinctive grille. The Velar's design included a sloping roof and flush door handles, contributing to its streamlined appearance. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. The interior, though less opulent than previous models, maintained high-quality materials and exemplary fit and finish. The cabin featured a polished black center stack and a reconfigurable instrument panel with sharp graphics. Despite its base trim, the Velar's interior was slick and sophisticated.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the SE, SE with Technology, and SEL trims, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine required premium fuel for optimal performance and had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 22 to 23 mpg combined. The 3.6-liter V6 engine, standard on higher trims, delivered 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, its acceleration was leisurely, and the drivetrain lacked refinement. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an AWD system with Active Control calibrations. Despite its size, the Atlas was easy to maneuver, thanks to its cameras and sensors. The ride quality was generally comfortable, though the suspension could be improved for better control on undulating roads.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in improved handling and steering. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar's ride was smoother and more controlled, especially with the optional air suspension. The Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, but the Velar's street-oriented design limited its off-road capabilities. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, provided 340 to 395 horsepower, depending on the trim. This powertrain offered high performance while reducing emissions. The Velar's handling was agile, and its ride was plush, but it lacked the off-road prowess of larger Range Rover models.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas boasted a spacious interior with comfortable seating for seven adults. The step-in height was low, making it easy to enter and exit. The Atlas offered numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, causing items to rattle. Cargo space was exceptional, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 96.8 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The Atlas was one of the most accommodating vehicles in its class.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had a tighter interior, with limited headroom and visibility due to its design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design sacrifices practicality for style. The lack of a discrete parking brake control was a significant oversight, and the new shifter design was cumbersome. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was user-friendly, and the cabin featured high-quality materials and a sleek design.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the 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 basic infotainment features, while other trims offered the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and Car-Net services. The user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome interface. The navigation system was hit-or-miss, and the voice recognition required a subscription for optimal performance.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, with a simplified layout and logical arrangements. The system featured a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and a heated windshield. The navigation system offered intelligent route suggestions, and the 4x4 app provided off-road information. The instrument panel was customizable, though the driving assist display lacked detail. Standard features included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and the full IQ Drive safety suite. However, the Lane Assist system was prone to errors, and crash-test ratings were not class-leading.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked U.S. crash-test ratings but performed well in European tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.