Buick Envision vs Volkswagen Atlas

The 2021 Buick Envision underwent a significant redesign, presenting a lower and wider stance compared to its predecessor. This two-row compact crossover, positioned between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave, showcased a more sculpted appearance, rivaling the Cadillac XT4 and Acura RDX. The Envision offered three trim levels: Preferred, Essence, and the premium Avenir, which debuted this year. The Avenir trim featured upgraded exterior elements, including a Black Ice Chrome mesh grille and 20-inch Avenir-specific wheels, while the interior boasted leather-appointed seating and a head-up display. Despite its stylish design, the Envision's interior was marred by an abundance of piano black plastic, which attracted dust.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, following numerous updates in 2021, carried over with minor modifications. The lineup was simplified to six trim levels, with the SEL Premium R-Line offering a premium experience. The Atlas maintained its big and boxy appeal, with 21-inch wheels enhancing its upscale look. Inside, the design was simple yet premium, though the use of low-cost materials detracted from the overall quality. The Atlas excelled in interior space, comfortably seating seven adults, and offered exceptional cargo capacity. However, the unlined storage areas led to unwanted noise, and the ride quality, while improved, still transmitted road imperfections to the cabin.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite a reduction in power from the previous model, the Envision's weight loss of 200 to 300 pounds improved fuel efficiency. The front-wheel-drive version achieved an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive variant offered slightly lower figures. The Envision's drivability was comfortable but lacked the engaging dynamics of sportier competitors. The drive mode selector included a Sport mode, but the resulting noise and fuel economy loss were drawbacks.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 producing 276 horsepower. The turbo-four required premium fuel for maximum output and had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, while the V6 could tow up to 5,000 pounds. The V6, though more powerful, lacked refinement and efficiency, with a combined fuel economy of 19 to 20 mpg. The Atlas featured multiple driving modes and an Active Control system for the 4Motion AWD, enhancing its adaptability. However, the ride quality was busy, and road noise was noticeable, though improvements in suspension tuning provided better isolation.

The 2021 Buick Envision's redesign resulted in reduced interior space, with less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the front row, and decreased legroom and hip room in the rear. Despite these reductions, the passenger volume remained nearly identical to the previous model. Cargo capacity was also diminished, with 25.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The driver-centric cockpit limited passenger access to controls, and forward visibility was challenging. However, the Envision offered standard heated seats and a heated steering wheel, providing comfort for occupants.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space, accommodating seven adults comfortably, even in the third row. The step-in height was low, facilitating easy entry and exit. The Atlas offered numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, leading to noise. 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 Atlas included features like a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and genuine leather upholstery in higher trims, enhancing the overall comfort and luxury.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering responsive functionality. The driver information display varied between 4.2 and 8.0 inches, with the latter providing quicker access to station and song information. Standard tech included USB ports, dual-zone climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available features encompassed navigation, a surround-view camera, and wireless charging. However, the passenger's access to the infotainment system was limited due to the driver-centric design.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, featuring an 8-inch display that expanded to 10.25 inches in higher trims. The Atlas SE had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with basic infotainment, while other trims offered the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and Car-Net services. The SEL Premium R-Line included a 12-speaker Fender sound system. Despite the impressive tech, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome process for tuning stations. The navigation system's voice recognition was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS due to its new generation. Standard safety features included Buckle to Drive, forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced park assist were available on the Avenir trim. However, the Envision lacked advanced systems like GM's Super Cruise and lane-centering technology.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and Travel Assist. The Atlas SEL featured brighter LED headlights and an adaptive front lighting system. However, the Lane Assist system occasionally misinterpreted road markings, and crash-test ratings were decent but not class-leading.