Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was crafted by removing the third row from the standard Atlas model, lowering the roofline by 2.3 inches, and shortening the SUV’s length by 5.2 inches. Despite these changes, the wheelbase remained the same, providing a spacious interior for five passengers. However, the design adjustments resulted in reduced cargo space, offering 40.3 cubic feet behind the second-row seat and a maximum of 77.8 cubic feet. The Atlas Cross Sport boasted a bold and sporty appearance, particularly in the SEL Premium R-Line trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels. While the base SE trim's 18-inch wheels seemed undersized, the SE with Technology and SEL trims offered more suitable 20-inch options. The vehicle was available in six paint colors, with the test model featuring a striking Pure Gray exterior paired with a Dark Burgundy over Titan Black interior. Despite its upscale look, the interior's hard plastic materials detracted from the overall quality impression.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, redesigned as a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, maintained Jeep's traditional design elements. It was available in various trims, including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $37,390 to $63,365. The Grand Cherokee's styling drew inspiration from the classic 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, offering a basic yet quality interior in the Laredo trim and luxurious features in the Summit Reserve, such as premium leather, heated and ventilated seats, and a McIntosh audio system. The gloss black finish on higher trims' controls was noted for causing reflections, while lower trims used a more functional matte-black finish. Despite a limited initial selection of paint colors, the Grand Cherokee provided a range of options to suit different preferences.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.6-liter V6 engine delivering 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, which did not require premium fuel, had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, compared to the turbo-four's 2,000 pounds. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive available. The Atlas Cross Sport's V6 engine provided a more energetic feel compared to the larger Atlas, though it averaged 19.2 mpg during testing. The suspension was noted for being too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds, with the ride quality improving on highways. The Atlas Cross Sport was not tested off-road due to its limited ground clearance and large wheels.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, with a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine delivering 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The V6 had a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds, while the V8 increased it to 7,200 pounds. Three 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim featured Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, and a Quadra-Lift air suspension, providing up to 11.3 inches of ground clearance. The Grand Cherokee's V6 engine was preferred for its efficiency and good acceleration, while the V8 offered a more thrilling experience. The Grand Cherokee was praised for its nimble handling and excellent ride quality, with or without the adaptive damping Quadra-Lift air suspension.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and track width with the larger Atlas model, providing a roomy interior for five passengers. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. A panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel, while rear side-window sunshades offered additional comfort. The Atlas Cross Sport provided ample storage space, though the lack of lining in storage areas could lead to rattling noises. The cargo area offered plenty of space, with deep wells for additional storage, despite the reduced cargo capacity compared to the seven-passenger model.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a comfortable interior for the driver and front passenger, with higher trims providing heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. The redesign improved visibility, enhancing driver confidence in various situations. The available panoramic sunroof added an airy feel to the cabin. Rear-seat room was tight for taller passengers, with the Grand Cherokee L offering more legroom. The two-row Grand Cherokee provided 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 70.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE came standard with an 8-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB-C ports. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen with additional features like wireless smartphone integration, SiriusXM, and wireless charging. The infotainment system offered access to Car-Net connected services, though user experience issues were noted. The SEL Premium R-Line test vehicle included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, praised for its quality.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch screen available on higher trims. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM 360L. The Grand Cherokee offered a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, a head-up display, and an optional front passenger interactive display. The McIntosh audio system and rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV integration were also available.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and lane-keeping assist. The IQ Drive system offered Travel Assist and Emergency Assist features. The Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings, though not the highest accolades from safety organizations.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured a robust suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist. The latter provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Grand Cherokee's structure was composed of aluminum and high-strength steel, with Jeep aiming to improve crash protection compared to previous models.