2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from the previous year, simplifying its lineup to six trim levels: SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured standard R-Line design elements, including 21-inch wheels that enhanced its upscale look. Despite its big and boxy appearance, the Atlas had a bold styling that was somewhat let down by wheel choices that didn't quite match its overall design. Inside, the Atlas displayed a simple yet premium flair, though the use of low-cost materials and hard, shiny plastics was disappointing for an SUV priced at nearly $54,000.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S Advance trim came with extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, setting a high expectation for quality and luxury. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, featuring subtle design elements like chicane-design LED lights and quad exhaust outlets. The interior boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, some design choices, such as the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it challenging to use certain controls. Despite these nit-picks, the MDX Type S remained an attractive luxury SUV.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options. The base engine was a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in both FWD and AWD configurations. This engine required premium fuel to achieve its maximum output and had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy was rated at 22-23 mpg combined. The more powerful 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, the V6's performance was considered leisurely, and its fuel economy was lower at 19-20 mpg combined. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an AWD system with Active Control calibrations, but its ride quality and handling were mixed, with a tendency to feel floaty on undulating pavement.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could direct up to 70% of the engine's power to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S also featured an adaptive air suspension with a Lift mode, increasing ground clearance to 9.4 inches. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience, with issues like an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. Fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 16.9 mpg in combined driving, well below the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort. With the discontinuation of the base S trim, V-Tex leatherette seating became standard, along with heated front seats and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Higher trims added features like tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient cabin lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The Atlas could comfortably seat seven adults, even in the third row, and offered exceptional cargo space. With all seats in place, it provided 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 96.8 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Acura MDX also offered three rows of seats, with the option to remove the center section of the second row for easier access to the third row. The Type S Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats were firm and didn't hold occupants in place as well as expected. The second-row seats were comfortable and supportive, with heating in the outboard positions. Cargo space was practical, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The MDX also featured a hands-free liftgate with a Walk Away Close function.

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 base SE trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with last-generation infotainment, while other trims featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. However, the user experience was hindered by slow system loading, a cumbersome tuning process, and unreliable voice recognition.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, operated via a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. While the TTI aimed to provide a better user experience, it fell short due to its complexity and the loss of valuable storage space. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, making voice commands more convenient. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, but the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs, leading to incorrect speed limit warnings.

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, and the full suite of IQ Drive safety features, including Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. However, the Lane Assist system had issues with old construction markings, and the Atlas did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, receiving four-star ratings in frontal-impact tests from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Acura MDX came with Acura Watch, a suite of safety features including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also included a blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera system. While the Acura Watch systems were generally accurate, the MDX occasionally issued false lane-departure warnings and had a concerning incident where it mistook an overhead exit sign for an obstacle. The MDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact protection.