Porsche Macan vs Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over from its predecessor with only minor modifications, as Volkswagen had already made significant updates to the 2021 model. The lineup was simplified to include SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line trims, with most models offering 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 its Aurora Red paint and second-row captain’s chairs, brought the price to $53,790. The Atlas featured R-Line design elements, including 21-inch wheels that enhanced its upscale look. However, the interior, while designed with simplicity and premium flair, was criticized for its low-cost materials, with hard, shiny plastics detracting from the overall quality.

The 2022 Porsche Macan, introduced in 2015, remained largely unchanged in appearance despite regular updates. The 2022 model received a styling refresh, larger standard wheels, and a new center console with haptic touch controls. The lineup included the base Macan, Macan S, and Macan GTS, with the Macan Turbo's high-output powertrain now in the GTS. The Macan S adopted the previous GTS model’s twin-turbo V6. Our test vehicle, a Macan S, was priced at $87,670, including a $1,450 destination charge, with nearly $20,000 in extras. The Macan's design, with its sloping hood and athletic stance, conveyed its performance-oriented mission. Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsches, featuring a sporty and upscale cabin with red leather, gloss black trim, and silver accents.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the SE, SE with Technology, and SEL trims, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine required premium fuel for optimal performance and had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 22 to 23 mpg combined. The 3.6-liter V6 engine, standard on higher trims, delivered 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, its acceleration was leisurely, and it had a gritty feel. Fuel economy was 19 to 20 mpg combined. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an AWD system with Active Control calibrations. Despite its size, the Atlas was easy to maneuver, with advanced parking assist technology. The ride quality was generally comfortable, though the suspension could feel floaty on undulating roads.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the base model, producing 261 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Macan GTS featured a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with 434 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Macan S, with a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6, delivered 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package. All Macans had a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and AWD. The Macan S featured larger wheels, PASM adaptive damping, and optional PTV+ and PSCB. The Macan S was praised for its fun driving experience, offering quick and responsive handling. The twin-turbo V6 provided ample power, and the PTV+ system enhanced cornering performance. The Macan S achieved an as-tested fuel economy of 18.1 mpg, close to the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas, with the base S trim discontinued, offered V-Tex leatherette seating as standard, along with heated front seats and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Higher trims added features like tri-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The Atlas was praised for its roomy interior, accommodating seven passengers comfortably, even in the third row. The step-in height was low, and rear side-window sunshades were available. Cargo space was exceptional, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 96.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Porsche Macan, despite its sporty nature, offered comfort for the driver and front passenger. Our Macan S test vehicle had the optional Premium Package with 14-way power-adjustable front seats. The rear seats were cramped, especially for taller passengers, but entry and exit were easy. The Macan featured new steering wheels modeled after the 911, though the wheel felt thin and uncomfortable over long drives. The redesigned center console with haptic touch controls offered more storage space, but cargo capacity was limited to 17.2 cubic feet, expanding to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring an 8-inch display, expanding to 10.25 inches on higher trims. The SE trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with basic infotainment features, while other trims offered the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and more. Car-Net connected services were available in three plans, with additional features like natural voice recognition and online radio. However, the user experience was criticized for slow loading times and a cumbersome interface.

The 2022 Porsche Macan featured a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Porsche Communication Management (PCM). It included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, navigation, and connected services. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with optional Bose or Burmester audio systems. The user experience was intuitive, though the voice recognition system was less reliable than competitors. Fortunately, the Macan provided easy access to frequently used features, reducing the need for interaction with the touchscreen.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and the full IQ Drive suite with lane-keeping assistance and emergency assist. However, the Lane Assist system had issues with old construction markings, and the Atlas did not earn top safety ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist were optional. The Macan's safety features performed as expected, but it lacked advanced driving assistance technologies. Parking assistance features were available, including a surround-view camera and Park Assist. The Macan had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.