After the recent update, no one expects to see more significant changes in the 2022 VW Atlas. Simply, the 2021 model year came with a full load of updates. It brings new styling, interior novelties, new tech features and even new drivetrain options. Considering all that, it seems pretty natural to see no bigger changes one year later. More precisely, we could see minor changes only, in terms of standard equipment and similar things.
All this means that you may count on a familiar overall layout. The 2022 VW Atlas will carry on with a familiar layout, which offers a plethora of strong points. It is one of the most spacious models in the class, which also offers solid handling and a long list of standard equipment. On the other side, the powertrain department could be better, whether it’s about performances or fuel economy. We expect to see the next-year model sometime in the last quarter of 2021.
2022 VW Atlas Redesign
In terms of base design characteristics, the 2022 VW Atlas definitely won’t change. We are about to see a familiar layout, which has been updated recently. For the 2021 model year, this crossover came with loads of novelties. There is a new styling, which includes a completely new front end. You can see a new three-bar grille, new headlights, a new bumper etc. All these things made the crossover 3 inches longer.
Therefore, it’s easy to conclude that the 2022 VW Atlas will carry on with a familiar design. When it comes to mechanics, this crossover is based on a familiar MQB platform and offers pretty good driving characteristics, given the model’s size. It is maneuverable and also acts pretty well in corners.
Interior
The interior design is where we can say this model is a mixed bag. When it comes to things we don’t like, that would definitely be the cabin design and materials. The dashboard and other areas would look to you very uninspiring, even if you like the minimalistic design. Furthermore, some areas feature really cheap plastics and similar materials, so we can say that most rivals look better from the inside, especially models like Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, which are similarly sized.
On the other side, the thing you’ll definitely like about this model is the amount of space it offers. Of course, three rows of seats are standard, and all three are extremely generous in terms of space. Even the third one accommodates adults with ease, which isn’t a common thing in the segment of mid-size crossovers. We also like the visibility, which is good in all directions, while the sound insulation is pretty amazing, even at higher speeds.
When it comes to the cargo area, numbers are quite impressive. This mid-size crossover offers around 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row. You may count on 55.5 cubic feet behind the second row, while the total cargo volume goes all-away up to 97 cubic feet. Those are some of the highest ratings in the class.
Features
A couple of additions to the list of standard features are always possible, though we don’t expect too many novelties for the 2022 VW Atlas. Most of the things should remain the same as in the current model, which comes standard with tech goodies like a 6.5-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a USB port, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker stereo system. Additionally, an 8-inch touch screen, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, a 12-speaker Fender sound system, up to five USB ports, automatic climate control, and the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit.
The current model also comes with a quite long list of standard equipment, so we don’t expect any particular change in the near future. So, count on a list that includes goodies like a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Things like front and rear parking sensors, hands-free parallel park assist, a surround-view parking camera system, lane keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights and adaptive cruise control should be available as options.
2022 VW Atlas Engines
We certainly won’t see changes under the hood. The 2022 VW Atlas is about to carry on with two familiar engine options. Base versions will carry on with a 2.0-liter turbo-four, which is now available with all-wheel-drive too. This engine puts out around 235 horsepower, which seems okay for daily commuting. Those who are looking for something peppier can pick an optional 3.6-liter V6, which puts out around 276 horsepower.
Both engines come in pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission and both engines are quite thirsty. The base engine returns around 27 mpg, while the V6 is good for about 24 mpg combined.
2022 VW Atlas Release Date and Price
We expect to see 2022 VW Atlas sometime in the last quarter of the next year. When it comes to the price, base models should go around 33.000 dollars.