2022 VW Atlas Review: Is It The Right SUV For Canadians?

by Jhon Lennon 57 views

Hey guys! Thinking about snagging a 2022 VW Atlas here in Canada? You've come to the right place! Let's dive deep into this SUV to see if it's the perfect fit for your Canadian lifestyle. We'll cover everything from performance in those crazy winters to cargo space for all your gear, and even touch on the tech features that'll keep you connected on those long road trips.

Overview of the 2022 VW Atlas

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is a mid-size SUV that offers three rows of seating, making it a solid choice for families or anyone who frequently needs to transport multiple passengers. It's positioned in a competitive segment, going head-to-head with rivals like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer. What sets the Atlas apart is its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and distinctive European styling. For the 2022 model year, VW made some tweaks and improvements to keep the Atlas fresh and appealing. Key highlights include updated technology features, enhanced safety systems, and subtle styling refinements. The Atlas aims to provide a blend of practicality, comfort, and a touch of sophistication, catering to buyers who want a versatile SUV without sacrificing style. One of the main reasons the Atlas is so popular in Canada is its ability to handle the diverse weather conditions. Whether you're dealing with snow, rain, or sunshine, the Atlas is designed to keep you safe and comfortable. The available 4Motion all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction, while the heated seats and steering wheel will keep you cozy during those cold winter months. Plus, the spacious interior means you'll have plenty of room for all your winter gear, from skis and snowboards to boots and coats. Overall, the 2022 VW Atlas is a well-rounded SUV that offers a lot of value for Canadian drivers.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2022 VW Atlas offers two engine options. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, producing around 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine is peppy enough for most daily driving situations and offers decent fuel economy. However, if you need more power for towing or hauling, you might want to consider the optional 3.6-liter V6 engine, which delivers around 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth and responsive shifts. In terms of handling, the Atlas offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension is well-tuned to absorb bumps and road imperfections, making it a great choice for long road trips. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The available 4Motion all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction and stability, especially in slippery conditions. The Atlas isn't exactly a sporty SUV, but it handles well for its size and weight. It's more focused on providing a comfortable and refined driving experience rather than outright performance. For Canadian drivers, the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is a must-have, as it provides added confidence and control in snow and ice. The Atlas also has a decent amount of ground clearance, which helps it navigate through snow-covered roads. Overall, the 2022 VW Atlas offers a balanced combination of performance and handling, making it a suitable choice for Canadian drivers.

Interior and Comfort

Inside the 2022 VW Atlas, you'll find a spacious and well-designed cabin. The interior is made with high-quality materials and offers a comfortable and refined feel. The seats are supportive and offer plenty of room for passengers in all three rows. Even adults can comfortably sit in the third row, which is a rare feat for mid-size SUVs. The Atlas also offers a generous amount of cargo space, with up to 96.8 cubic feet of space with the second and third rows folded down. This is more than enough room for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. In terms of comfort, the Atlas excels. The ride is smooth and quiet, and the seats are well-cushioned. The available panoramic sunroof adds a touch of luxury and provides plenty of natural light. The Atlas also comes with a variety of convenience features, such as heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power liftgate. These features are especially useful for Canadian drivers during the cold winter months. The infotainment system is easy to use and features a large touchscreen display. It also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. The Atlas also offers a variety of advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These features help to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. Overall, the interior of the 2022 VW Atlas is a comfortable and practical space that's perfect for families or anyone who needs a versatile SUV.

Technology and Features

The 2022 VW Atlas comes packed with a range of technology and features designed to enhance your driving experience. The infotainment system is a standout, featuring a user-friendly touchscreen display with crisp graphics and responsive controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing for seamless smartphone integration. You can easily access your favorite apps, make calls, and send texts using voice commands or the touchscreen. The Atlas also offers a variety of advanced driver-assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These features help to keep you safe and aware of your surroundings on the road. The available digital cockpit display replaces the traditional instrument cluster with a customizable screen that shows important information such as speed, navigation, and vehicle data. This is a cool feature that adds a touch of modernity to the interior. Other notable tech features include a premium audio system, wireless charging pad, and multiple USB ports throughout the cabin. These features help to keep you connected and entertained on long road trips. For Canadian drivers, the heated seats and steering wheel are a must-have, and the Atlas doesn't disappoint. These features will keep you warm and comfortable during those cold winter months. Overall, the 2022 VW Atlas offers a comprehensive suite of technology and features that enhance both convenience and safety.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

When it comes to safety, the 2022 VW Atlas is equipped with a comprehensive suite of features designed to protect you and your passengers. The Atlas has earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), so you can feel confident behind the wheel. Standard safety features include a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. These features help to prevent accidents and mitigate the severity of collisions. The Atlas also offers a variety of advanced driver-assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features can help to make driving easier and safer, especially on long road trips. The adaptive cruise control system can automatically adjust your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, while the lane departure warning system can alert you if you start to drift out of your lane. The rear cross-traffic alert system can help you to avoid collisions when backing out of parking spaces. In addition to these features, the Atlas also comes with a strong and durable frame that is designed to protect occupants in the event of a crash. The Atlas also has a variety of airbags throughout the cabin, including front, side, and curtain airbags. Overall, the 2022 VW Atlas is a safe and reliable SUV that offers a wide range of safety features.

