2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

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 Atlas featured more standard equipment across most models, with pricing ranging from $34,355 to $51,505, plus a $1,195 destination charge. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, which we tested, included 21-inch wheels, Aurora Red paint, and second-row captain’s chairs, bringing the total to $53,790. The Atlas’s design was big and boxy, with an upscale look enhanced by the R-Line elements, though the interior materials felt cheap for the price.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport emphasized a "modernist" and "reductive" design, offering limited flashy options like Firenze Red paint and 23-inch wheels. Our test vehicle, in Eiger Gray with silver wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, it featured a Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and shiny black trim. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e trims, with our SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle priced at $98,420, including a $1,475 destination charge. Highlights included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and excellent aerodynamics.

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. This engine required premium fuel for maximum output and had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy was rated at 22-23 mpg combined. The 3.6-liter V6 engine, standard on higher trims, delivered 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and fuel economy of 19-20 mpg combined. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an optional 4Motion AWD system with Active Control calibrations. However, the V6 engine lacked refinement, and the ride quality was mixed, with a busy ride on 21-inch wheels and noticeable body float on undulating roads.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement, comfort, and driver engagement. It offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque in the SE P360 and 395 hp and 406 lb-ft in the SE Dynamic P400. The Autobiography P440e featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with 434 hp and 406 lb-ft, offering an estimated 51 miles of electric range. A 523-hp twin-turbo V8 was available for early-build models. The Range Rover Sport's P400 drivetrain achieved 21 mpg combined, with our test vehicle averaging 22.3 mpg. The SUV featured a new vehicle architecture, adaptive damping air suspension, and various driving aids, but struggled with steering involvement and stability control on twisty roads. Off-road, it excelled with 11.1 inches of ground clearance and advanced off-road tech.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a spacious and comfortable interior, seating seven adults with ease. The discontinuation of the base S trim meant cloth seats were no longer available, with V-Tex leatherette seating standard. Higher trims added features like tri-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The SEL Premium R-Line included genuine leather, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. 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 down.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained the Range Rover Command Driving Position, offering a tall, airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit. The front seats were comfortable, with 20-way power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and available massage. The rear seat, though improved, remained tight for taller passengers, with hard front seatback panels and narrow door openings. Cargo space was 31.9 cubic feet, expanding to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The SUV featured various storage solutions, including a deep bin under the center armrest and a handy contraption to prevent items from rolling around in the cargo area.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring an 8-inch display that expanded to 10.25 inches on higher trims. The SE trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with last-generation infotainment, while other trims featured the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. The SEL Premium R-Line included a 12-speaker Fender sound system. However, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times, a cumbersome tuning process, and unreliable voice recognition.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Pivi Pro infotainment platform aimed to personalize the user experience but often proved confusing and frustrating. The native digital assistant struggled with basic commands, and the system's complexity detracted from its usability. On the positive side, the Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system.

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, parking sensors, and the full suite of IQ Drive safety features, including Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. The SEL Premium R-Line included a surround-view camera system and Park Assist. However, the Lane Assist system struggled 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 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system with ClearSight Ground View. Remote Park Assist was also available. However, the adaptive cruise control and steering assist systems were slow to respond and often required driver intervention, especially on freeway curves with inconsistent lane markings.