2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas continued from its 2021 model with only minor modifications, simplifying its lineup to the SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black (new for 2022), and SEL Premium R-Line trims. The model boasted more standard features than before. Pricing for the Atlas ranged from $34,355 to $51,505, plus a $1,195 destination charge, with our test SEL Premium R-Line model priced at $53,790. The SEL Premium trim sported R-Line design elements, including 21-inch machined-finish wheels, enhancing the upscale look. Despite its appealing, bold exterior, some felt many of its wheels didn't complement the design well.

Inside, the Atlas blended simplicity with premium touches. However, the extensive use of low-cost materials such as hard, shiny plastics was disappointing, especially considering its nearly $54,000 cost. Storage areas needed better linings to reduce noise, and low-gloss coatings could have improved perceived quality.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition offered a black-on-black treatment, with black details replacing chrome, transforming the SUV's appearance to a sleek yet dust-prone design. The "Black Onyx" color gave the GX a unique, albeit hard-to-maintain look. However, the exterior remained largely unchanged from older models, retaining its dated appearance despite updates like the spindle grille, running lights, and triple-beam LED headlights. Its interior received praise for quality and refinement, featuring smooth, high-quality materials and a whisper-quiet cabin.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas had two primary engine options. The SE, SE with Technology, and SEL trims came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 235 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 rpm. This engine required premium fuel to achieve these outputs and featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with either front-wheel drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and an EPA fuel economy rating of 22-23 mpg in combined driving.

The 3.6-liter V6 engine was standard on SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line trims and an option for SE with Technology and SEL trims. This engine delivered 276 hp at 6,200 rpm and 266 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either FWD or AWD. Capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, the V6's fuel economy estimates were 19-20 mpg combined, close to the tested average of 19.6 mpg. However, this V6’s performance felt underwhelming, with a gritty note and lack of refinement, though the Atlas offered driving modes like Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual.

In comparison, the 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its heft of 5,126 pounds, featured a powerful yet thirsty 4.6-liter V8 engine. This engine delivered 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm, providing a satisfactory engine note and a max towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. The GX boasted a six-speed automatic transmission coupled with a full-time 4WD system with a limited-slip differential and electronic lock.

Despite a 7.8-second 0-60 mph run, the V8's torque advanced its capability, especially in towing and off-road scenarios. However, the GX’s drag coefficient of 0.35, combined with the V8 engine and hefty weight, led to an EPA-rated 16 mpg combined, performing slightly better in real-world tests at 16.8 mpg. The GX’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System helped improve stability and ride quality, although slow steering and a touchy brake pedal detracted from the overall driving experience.

The Volkswagen Atlas interior transitioned from cloth to standard V-Tex leatherette seating, including heated front seats and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Higher trims added features like tri-zone climate control, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and genuine leather upholstery. The SEL Premium R-Line featured ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated second-row seats. The Atlas stood out due to its spacious and comfortable interior, seating seven adults comfortably, including ample third-row space. Its low step-in height and comprehensive storage areas, despite being unlined, added to its convenience.

Cargo capacity was impressive, offering 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and maxing out at 96.8 cubic feet with all seats folded — outperforming many rivals, including the full-size Nissan Armada.

The Lexus GX featured a commanding driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat, clear visibility, and comfortable yet traditional switchgear controls. The Black Line Special Edition had NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim. Its seats, while comfortable, required maneuvering through narrow rear-door openings, and the third row was cramped and potentially hazardous for adults or children due to proximity to the rear door.

Cargo capacity in the GX was more restrictive with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded — less than a Toyota RAV4, making it less practical for heavy cargo use.

For 2022, the Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with the standard Digital Cockpit, featuring an 8-inch display that expanded to 10.25 inches on higher trims, offering customization and navigation map display. The SE trim only had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Higher trims featured Volkswagen’s MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, multi-device Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Car-Net connected services with Amazon Alexa integration.

Despite the suite of connected services and five additional USB ports, the infotainment user experience needed improvement, with a slow system start, cumbersome radio tuning, and unreliable voice commands without a Car-Net Hotspot and Speech Plus subscription.

The Lexus GX 460 in 2022 debuted a much-needed 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system on top of the control panel, featuring standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. A CD player, smartwatch-compatible Lexus app, Enform connected services, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system (optional) added to its offerings. Despite its advancements, the infotainment controls layout was illogically designed, with stereo knobs harder to access than off-roading controls.

The dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition were highlights, making the overall UX more appealing than some newer Lexus models. Standard front and rear parking sensors (Intuitive Parking Assist) and optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras added to its tech repertoire, although overall technological offerings were limited compared to rivals.

Volkswagen provided an impressive array of safety features for the 2022 Atlas. Standard on the SE trim were automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist (with forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking), Side Assist (blind-spot monitoring), and Rear Traffic Alert. SE with Technology added adaptive cruise control and parking sensors, while the SEL trim integrated IQ Drive safety features, including lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, emergency assist, and brighter, adaptive front lights.

However, systems like Lane Assist displayed occasional flaws, and crash-test ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA indicated only decent, not top-tier, results, with shortcomings in frontal impact tests.

Conversely, the 2022 Lexus GX, with its aging structure, lacked comprehensive crash-test data, raising safety concerns, particularly for rear-seat occupants. Yet, it came standard with Lexus Safety System+, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services (free for three years) were also standard.

Missing driving aids commonly found in competitors, like lane-keeping assist or semi-autonomous features, might attract some buyers seeking minimal interference but could deter others preferring modern safety tech.