2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

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. 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 extra-cost 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 its upscale look. The interior, while simple and premium in design, had materials that felt low-cost, with hard, shiny plastics that detracted from the overall quality.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender outsold the Land Rover Discovery by more than four to one, thanks to its boxy design reminiscent of the old LR4. The Defender's design was consistent, with square-jawed features and steep angles. Tasteful accents paid homage to the original 1980s Defender, including faux-metal step plates and skylights along the roof. The Defender was available in three body styles: 90 (short two-door), 110 (medium-length four-door), and 130 (extended-length four-door). The interior focused on function and durability, with rubbers and plastics designed to resist moisture and stains. Despite its high price, the interior felt basic and barren, though build quality and fit were excellent.

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 with premium fuel. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and an EPA fuel economy rating of 22-23 mpg combined. The 3.6-liter V6 engine, standard on higher trims, produced 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and fuel economy estimates of 19-20 mpg combined. The Atlas featured Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional Active Control calibrations for AWD models. Ground clearance was modest at 7.1 inches for the turbocharged engine and 7.5 inches for the V6. The Atlas' ride quality varied, with the SEL Premium R-Line's 21-inch wheels providing impressive grip but transmitting road noise and bumps to the cabin.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. The Terrain Response 2 system adapted the powertrain and chassis to different surfaces, while the permanent 4WD and differential locking ensured optimal performance. On-road, the Defender's performance was less impressive, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The V8 engine, with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, provided thrilling acceleration, while the six-cylinder engine, part of a mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The four-cylinder engine, with 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, was less powerful and better suited for local driving. Fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning 14/19/16 mpg, the six-cylinder 18/23/20 mpg, and the four-cylinder 17/20/18 mpg.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas featured V-Tex leatherette seating, heated front seats, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat as standard. Higher trims added tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient cabin lighting, a panoramic sunroof, genuine leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. The Atlas' interior was spacious, with comfortable seating for seven, including adults in the third row. 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 the second row folded.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, with the Defender 90 seating six with a jump seat, the 110 offering an optional third row, and the 130 seating up to eight with a standard third row. The 130 featured a separate moonroof, air vents, cupholders, USB ports, and armrests for third-row passengers. Cargo space varied, with the 130 offering 77 cubic feet with the third and second rows folded, the 90 offering 58 cubic feet, and the 110 offering 79 cubic feet. The Defender also offered numerous accessories, including off-road tires, a metal roof rack, a console refrigerator, and a pressurized water rinse system.

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 SE trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Car-Net connected services. The user experience was mixed, with slow loading times and a cumbersome process for tuning the radio. Voice recognition was also hit-and-miss, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto a better option for navigation.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen was wide and integrated into the dashboard, while the optional 11.4-inch screen was larger and more legible. Both screens were quick and easy to operate. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, connected apps, and navigation. Higher trims added heated 12-way power seats, a Meridian stereo, fog lights, surround sound, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, auto high beams, and cooled front seats. The X trim included air suspension, a locking rear differential, an upgraded Terrain Response 2 system, adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and a rearview mirror with a camera display.

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, lane-centering assistance, and Emergency Assist. The Atlas also featured brighter LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation and an adaptive front lighting system. 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 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations but received five stars in Euro NCAP crash testing. Standard safety features included six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system, and automatic steering when reversing a trailer. However, a self-steering highway assist was not offered.