2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from the previous year, simplifying its lineup to six trim levels. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured standard R-Line design elements, including 21-inch wheels that enhanced its upscale look. Despite its bold exterior, the interior materials were somewhat disappointing, with an abundance of hard, shiny plastics that detracted from the overall quality. The storage areas also lacked linings, leading to unwanted noise and vibration.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 offered a more subtle and refined exterior compared to its flashier competitors. The AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions added visual drama with unique design elements and larger wheels. Inside, the GLS 450's interior felt luxurious with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, although the all-black trim of the test car felt a bit subdued.

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 optimal performance. It had a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and an EPA fuel economy rating of 22-23 mpg in combined driving. 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 rating of 19-20 mpg. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an optional 4Motion AWD system with Active Control calibrations.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The gasoline engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an additional 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque available from the electric motor. The GLS 450 had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The air suspension provided a comfortable ride, although it exhibited poor body control over bumps and in corners. The GLS 450's inline-six engine offered smooth performance, making it a suitable choice for a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort. It offered seating for seven, with ample room even in the third row. The step-in height was relatively low, making it easy to enter and exit. The Atlas provided numerous storage areas, although many were unlined, leading to unwanted noise. 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 the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for access to the third row, and the standard bench seat could slide fore and aft as one piece. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The air suspension could lower to facilitate loading and unloading cargo.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster as standard, with an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The SE trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with last-generation infotainment, while higher trims featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and other advanced features. The user experience was hindered by slow loading times and cumbersome controls, making it less user-friendly.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, navigation, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. The voice recognition system, activated by "Hey Mercedes," was the easiest to use, while the touchpad controller was too sensitive. The graphics were impressive, but the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and more. However, the Lane Assist technology had issues with old construction markings and exit ramps, and crash-test ratings were decent but not class-leading.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and advanced driver-assistance features. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.