2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand’s iconic boxy designs of past decades. Moving decisively into the luxury segment, Volvo kept its family-friendly, safety-oriented ethos intact while adopting modern, upscale aesthetics. The XC90, standing on its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform introduced in the 2016 model, displayed a poised and athletic presence. Its body appeared as though it leaned forward, ready to spring ahead. The sloping roofline gave a sleek appearance, and the pronounced wheel arches added to its sporty demeanor. The LED headlights, featuring the "Thor's Hammer" design, gave an unmistakable nod to Volvo's Swedish roots. Inside, the Volvo XC90 exuded Scandinavian elegance with natural wood and metal trims that felt authentic and luxury-driven. Features like the clear crystal gear selector and sliding wood tambour cover on the center console underscored the attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship. While Volvo had committed to becoming leather-free by 2030, the 2022 XC90 still offered Nappa leather seats, especially for those wanting ventilated front seats. They also offered a wool blend option, which was promised to be durable and easy to care for—though this was not everyone's cup of tea. In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over many updates from the previous year with minor adjustments for 2022. The SUV's design was bold and boxy, with the R-Line models flaunting 21-inch machined-finish wheels that filled out its exaggerated fenders nicely. However, the overall wheel choices did not always complement the Atlas’s bold, big-boned styling. The Atlas boasted an excellent interior design, emphasizing simplicity paired with a hint of premium flair. Unfortunately, some materials revealed the low-cost intentions, with excessive hard, shiny plastic, detracting from the experience one would expect in a nearly $54,000 vehicle. Storage areas needed linings to reduce noise and enhance quality perception.

In terms of powertrains, the 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a trio of options. The T5 models featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Upgrading to the T6 model provided a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 plug-in hybrid model combined this engine with an electric motor, providing a combined output of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. While T5 models were available in FWD and AWD configurations, T6 and T8 models exclusively came with AWD. All XC90s used a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy varied with configurations: T5 FWD models achieved 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined, while AWD models lowered highway and combined figures slightly. The T6 AWD managed 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway/22 mpg combined. The T8 hybrid shined on efficiency with 27 mpg combined on gas alone and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range. The extended-range variant increased the EV range to 36 miles. Driving the XC90 was an exemplary experience; handling was akin to smaller SUVs despite its size, with minimal body roll. The T8 Inscription model’s acceleration was spirited, with seamless power delivery thanks to the electric motor. The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas provided two engine choices. SE, SE with Technology, and SEL models came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offered FWD or 4Motion AWD. The drawback was its reliance on premium fuel for achieving top power output, and its towing capacity was limited to 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy stood at 22-23 mpg combined. The V6 engine, standard on SEL R-Line trims and optional on others, pushed out 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, enabling a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, it lacked the refinement and grunt, making acceleration leisurely. This engine clocked lower fuel economy, ranging between 19-20 mpg combined, confirming our test results of 19.6 mpg. The Atlas excelled with driving modes including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, along with Active Control calibrations for specific conditions in AWD models. The 4Motion AWD system decoupled the rear wheels under normal conditions to save fuel, activating only when needed. Driving dynamics highlighted the heavy Atlas’s imposing road presence. While the 21-inch wheels on the SEL Premium R-Line model provided excellent grip, they also transmitted road imperfections into the cabin, resulting in a bumpy ride. Notably, this Atlas variant showed a softer ride compared to previous models, yet body float became noticeable on undulating terrains.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered both six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, easily accommodating families with either second-row captain's chairs or a full bench. Accessing the third row was a breeze, thanks to the one-handed slide and fold mechanism of the second row. The third row was more suitable for children than adults due to limited legroom and thigh support. Cargo capacity in the XC90 was notable, with 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and a hefty 85.7 cubic feet with both second and third rows flat. Towing capacity ranged from 4,000 to 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior offered ample storage with door pockets, seat-back pockets, console storage, and a spacious glove compartment. Our experience during a heatwave showed the XC90’s air conditioning handled extreme temperatures remarkably well, reinforcing its suitability for various climates. The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas stood out for its spacious interior. With the base S trim discontinued, leatherette seating became standard, offering heated front seats and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Higher trims added features like tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, genuine leather, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, and rear seats. The Atlas could comfortably seat seven adults, including those in the third row, and offered an easy step-in height. Rear side-window sunshades further enhanced passenger comfort. Storage was abundant, though many areas were unlined, leading to unwanted noise from shifting items. Cargo space excelled with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and an impressive 96.8 cubic feet with both rear rows down, surpassing many full-size SUVs.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with tablet-like functionality, intuitive gestures, and a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. However, we found it sometimes glitchy and slow. Connecting an iPhone provided better performance via Apple CarPlay. The system included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display via the $1,650 Advanced package. The standard audio was a Harman Kardon system, with a high-end $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins upgrade featuring remarkable surround sound. USB ports were well distributed, and a WiFi hotspot came with a trial subscription. The Volvo Care app offered additional remote functions free for four years. Conversely, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with the Digital Cockpit as standard, starting with an 8-inch display and expanding to 10.25 inches on higher trims. Lower trims featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while higher trims benefited from the advanced MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless capabilities, and advanced Car-Net services. The available 12-speaker Fender premium sound system impressed with its quality. Despite these tech offerings, the Atlas’s user experience had shortcomings. The system was slow to start, and functions like tuning the radio often required multiple steps. Without the Car-Net Hotspot plan and Speech Plus upgrade, voice recognition was unreliable. In conclusion, the Atlas’s technology package was comprehensive but occasionally frustrating to use.

Volvo's commitment to safety shone brightly with the 2022 XC90. The extensive list of standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. Volvo's Pilot Assist system added an advanced layer of driver assistance, making highway driving safer and more relaxing. The XC90 earned top safety ratings, including the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Volkswagen equipped the 2022 Atlas with an array of safety features. The base SE trim included automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, emergency braking, Side Assist for blind-spot monitoring, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Despite these tech features, some systems like Lane Assist showed inaccuracies. The Atlas received decent crash-test ratings but did not achieve the IIHS Top Safety Pick.