2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among its competitors with a design that was both creased and symmetrical, leaning towards a conservative aesthetic. This approach, while not overly emotional, appealed to fans of simplicity and minimalism and promised to age well. The refreshed front styling aligned the Tiguan with its larger siblings, the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, featuring a new grille with the updated VW logo and optional illuminated grille bar. Standard LED headlights, new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate, and redesigned aluminum wheels added to its refined look.

The Tiguan lineup was simplified for 2022, offering S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Prices ranged from $25,995 to $36,995, with a $1,195 destination charge. The SEL R-Line test vehicle, equipped with standard 4Motion AWD and an accessory cargo cover, totaled $37,970 MSRP. The R-Line models boasted a sportier appearance, with the SE R-Line Black featuring a trendy blacked-out look. The SEL R-Line in Atlantic Blue Metallic, paired with 18-inch alloy wheels, looked particularly striking.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, having received numerous updates in 2021, carried over with minor modifications. The lineup was streamlined to SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black (new for 2022), and SEL Premium R-Line trims, with most models gaining more standard features. Pricing ranged from $34,355 to $51,505, plus a $1,195 destination charge. The SEL Premium R-Line test vehicle, with extra-cost Aurora Red paint and second-row captain’s chairs, was priced at $53,790.

The SEL Premium featured standard R-Line design elements, including 21-inch wheels with a machined finish, enhancing the Atlas's upscale look. The Atlas's big and boxy design was appealing, though some wheel choices did not complement its bold styling. The interior displayed simplicity with a premium flair, but the use of low-cost materials and hard, shiny plastics detracted from the overall quality. The storage areas needed linings to prevent unwanted noise and vibration, and low-gloss coatings on hard surfaces would have improved the perceived quality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at 1,900 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission transferred power to the front wheels, with an optional 4Motion AWD system available. The AWD system could send up to half of the power to the rear wheels, decoupling the rear axle when not needed to save fuel. Drivers could choose between Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional Offroad settings for AWD models.

The Tiguan's Hill Descent Control system engaged in Offroad mode, operating at speeds up to 19 mph. However, with just 7.6 inches of ground clearance, the Tiguan was best suited for well-traveled paths. The MacPherson struts in front and multi-link independent rear suspension, along with variable assist steering, provided a nimble and responsive driving experience. Despite some turbo lag when accelerating from a stop, the Tiguan was enjoyable to drive, though it could have benefited from more power. The EPA rated the R-Line with 4Motion at 24 mpg in combined driving, with a test drive averaging 24.7 mpg.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE, SE with Technology, and SEL came with a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm, requiring premium fuel for maximum output. An eight-speed automatic transmission distributed power to the wheels, with a maximum 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 on higher trims and optional on others, produced 276 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. The V6 could tow up to 5,000 pounds but offered leisurely acceleration and a gritty feel. Fuel economy estimates were 19-20 mpg in combined driving, with a test result of 19.6 mpg. The Atlas offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional Offroad settings for AWD models. The 4Motion AWD system decoupled the rear wheels to save fuel, with ground clearance at 7.1 inches for the turbocharged engine and 7.5 inches for the V6.

The Atlas's driving dynamics were sound, with capable steering and brakes, but the V6 engine's lack of power and refinement was a drawback. The SEL Premium R-Line's 21-inch wheels provided impressive grip but transmitted road noise and bumps to the cabin. The suspension tuning seemed softer, adding body float and reducing ride quality on undulating pavement. The Atlas's handling was fundamentally sound, but an adaptive-damping suspension option would have improved ride control.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was spacious for a compact crossover, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered a standard third-row seat in FWD models, though 4Motion models did not. The SEL R-Line test vehicle featured comfortable leather-wrapped front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The second row was roomy and comfortable for adults, with rear air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and ample storage.

The switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard for 2022 added sophistication but made them harder to use. Cargo space was among the best in the class, with 12 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 33 cubic feet with it folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with the second row down. The 4Motion model offered 37.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, comparable to midsize SUVs.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas no longer offered cloth seats, with V-Tex leatherette seating standard, along with heated front seats and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Higher trims added tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient cabin lighting, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, and a panoramic sunroof. The SEL Premium R-Line included genuine leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated second-row seats.

The Atlas's roomy interior and comfortable seats were standout features, accommodating seven people comfortably, even in the third row. The low step-in height made entry and exit easy, and rear side-window sunshades helped keep sunlight out. The Atlas offered numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, causing unwanted noise. Cargo space was exceptional, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 55.5 cubic feet with it folded, and 96.8 cubic feet with the second row down, surpassing the full-size Nissan Armada.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital instrumentation, with an 8-inch display in most versions and a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system in the SEL R-Line. The MIB3 infotainment system, introduced last year, was standard in all but the base Tiguan S, which used MIB2 with a 6.5-inch touchscreen. The MIB3 system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, App-Connect smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The SEL R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system.

Natural voice recognition was a touted improvement, but it required a Plus Speech upgrade and an active Car-Net Hotspot subscription. The Remote Access plan was complimentary for five years, offering remote start, door lock operation, and location tracking. The Safe & Secure plan included automatic crash notification and emergency assistance, while the Hotspot plan provided a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system, standard on the SEL R-Line.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas included the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster as standard, with an 8-inch display and a 10.25-inch display starting with SEL trim. The Atlas SE had a 6.5-inch touchscreen and last-generation infotainment system, while other trims featured the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, multi-device Bluetooth pairing, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Car-Net connected services with Amazon Alexa integration.

Car-Net connected services were available in three plans: Remote Access, Safe & Secure, and Hotspot. With an active Hotspot subscription, owners could upgrade to Plus Speech natural voice recognition, Plus Online Radio, and Plus Nav. The MyVW smartphone app provided access to Car-Net services, roadside assistance, and maintenance scheduling. The Atlas included five additional USB ports, a navigation system starting with SEL trim, and a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system in the SEL Premium R-Line.

The user experience with the infotainment system was not as smooth as it should have been, with slow loading times and a cumbersome process for tuning the radio. Natural voice recognition required a Hotspot plan and Speech Plus upgrade, and the system struggled with some commands. Using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was recommended for a better experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard Front Assist (forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection) and Side Assist (blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert). The IQ Drive collection of advanced driving assistance systems included Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, and Emergency Assist, which could bring the Tiguan to a safe stop if the driver was unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's improvements could enhance that score.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered an impressive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. The SE with Technology added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. The SEL trim included the full IQ Drive collection, with Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist, as well as brighter LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation and an adaptive front lighting system. The SEL Premium R-Line added Area View and Park Assist technology.

The Atlas's driver assistance features had some issues, such as parking sensors detecting the street as an obstacle and Lane Assist misinterpreting old construction markings. Crash-test ratings were decent but not class-leading, with the Atlas not earning a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and receiving four-star ratings for frontal-impact tests from the NHTSA.