Bolted together in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas returns without significant change. Well, other than the base S trim bidding us a fond farewell.
This year’s grade lineup is SE, SE w/Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line.
There is a great deal to like about VW’s 3-row family hauler.
First of all, it’s wonderfully roomy. It can transport seven actual adults.
We also love its simple, straightforward styling inside and out. And finally, it handles almost like a sedan yet provides a commanding seating position.
We wish the engines were more spirited and delivered better fuel economy, but those are our only caveats.
Among the rivals lined up against Atlas are Chevy Traverse, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Nissan Pathfinder.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard in the SE and SE w/technology. Optional ($1,900) in those two grades and standard in the rest of the lineup is all-wheel drive (AWD) or 4Motion in VW speak.
Generating thrust in the SE, SE w/Technology, and SEL is a 235-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Optional in the SE w/Technology and SEL, but standard in the other trims is a 276-hp 3.6-liter V6.
Both engines use an 8-speed automatic transmission to spin the wheels.
Fuel economy for FWD versions with the 4-cylinder turbo is 21 miles per gallon in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg in combined driving. Opting for AWD has nearly no effect at 20 mpg/24 mpg/22 mpg.
Both V6 versions of the 2022 Atlas are rated at 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway/20 mpg combined. When appropriately equipped, the V6 can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE (starting at $33,475)
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE starts at $33,475.
18-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lights (auto on-off headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights), and heated power outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals are included
Other standard features are a tilt-telescopic steering wheel, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Also included are heated front seats, faux leather seating surfaces, keyless entry with push-button start, cruise control, and rain-sensing wipers.
The Digital Cockpit with an 8-inch nonconfigurable digital gauge display is also standard.
The infotainment system has a 6.5-inch touchscreen, a 6-speaker audio system, five USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
The driver aids are forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
You can add a frameless rearview mirror with a Homelink transceiver for $355.
For $450, you can score an extended-range remote-start key fob.
Adding the $1,195 destination fee to the SE base price brings the total to $34,670. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $623 per month. Find a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE for sale.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE includes:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – Allows your smartphone to interface with your vehicle. Not only can you access the music on your phone, but you can also send messages, receive messages, make calls, and so forth through your vehicle’s media system.
- LED exterior lighting – This includes headlights with auto on-off, taillights, and daytime running lights (DRLs). LEDs illuminate a wider and longer area than regular incandescent lights. That means they are also easier for other drivers to see.
- Driver aids – Included are forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE w/Technology (starting at $37,645)
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE w/Technology starts at $37,645.
If we were to buy an Atlas, this would be our pick. It has all the essentials plus some perks like adaptive cruise control, a hands-free power rear liftgate, and tri-zone automatic climate control. We’d also spring for AWD and the optional second-row captain’s chairs.
The SE w/Technology builds on the SE content. It adds 20-inch alloy wheels, more USB charging ports, dynamic guidelines in the rearview camera, and front-rear park assist.
Also included are adaptive cruise control, remote open power rear liftgate, hands-free power rear liftgate, remote start, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Voice control for the infotainment system, satellite radio capability, wireless phone interface, and tri-zone automatic climate control are also standard.
In addition to the SE options, $865 gains you second-row captain’s chairs. A power panoramic sunroof will set you back $1,200.
Adding the $1,195 destination fee to the SE w/Technology base prices totals $38,840. With no money down for 60 months at 3% interest, financing costs $698 per month. Find a Volkswagen Atlas SE w/Technology for sale.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas SE w/Technology includes:
- Front-rear park assist – Sensors on the front and rear bumpers detect when an object is close, triggering a warning.
- Hands-free power liftgate – With the key fob on your person, stick your foot under the rear bumper. The liftgate automatically opens.
- Tri-zone automatic climate control – Separating the vehicle into three areas (front right, front left, and rear), it allows setting the temperatures in each. It then automatically maintains those preset temperatures.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL (starting at $43,245)
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL starts at $43,245.
SEL adds 4Motion, adaptive front lights, the power panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and a power-adjustable passenger seat.
Also included are road-sign assist, hands-on steering wheel detection sensors, high-beam assist, hill-descent control, and configurable 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit.
Navigation, driver’s seat/outboard mirror position memory, and heated front washer nozzles are standard.
Beginning with SEL, Atlas models get VW’s IQ.Drive. This bundles the driver aids already incorporated into the lower trims with Travel Assist and lane-keeping assist with steering assist.
The Captain’s chairs and the trim package with Homelink are options throughout the rest of the trim levels.
Adding the $1,195 destination fee to the SEL base price equals $44,440. Financing with no money down for 60 months at 3% interest works out to a monthly payment of $799. Find a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL for sale.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL includes:
- Travel Assist – Semi-autonomous, this system helps the driver accelerate, brake, and steer the vehicle under certain conditions.
- Digital Cockpit – This driver-configurable 10.25-inch display includes key gauges and other driver information.
- Adaptive front lights – These front lights follow the front wheels to light the way when taking a curve or making a turn.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL R-Line (starting at $46,395)
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL R-Line starts at $46,395.
SEL R-Line is an appearance package with air intakes located on either side of the grille and a few other badges and accents.
Adding the $1,195 destination fee to the SEL R-Line base price brings the total to $47,590. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $855 per month. Find a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL R-Line for sale.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL R-Line Black (starting at $46,945)
Another R-Line appearance package with black wheels and other assorted black elements.
Adding the $1,195 destination fee to the R-Line Black base price equals $48,140. Financing with no money down for 60 months at 3% interest works out to a monthly payment of $865. Find a Volkswagen Atlas SEL R-Line Black for sale.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Premium R-Line (starting at $50,645)
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Premium R-Line (front row interior shown here) starts at $50,645.
The Premium R-Line builds on the SEL R-Line. It adds 21-inch alloy wheels, power auto-folding outboard mirrors, heated-ventilated front seats, perforated leather seating, a surround-view camera, and Park Assist.
A 12-speaker Fender audio system is also standard.
Adding the $1,195 destination fee to the Premium R-Line base price totals $51,840. With no money down for 60 months at 3% interest, financing works out to $931 per month. Find a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Premium R-Line for sale.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Premium R-Line includes:
- Ventilated front seats – Blowing cool air, they help keep you comfortable in hot weather.
- Surround-view camera – It provides a 360-degree bird’s-eye view around the vehicle.
- Park Assist – This active parking system helps the driver parallel and perpendicular park.
