We expect only minor updates on the 2022 VW Atlas after this year’s facelift. The front and rear end were revisited and the German carmaker is focused on other projects. For example, electric crossovers based on the ID concept are near the production, as well as the pickup truck. Atlas Tanoak is based on the same architecture as the SUV. The latest reports say the company might change the nameplate. Another vehicle is out there wearing an Atlas badge. It is a smaller Cross Sport model with two rows of seats.
Volkswagen made a few changes to make its mid-size three-row SUV more attractive. For this season, the company made a turbo-four unit available for all trim levels. Plus, a minor facelift is a quite of refreshment. The production is in Tennessee. Inside, the infotainment system is smarter and offers more options. Downsides are a fuel economy, which is worse than on most rival SUVs. Also, if you need the vehicle for towing, the 2022 VW Atlas will be out with only 5,000 pounds. Not bad, but not impressive for this class as well.
2022 VW Atlas Specifications, Hybrid
Such a big vehicle needs a lot of power. The 2022 VW Atlas will be 198 inches long and 4,528 pounds heavy. A turbo-four was the base version until this season when it became an option at higher trim levels. A 2.0-liter mill is delivering 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The weight kills the gas mileage and the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas powered by a four-cylinder engine can do only 21/24 mpg. All-wheel drive is optional, and it won’t further harm the fuel economy. Eight-speed auto transmission is a power router.
A 3.6-liter V6 is a more potent option that will make the Atlas tow up to 5,000 pounds. That is something we expect from a mid-size SUV. Pathfinder is one of the leaders in this segment with 6,000 lbs. We won’t count models which use a V8 engine. Volkswagen engineers are tuning a V6 to produce 275 hp and 266 lb-ft. The gas mileage drops to 17/23 mpg if you have an FWD model, or 16/22 for the AWD. This is why we can hear rumors about the 2022 VW Atlas Hybrid. Experts assume that Volkswagen is working on a configuration based on a V6 engine. With upgrades, the outputs can reach 300 horsepower, and the MPG rating is going to be way better.
2022 VW Atlas Cross Sport – A Two-Row Model
A couple of seasons after Volkswagen added the Atlas to its North American lineup, they released a slightly smaller version. The 2022 VW Atlas Cross Sport is 195 inches long and accommodates up to five persons. The same drivetrain options are also available for the two-row version. But, passengers praise the space at the back. Still, a smaller vehicle is not going to fix the main problem – gas mileage.
Tanoak Pickup Truck
The German carmaker is famous worldwide for its Amarok pickup. However, this model is not available at the major stage – in North America. Well, Volkswagen is working on it, presenting the Atlas Tanoak truck in 2018. But, the concept is still not in production and the most recent rumors are discouraging. The company could turn to the new project – Tarok pickup. Anyway, the vehicle is going to be based on the Atlas SUV, with a V6 engine that is competitive with the likes of Toyota Tacoma or Chevy Colorado.
Trim Levels
Basically, there are only two trim levels available for the 2022 VW Atlas, but you can upgrade them with several packages. The SE is the entry-level version. Highlights of the package are leatherette upholstery with a power driver’s bucket and a power liftgate. The center of the infotainment system is an 8-inch screen. Technology bundle adds 20-inch wheels, cruise control, remote start, and parking assistance. After this add-on, you will be eligible to install the R-Line features as well. The unique set of wheels, black bumpers, special badges, and a few more details will make this model more appealing.
The base 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL is coming with active headlights, a digital cockpit, panoramic sunroof and power front seats. You are also maximizing towing capacity with the special package. The R-Line is the next upgrade. For the SEL, the package brings similar additions to the SE, but with larger wheels. Another possible bundle is Premium, with an all-wheel drive, leather upholstery, heated seats, and Fender sound. The good thing is that you can combine these two packages on the 2022 VW Atlas SEL Premium R-Line.
Prices
The MSRP is pretty nice for the three-row SUV, starting at $31,500. However, AWD and V6 will make it significantly higher, as well as every next upgrade. The SEL starts at $43,000. Heavily-loaded 2022 VW Atlas is going to cost its future owners more than $50,000 (SEL Premium R-Line).
