Hey guys! Choosing the right SUV can feel like navigating a maze, right? Especially when you're stuck deciding between two awesome vehicles from the same family. Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Both are solid contenders, but they cater to different needs and preferences. Let's break down the key differences and similarities to help you figure out which one deserves a spot in your driveway. We'll cover everything from the exterior design and interior space to performance, technology, and, of course, safety features. By the end of this comparison, you'll have a clear picture of which Atlas variant is the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Ready to roll? Let's get started!

Exterior Design: A Tale of Two Rooflines

Let's kick things off with the most obvious difference: the exterior design. While both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport share a similar front fascia, that's where the similarities start to fade. The standard Atlas boasts a more traditional, boxy SUV design. Think of it as the practical and family-oriented choice. It prioritizes maximizing interior space and cargo capacity, which is reflected in its taller roofline and longer body. The Atlas Cross Sport, on the other hand, embraces a sleeker, more coupe-like silhouette. Its roofline slopes dramatically towards the rear, giving it a sportier and more stylish appearance. This design choice does come with a trade-off, though, as it impacts the rear headroom and cargo space. Think of the Atlas Cross Sport as the stylish and adventurous sibling. It's designed for those who prioritize aesthetics and don't necessarily need the maximum cargo capacity of the standard Atlas. The difference in design isn't just about looks, though. It also affects the overall dimensions of the vehicles. The Atlas Cross Sport is slightly shorter and lower than the Atlas, making it a bit easier to maneuver in tight spaces. However, the standard Atlas offers a more commanding presence on the road. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference. Do you prefer the practicality and spaciousness of a traditional SUV, or the sporty and stylish design of a coupe-like SUV? Consider your lifestyle and how you plan to use your vehicle. If you frequently haul large items or need to transport a lot of passengers, the standard Atlas might be the better choice. But if you're more concerned with aesthetics and don't need the extra space, the Atlas Cross Sport could be a perfect fit.

Interior Space and Comfort: Room for the Whole Crew?

Now, let's step inside and explore the interior space and comfort of these two SUVs. This is where the differences in exterior design really start to translate into tangible differences in the driving experience. As we mentioned earlier, the standard Atlas prioritizes maximizing interior space. It offers three rows of seating, making it ideal for large families or those who frequently transport multiple passengers. The third row is actually usable by adults, which is a huge plus. Plus, with all three rows in place, you still get a decent amount of cargo space behind the third row. The Atlas Cross Sport, on the other hand, only offers two rows of seating. This means it can only accommodate up to five passengers. However, the two rows it does have are incredibly spacious and comfortable. Rear-seat passengers enjoy plenty of legroom and headroom, even with the sloping roofline. While the Atlas Cross Sport sacrifices the third row, it gains a significant advantage in cargo space behind the second row. With the rear seats up, you get a generous amount of room for groceries, luggage, or sporting equipment. And with the rear seats folded down, the cargo area expands even further. In terms of overall comfort, both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport offer a pleasant and refined driving experience. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, and the ride quality is smooth and comfortable. Both models also offer a range of premium features, such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. So, which one is the winner in terms of interior space and comfort? It really depends on your needs. If you need three rows of seating, the standard Atlas is the clear choice. But if you prioritize spaciousness and comfort for five passengers, and you value having a large cargo area, the Atlas Cross Sport is a compelling option.

Performance and Powertrain: Under the Hood

Okay, let's pop the hood and talk about performance and powertrain options. Both the 2022 Atlas and the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport offer the same two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V6. The turbocharged four-cylinder delivers 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It's a decent engine for everyday driving, offering adequate acceleration and fuel efficiency. The V6 engine cranks out 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. It provides more robust acceleration and is better suited for towing or hauling heavy loads. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on both models, but all-wheel drive is available as an option. In terms of handling, both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport offer a composed and comfortable ride. They're not particularly sporty, but they're easy to drive and maneuver. The Atlas Cross Sport, with its slightly lower ride height and shorter wheelbase, feels a bit more agile than the standard Atlas. Fuel economy is similar for both models, with the four-cylinder engine offering slightly better gas mileage than the V6. However, the difference is not significant enough to be a major deciding factor for most buyers. Ultimately, the choice between the two engines comes down to your personal preferences and driving needs. If you prioritize fuel efficiency and don't need a lot of power, the four-cylinder engine is a perfectly adequate choice. But if you want more responsive acceleration and the ability to tow or haul heavy loads, the V6 engine is the way to go. Consider how you plan to use your vehicle and choose the engine that best suits your needs.

Technology and Features: Staying Connected

Now, let's dive into the tech features that these SUVs offer. Both the 2022 Atlas and 2022 Atlas Cross Sport come standard with a user-friendly infotainment system that includes a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate, and the smartphone integration features allow you to seamlessly connect your phone to the car. Higher trim levels offer even more tech goodies, such as a larger touchscreen display, a premium audio system, and a wireless charging pad. Both models also offer a suite of advanced driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These features help to enhance safety and make driving easier and more comfortable. One of the standout tech features of the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport is the available Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. This replaces the traditional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display that shows important vehicle information, such as speed, fuel economy, and navigation directions. The Digital Cockpit is a visually appealing and informative feature that adds a touch of sophistication to the interior. Overall, both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport offer a comprehensive suite of technology features that are sure to impress. Whether you're looking for a connected driving experience or advanced safety features, these SUVs have you covered. The availability of features may vary depending on the trim level, so be sure to check the specifications carefully before making a purchase.

Safety Features: Protecting What Matters Most

Of course, safety is a top priority for any family, so let's take a look at the safety features offered in the 2022 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. Both models come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. In addition to these standard features, both SUVs also offer a range of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that can help to prevent accidents. These ADAS features include:

• Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking: This system can detect a potential collision and automatically apply the brakes if the driver doesn't react in time.
• Blind-spot monitoring: This system alerts the driver when a vehicle is in their blind spot.
• Rear cross-traffic alert: This system warns the driver of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space.
• Lane departure warning: This system alerts the driver if the vehicle starts to drift out of its lane.
• Adaptive cruise control: This system automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe following distance from the car ahead.

Both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport have earned excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This means you can rest assured that you and your family will be well-protected in either of these SUVs. While the specific safety features and ratings may vary slightly depending on the trim level and model year, both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are consistently recognized for their commitment to safety. When choosing between these two SUVs, safety shouldn't be a major differentiating factor, as both offer a high level of protection.

The Verdict: Which Atlas is Right for You?

Alright guys, we've reached the end of our head-to-head comparison of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas and the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. So, which one should you choose? As you've probably gathered by now, there's no clear winner. It really comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you need three rows of seating and maximum cargo capacity, the standard Atlas is the obvious choice. It's the more practical and family-oriented SUV, designed to haul people and cargo with ease. But if you prioritize style and don't need the extra space, the Atlas Cross Sport is a compelling option. It offers a sportier design, a spacious and comfortable interior for five passengers, and a generous amount of cargo space behind the second row. Consider your lifestyle, your budget, and your personal preferences when making your decision. Test drive both models to get a feel for which one you prefer. And don't hesitate to ask your local Volkswagen dealer any questions you may have. Ultimately, the best way to choose the right Atlas is to do your research and find the one that best fits your needs. Both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are excellent SUVs that offer a lot of value for the money. So, whichever one you choose, you're sure to be happy with your decision. Happy driving!