Fuel Economy

Let's be real, fuel economy matters, especially with those Canadian gas prices! The 2022 VW Atlas's fuel consumption varies depending on the engine and whether you opt for all-wheel drive. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers decent fuel economy for its size, with ratings of around 10.6 L/100 km in the city and 8.7 L/100 km on the highway. However, if you choose the 3.6-liter V6 engine, you can expect fuel economy to drop a bit, with ratings of around 13.7 L/100 km in the city and 9.8 L/100 km on the highway. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving habits and conditions. Factors such as aggressive acceleration, heavy braking, and driving in stop-and-go traffic can all impact fuel economy. Also, using the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system can slightly decrease fuel economy. Compared to its competitors, the Atlas's fuel economy is about average. It's not the most fuel-efficient SUV in its class, but it's also not the worst. If fuel economy is a major concern, you might want to consider the four-cylinder engine or explore hybrid options from other automakers. However, if you need the extra power of the V6 engine, you'll have to accept the trade-off in fuel economy. For Canadian drivers, it's important to factor in the cost of fuel when considering a new vehicle. With gas prices constantly fluctuating, it's worth doing some research to see how the Atlas's fuel economy compares to other SUVs in its class.

Pricing and Trims in Canada

Okay, let's talk money! The pricing and trims for the 2022 VW Atlas in Canada can vary depending on the region and any optional packages you choose. Generally, the base model starts around $45,000 CAD, while the top-of-the-line trim can reach upwards of $60,000 CAD. VW typically offers several trim levels, each with its own set of features and amenities. The base trim usually includes standard features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and basic safety features. As you move up the trim levels, you can expect to see features such as leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, a premium audio system, and advanced driver-assistance systems. Some of the popular trim levels for the Atlas include the Comfortline, Highline, and Execline. The Comfortline offers a good balance of features and value, while the Highline adds more luxury and convenience features. The Execline is the top-of-the-line trim and includes all the bells and whistles. When considering which trim level is right for you, it's important to think about your needs and budget. Do you need all the fancy features, or are you happy with the basics? Also, keep in mind that adding optional packages can significantly increase the price of the vehicle. It's always a good idea to shop around and compare prices from different dealerships before making a purchase. You might also be able to negotiate a better deal, especially if you're willing to wait for a specific trim or color. For Canadian buyers, it's important to factor in taxes and fees when calculating the total cost of the vehicle. These can add a significant amount to the price, so it's important to be aware of them. Overall, the 2022 VW Atlas offers a range of trims and pricing options to suit different budgets and needs.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break it down. Here's a quick look at the pros and cons of the 2022 VW Atlas:

Pros:

  • Spacious interior with comfortable seating for adults in all three rows
  • Generous cargo space
  • Smooth and comfortable ride
  • User-friendly infotainment system
  • Available 4Motion all-wheel-drive system for added traction in snow and ice
  • Excellent safety ratings

Cons:

  • Fuel economy could be better, especially with the V6 engine
  • Some competitors offer more advanced technology features
  • Base engine may feel underpowered for some drivers
  • Can be expensive, especially with higher trim levels and optional packages

Alternatives to the 2022 VW Atlas

If you're not completely sold on the Atlas, there are several other mid-size SUVs that you might want to consider. Some popular alternatives include:

  • Honda Pilot: Known for its reliability and spacious interior.
  • Toyota Highlander: Offers a hybrid option for better fuel economy.
  • Ford Explorer: A sporty SUV with a powerful engine.
  • Kia Telluride: A stylish and well-equipped SUV with a great value.
  • Hyundai Palisade: Similar to the Telluride, with a focus on luxury and comfort.

Is the 2022 VW Atlas Right for You?

So, is the 2022 VW Atlas the right SUV for you here in Canada? It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you need a spacious and comfortable SUV with three rows of seating, the Atlas is definitely worth considering. It offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, and the ride is smooth and refined. The available 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is a great feature for Canadian drivers, providing added traction and stability in snow and ice. However, if fuel economy is a major concern, you might want to explore other options. The Atlas's fuel economy is about average for its class, but there are other SUVs that offer better fuel efficiency. Also, the Atlas can be expensive, especially with higher trim levels and optional packages. If you're on a tight budget, you might want to consider a more affordable alternative. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the Atlas is right for you is to take it for a test drive and see how it feels. Compare it to other SUVs in its class and see which one best meets your needs and preferences. Good luck with your car shopping!