Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 additional features like 21-inch wheels and Aurora Red paint, brought the price to $53,790. The Atlas had a big and boxy design, with an upscale look enhanced by the R-Line elements. However, the interior, while simple and premium in design, used low-cost materials that detracted from the overall quality.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, offered a lineup that included Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims. Prices ranged from $37,390 to $63,365, excluding a $1,795 destination charge. The Grand Cherokee's design paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with the base Laredo offering good quality and the Summit Reserve providing luxurious features like quilted leather and a McIntosh audio system. However, the gloss black finish on higher trims' controls could be problematic due to reflections.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options. The standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced 235 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm, requiring premium fuel for maximum output. It had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and an EPA fuel economy rating of 22-23 mpg in combined driving. The 3.6-liter V6 engine, standard on higher trims, delivered 276 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Fuel economy for the V6 was 19-20 mpg in combined driving. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an Active Control system for different conditions. However, the V6 engine lacked power and refinement, and the ride quality was affected by the 21-inch wheels and low-profile tires.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) and came with either a V6 or a V8 engine. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 293 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm, with a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. The available 5.7-liter V8 engine delivered 357 horsepower at 5,150 rpm and 390 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm, increasing the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. Three 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering different levels of off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim featured advanced off-road equipment, including an air suspension and off-road cruise control. The V6 engine was preferred for its balance of power and efficiency, while the V8 provided a thrilling driving experience. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was excellent, and it felt more nimble and athletic than the larger Grand Cherokee L.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a spacious and comfortable interior, seating seven people with ease. The discontinuation of the base S trim meant cloth seats were no longer available, with V-Tex leatherette seating becoming standard. Higher trims added features like tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient cabin lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included genuine leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable experience for the driver and front passenger, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, especially for off-roading, and the available panoramic sunroof added an airy feel to the cabin. Rear-seat room was tight for adults with long legs, and the Grand Cherokee L offered more legroom and cargo space. The two-row Grand Cherokee had 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 70.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, featuring an 8-inch display that expanded to 10.25 inches on higher trims. The SE trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the infotainment system had a slow startup, and tuning the radio was a cumbersome process. Voice recognition required a subscription for natural voice commands, and the navigation system was hit-or-miss.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the next-generation Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a five-fold improvement in responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. Upgrades included navigation, HD Radio, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. The Grand Cherokee also offered a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, a head-up display, and an optional 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger. The McIntosh high-end audio system and dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV integration were also available.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came with a comprehensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a surround-view camera system. However, the Lane Assist technology had issues with old construction markings, and the system could not be easily turned off while driving. The Atlas received decent crash-test ratings but did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an extensive package of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist, which provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Grand Cherokee's structure was composed of aluminum and high-strength steel, with only 27% mild-grade steel. A hands-free version of Active Driving Assist was expected to be available in 2022. The new Grand Cherokee aimed to improve crash protection, though its performance in crash tests remained to be seen.