2022 VW Atlas Preview: Specs, Features, Price

After the last year’s refresh, we expect that the 2022 VW Atlas will carry on in the same way, without more important changes. The recent update has brought a new styling, more features and more drivetrain options. So, we are pretty sure that bigger updates won’t happen before the full redesign. Still, we won’t exclude the possibility to see minor tweaks like new a couple of new standard features, new color options etc.

All in all, you may count on familiar design characteristics. This three-row crossover is mostly praised for its spacious cabin, which offers plenty of passenger and cargo room. Furthermore, we like its handling and ride quality, as well as its pretty intuitive infotainment system. On the other hand, the biggest complaints go to subpar engine performance and unimpressive interior quality.

As there are no significant changes to come, we expect that the 2022 VW Atlas will hit the market sometime late in the year.

2022 VW Atlas front

2022 VW Atlas Design

Design-wise, the 2022 VW Atlas will continue in the same way. The current generation has been around since 2017 and we’ve already seen a mid-cycle update. That refresh occurred last year when we saw things like new styling, new drivetrain options, more interior features etc. The next year’s model will continue in the same way, with the updated front face, which now includes more attractive headlights and bumper. Also, their R-Line visual package has been upgraded and now offers more attractive aesthetics.

On the other hand, the mechanical aspect hasn’t changed since the initial launch and it won’t in the next year either. Despite the size, this model rides on VW’s economy platform, so-called MQB architecture. The ride quality is surprisingly good – the handling is composed, while the comfort is on a decent level too.

Interior

This aspect won’t bring changes either. The cabin is designed in VW’s typical fashion, which means a super conservative approach. However, we can notice a lot of low-rent materials, which isn’t so typical thing for this German carmaker, which has always been superior in this aspect compared to rivals.

On the other hand, there is nothing to complain about regarding interior space. This is one of the biggest models in the class, which comes with three rows of seats. All three rows can accommodate an adult passenger. This refers to the third row too, though the first two rows are still way better in this aspect.

2022 VW Atlas Interior

The cargo area also offers some pretty serious numbers. You may count 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third-row seats, 55.5 cubic feet with these seats folded down, and a vast 96.8 cubic feet in total. That’s impressive for the class, though rivals like Honda Pilot offer even more.

Features

Novelties in this aspect are always possible but we don’t expect that too many things could change for the next year. Most of the things should remain the same as in the current model. For reference, the current model comes standard with goodies like a 6.5-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a USB port, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker stereo. Additionally, you can get things like an 8-inch touch screen, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, a 12-speaker Fender sound system, wireless device charging, five USB ports, automatic climate control and the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit.

When it comes to safety features, all models should come standard with a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Additionally, there are upgrades like adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, automatic high-beam headlights, lane keep assist, parking sensors, hands-free parallel park assist, and a surround-view parking camera system.

2022 VW Atlas Engines

Under the hood, the 2022 VW Atlas will continue with two familiar engine options. Base models will continue with a 2.0-liter turbo-four, which puts out around 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine comes in pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offers barely adequate performance for a vehicle of this size.

Therefore, the optional V6 seems like a much better choice, as it is good for about 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. However, keep in mind that this is an older-generation engine, which isn’t particularly efficient. It returns 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, which is low for the segment. Models with all-wheel drive are even thirstier.

2022 VW Atlas release date

2022 VW Atlas Release Date and Price

We expect that the 2022 VW Atlas will hit the market sometime late in the year. Base models should go around 32.000 dollars, while models like Honda Pilot, Chevy Traverse and Subaru Ascent will remain some of the key competitors.

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