GMC Yukon vs Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from the previous year, simplifying its lineup to six trim levels: 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 2022 GMC Yukon, especially in its Denali trim, showcased a premium look dominated by chrome, including a vast, multi-dimensional grille. The Denali's front was almost entirely chrome, giving it a unique and commanding presence. The AT4 trim had a distinct off-road-oriented look with a dark grille, skid plate, and red recovery hooks. Inside, the Yukon offered a spacious cabin with standard seating for eight, or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The Denali featured four exclusive interior designs, with our test vehicle sporting the Teak/Light Shale color combo, adding layers and textures for a premium feel. The AT4 had a Jet Black interior with Brandy accents and dark brushed aluminum details, enhancing its custom look.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options. The SE, SE with Technology, and SEL trims 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. This engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy was rated at 22-23 mpg combined. The 3.6-liter V6 engine, standard on higher trims and optional on mid-level trims, produced 276 hp at 6,200 rpm and 266 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Fuel economy for the V6 was 19-20 mpg combined. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an optional 4Motion AWD system with Active Control calibrations. However, the V6 engine lacked power, efficiency, and refinement, leading to dissatisfaction. The Atlas had a modest ground clearance of 7.1 inches for the turbocharged version and 7.5 inches for the V6.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered three engine choices. The standard 5.3-liter V8 engine, available on all trims except the Denali, produced 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The Denali and optional AT4 trims featured a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. A new 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, available on all trims except the AT4, produced 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, offering excellent fuel economy and a range of up to 648 miles on a tank. All engines paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and 4WD optional (standard on AT4). The Yukon had a maximum towing capacity of 8,400 pounds with the 5.3-liter engine and Max Trailering Package. The Denali trim, with its 6.2-liter V8, had an 8,200-pound tow rating. The Yukon featured independent rear suspension, improving passenger and cargo space, handling, and ride quality. The optional air ride adaptive suspension further enhanced ride comfort and off-road capability.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, with the discontinuation of the base S trim, no longer offered cloth seats. Standard features included V-Tex leatherette seating, 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 trim featured genuine leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated second-row seats. The Atlas excelled in interior space, comfortably seating seven adults, with easy access due to its low step-in height. 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 2022 GMC Yukon, with its recent redesign, significantly improved 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 redesign included a nearly five-inch wheelbase stretch and six inches of additional length, along with independent rear suspension for a lower floor and more usable space. The second-row seats folded flat, with power fold-and-tumble bucket seats available for easier access to the third row. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding center console with hidden storage, power-retractable illuminated assist steps, and pushbutton transmission controls. The Yukon offered ample storage space and convenient features, enhancing overall functionality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, featuring an 8-inch display (10.25 inches on higher trims). 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, wireless charging, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Car-Net connected services. The MyVW smartphone app provided access to Car-Net services, roadside assistance, and maintenance scheduling. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the infotainment system had a slow startup, cumbersome radio tuning, and unreliable voice recognition, making it less user-friendly.

The 2022 GMC Yukon featured a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center, providing access to phone, audio, and navigation functions. The Denali trim included a 15-inch multi-color head-up display, the largest in its class, showing driving speed, speed limit, audio information, and safety aids. The standard infotainment system had a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless phone charging, and an available WiFi hotspot. The Denali trim included a Bose 14-speaker audio system and a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch LCD HD touchscreens. The rear-seat media system was compatible with various media formats, enhancing entertainment options for passengers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist (forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking), Side Assist (blind-spot monitoring), and Rear Traffic Alert (rear cross-traffic alert). Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and Emergency Assist. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a surround-view camera system and Park Assist technology. However, the Lane Assist system had issues with old construction markings and exit ramps, and the Atlas did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, receiving four-star ratings for frontal-impact tests from the NHTSA.

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 added lane-change alert, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. The Denali trim included a Safety Alert Seat and an adjustable rear camera mirror. The Yukon received an overall rating of four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not tested the current-generation Yukon as of this writing.