2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from its predecessor, following significant updates in 2021. Volkswagen streamlined the lineup to include SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line trims. Most models boasted more standard features than before. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, priced at $53,790 with destination charges, featured R-Line design elements, including 21-inch wheels that enhanced its upscale appearance. Despite its bold exterior, the interior materials were criticized for their low-cost feel, with hard plastics detracting from the premium experience expected at this price point.

The 2023 Genesis GV70, with its naming convention, drew stylistic connections to the G70 compact luxury sedan. Its design, from split-bar headlights to a chrome line, suggested a coupe-like SUV without sacrificing versatility. Inside, the GV70 impressed with top-notch materials and a blend of contemporary and classic aesthetics. The cabin featured a full touchscreen, rotary dial, and button controls, offering a user-friendly experience. The GV70 was available in gas-powered and electrified versions, with trims offering a range of luxury features, from leather upholstery to advanced tech options. The Electrified Prestige trim, in particular, showcased luxury with quilt-stitched, cream-colored seats and a high-contrast interior design.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, requiring premium fuel for optimal performance. It had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and fuel economy ratings of 22 to 23 mpg combined. The 3.6-liter V6 engine, standard on higher trims, produced 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Despite its power, the V6's performance was considered leisurely, and its fuel economy was rated at 19 to 20 mpg combined. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an AWD system with Active Control calibrations, but its ride quality was criticized for being busy and noisy.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T came with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The 3.5T variant featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The GV70 Electrified used a 77.4-kWh battery with dual motors, delivering 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. It offered a range of 236 miles and fast charging capabilities. The GV70's handling was well-rounded, balancing comfort and sportiness, with the Electrified version leaning slightly more towards comfort.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, with its discontinuation of the base S trim, offered V-Tex leatherette seating as standard, along with heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Higher trims added features like tri-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The Atlas excelled in interior space, comfortably seating seven adults and offering easy access with a low step-in height. It provided 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 96.8 cubic feet with seats folded. However, unlined storage areas led to unwanted noise from items sliding around.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with them in use. It featured a hands-free power liftgate and various storage solutions, including a center console tray and bin. While front-seat comfort was easily adjustable, rear-seat legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to adjust their seats. The rear bench reclined for added comfort.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, 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, while other trims featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. Despite its features, the infotainment system was criticized for its slow loading times and cumbersome user experience, particularly with voice commands and navigation.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was praised for its ease of use, with large icons and logical menu navigation. It included four USB ports, wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. The GV70 also offered ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and the Genesis digital key.

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 collection of IQ Drive safety features. However, the Lane Assist technology 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 Genesis GV70 came with a full suite of driver-assistance technology, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Advance Package on the 2.5T and Sport Advance package on the 3.5T added features like a blind-spot camera system and a 360-degree parking camera system. The Electrified version included most of these features as standard, with the head-up display available in the Prestige trim.