2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Notable Features

• 8-inch digital instrument panel now standard
• Seats six or seven in three rows
• Two-row Atlas Cross Sport available
• Four-cylinder or V-6 power
• Front- or all-wheel drive
• Automatic emergency braking standard

The Good

• Second-row comfort
• Cargo space
• Three child seats fit in second row
• 8-inch multimedia screen is sharp and bright

The Bad

• V-6 power underwhelming
• Not enough hidden storage space
• Steering is too light
• Austere cabin

 
What Is the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas?
The three-row Atlas is Volkswagen’s largest SUV, positioned above the compact Tiguan in VW’s lineup. If you don’t need a third row but like the Atlas’ size otherwise, VW also sells a two-row Atlas Cross Sport with seating for five and sleeker styling.

Power comes from a standard 235-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or an available 276-hp, 3.6-liter V-6. Both engines work with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and front- and all-wheel-drive models are available. Rivals include the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride and Mazda CX-9.

The Atlas offers 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second row and 14 cubic feet behind its third row, according to Cars.com’s cargo measurements. The Atlas Cross Sport, meanwhile, has 20.7 cubic feet of space behind its backseat. You can see how both scored in our Car Seat Checks here.
 
What’s New on the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas?
An 8-inch digital instrument panel is now standard, and the SEL trim level gains 20-inch wheels. R-Line Black models get 20-inch black wheels and black accents.
 
What Features in the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Are Most Important?
 
Standard features include:

• LED headlights and taillights
• Power liftgate
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert

 
Available features include:

• Panoramic moonroof
• Hands-free power liftgate
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Second-row captain’s chairs
• Fender premium stereo
• Navigation
• Lane-keeping assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Front and rear parking sensors

Should I Buy the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas?
The Atlas is an excellent choice for SUV shoppers who need a vehicle that can haul lots of people, cargo or a combination of both. Other highlights include a comfortable ride and the ability to fit three car seats in the second row. The cabin is a bit austere, however, and we were underwhelmed by the available V-6’s power.