GMC Yukon vs Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 GMC Yukon was a chrome lover's dream. Even the base SLE model featured enough shiny accents to give it a premium look. As you moved up to the Denali trim, the chrome became even more prominent, with the front end almost entirely covered in it. The Denali's massive, multi-dimensional grille resembled an industrial-sized cheese grater but worked well to give the vehicle a unique and commanding presence. The 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels on our test vehicle, part of the optional Ultimate package, stood out against the dark Redwood Metallic paint. Inside, the Yukon offered a spacious and tastefully crafted cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with the available second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim featured four exclusive interior designs, with our test vehicle showcasing the Teak/Light Shale color combo, adding layers and textures for a premium look.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was designed by removing the third row from the standard seven-passenger Atlas, lowering the roofline by 2.3 inches, and shortening the SUV's length by 5.2 inches. These changes resulted in a bold, sporty, and upscale appearance, especially in the SEL Premium R-Line trim with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels. The interior was exceptionally roomy for five people, with our test vehicle featuring a Dark Burgundy over Titan Black interior. However, the use of hard, glossy plastic in the cabin dulled the impression of quality. Despite this, the Atlas Cross Sport's design changes made it a stylish and slightly more affordable alternative to the standard Atlas.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered three engine choices, including a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, standard on all trims except the Denali. The Denali and available AT4 trims came with a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. A new 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, available on all trims except the AT4, delivered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offering excellent fuel economy and a range of up to 648 miles on a tank. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive optional. The AT4 trim featured a unique front styling, a nearly 32-degree approach angle, and a front skid plate for off-road adventures. The Yukon's maximum towing capacity was 8,400 pounds with the 5.3-liter engine and the Max Trailering Package. Our test vehicle, a Yukon Denali with the 6.2-liter V8, had an 8,200-pound tow rating and delivered a smooth, quiet ride, thanks to the optional air ride adaptive suspension.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, standard on the SEL Premium R-Line trim, provided a more satisfying driving experience and a 5,000-pound towing capacity. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive system available. The 4Motion system offered several driving modes, including Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad. Our test vehicle, equipped with the V6 engine and 4Motion, felt more energetic than the three-row Atlas, but the ride quality was harsh at lower city speeds and too soft at higher speeds. The Atlas Cross Sport shined brightest on the highway, where the ride quality was agreeable, and the V6 engine was most efficient.

The 2022 GMC Yukon provided ample first- and second-row passenger space, with significant improvements in third-row legroom, increasing from 24.8 inches to 34.9 inches. Cargo space behind the third row also increased to 25.5 cubic feet. The second-row seats folded flat, and power fold-and-tumble bucket seats were available for easier access to the third row. Our test vehicle featured power-folding second-row buckets and power fold-flat third-row seats. The power-sliding center console revealed additional storage space and a hidden storage drawer for valuables. Power-retractable, illuminated assist steps made it easier to get in and out of the vehicle, though they could be challenging to keep clean in wet conditions. The pushbutton transmission controls took some getting used to but became second nature with practice.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase, track width, and interior with the larger seven-passenger model, offering exceptional roominess for five adults. Our test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. A panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel, and rear side-window sunshades helped keep the sun out of passengers' faces. The Atlas Cross Sport provided plenty of storage space, though many compartments lacked rubber or fabric lining, leading to potential rattles and scraping noises. The cargo area offered ample load-floor real estate, with deep wells for carrying items that required restraint and additional storage under the load floor.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came standard with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center, providing access to phone, audio, and navigation functions controlled via the steering wheel. Our Denali test vehicle featured a 15-inch multi-color head-up display, the largest in its class, displaying driving speed, speed limit, audio information, and safety aids. The 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless phone charging, and an available WiFi hotspot. Our test vehicle's Bose 14-speaker audio system was adequate but didn't live up to typical Bose standards. The rear-seat media system featured dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens, compatible with various media formats, though an adapter was needed for phone or tablet connections.

The base 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE came with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB-C ports. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit, an 8-inch touchscreen with proximity sensing, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM with 360L, wireless smartphone charging, and additional USB ports. The upgraded infotainment system offered access to three Car-Net connected service subscription plans, including remote start, emergency assistance, a WiFi hotspot, and more. Our SEL Premium R-Line test vehicle had a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, which delivered excellent audio quality for the price point.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came standard with GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, following distance indicator, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Pro Safety Plus package, available on SLE and standard on SLT and above, added lane-change alert, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. Our test vehicle featured a Safety Alert Seat and an adjustable rear camera mirror. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system as standard. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and a low-speed automatic braking system. The SEL trim featured automatic high-beam LED headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and IQ Drive, which included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. Our SEL Premium R-Line test vehicle also had a semi-autonomous Parking Steering Assistant system and an Area View 360-degree surround-view camera system. The Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings but did not earn the highest accolades from the IIHS or NHTSA.