2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from the previous year, simplifying its lineup to six configurations: 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 standard R-Line design elements, including 21-inch wheels that enhanced its upscale look. However, the interior, while displaying simplicity with a premium flair, had many low-cost materials, including hard, shiny plastics that detracted from the overall quality.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV segment. It was stylish and assembled with high-quality materials, giving it a small luxury SUV feel. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the CX-5 boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Mazda redesigned and renamed the CX-5 as the CX-50, but the 2023 model still offered quality, refinement, and sophistication across all versions. The lineup included eight versions, with prices ranging from $26,700 to $39,650 before destination charges. The 2.5 Turbo Signature test vehicle, with Rhodium White metallic paint and Caturra Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery, had an MSRP of $41,655, including a $1,275 destination charge.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options. The standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, available in SE, SE with Technology, and SEL trims, produced 235 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque starting at 1,600 rpm, requiring premium fuel for maximum output. 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 in combined driving. The 3.6-liter V6 engine, standard in SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line trims, and optional in SE with Technology and SEL trims, generated 276 hp at 6,200 rpm and 266 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds but had a lower fuel economy of 19-20 mpg in combined driving. The Atlas featured Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with 4Motion AWD offering additional calibrations for various conditions. However, the V6 engine lacked power, efficiency, and refinement, leading to dissatisfaction.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD, achieving an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, available in the 2.5 Turbo and 2.5 Turbo Signature trims, delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg in combined driving. The turbo engine provided a rewarding driving experience, with structural and suspension updates enhancing the CX-5's performance. The CX-5 excelled on twisting, turning roads, offering a firm, connected ride quality, responsive steering, and brakes, making it a delight to drive.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a spacious and comfortable interior, seating seven people with ease, even in the third row. The step-in height was relatively low, making it easy to enter and exit. The Atlas SE with Technology added tri-zone automatic climate control, while the SEL trim included ambient cabin lighting, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and a panoramic sunroof. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured genuine leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, 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 folded.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, updated for the 2022 model year, featured improved front seat comfort and support. All versions had a height-adjustable driver’s seat, with higher trims offering power adjustment for both front seats, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Signature trim included Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with smaller storage areas, a cramped back seat, and less cargo space compared to rivals. It offered 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster as standard, featuring an 8-inch display, expanding to 10.25 inches in SEL trim. 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 Car-Net connected services. The SEL Premium R-Line included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times, a complicated tuning process, and limited voice recognition capabilities without a subscription.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but had a frustrating user interface. The physical controls on the center console were awkward to use, requiring memorization and conscious thought. The control knob often required multiple twists and pushes to execute commands, making it more distracting than a touchscreen. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. Upper trims included a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system and a surround-view camera 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, front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and Travel Assist. The SEL Premium R-Line included a surround-view camera system and Park Assist technology. However, the Lane Assist system had issues with old construction markings and exit ramps. The Atlas received decent crash-test ratings but did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with most i-Activsense technology as standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and automatic emergency braking. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim added a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 performed exceptionally well in crash tests, earning five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, it lacked a warning message for driving without headlights at night, a common issue with the model.