2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim did not impress with its new XRT treatment. The lack of a suspension lift and more aggressive tires made it less convincing for off-roading. The side steps, while useful for roof rack access, impeded entry and exit and reduced the breakover angle. The XRT trim, priced between the SE/SEL and the turbocharged Limited/Calligraphy trims, included all SEL equipment and the Convenience Package, with a starting price of $34,095. The test vehicle, in Portofino Gray with a black cloth interior, had an MSRP of $35,940. Despite the lack of visual contrast, the interior's thoughtful design and quality made it a pleasant space.

Volkswagen's 2022 Atlas Cross Sport, derived from the seven-passenger Atlas, featured a more rakish appearance by removing the third row, lowering the roofline, and shortening the length. This resulted in a bold, sporty look, especially in the SEL Premium R-Line trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels. However, other wheel choices were less appealing. The test vehicle, in Pure Gray with a Dark Burgundy over Titan Black interior, looked upscale. Despite the stylish appearance, the interior's hard, glossy plastic detracted from the quality feel. The MSRP for the SEL Premium R-Line was $52,495, slightly less than the standard Atlas SEL Premium R-Line.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine, while adequate for everyday driving, struggled with acceleration and responsiveness, especially on hills or during spirited driving. The eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, with Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes available. The AWD system could be locked for maximum traction at lower speeds. The test vehicle averaged 22.3 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 24 mpg. The ride quality was good, with excellent suspension isolation and a quiet cabin, but occasional bounciness or stiffness was noted.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6, standard in the SEL Premium R-Line, provided better performance and a 5,000-pound towing capacity. The eight-speed automatic transmission and 4Motion AWD system offered various driving modes. The test vehicle averaged 19.2 mpg. The ride quality was mixed, with harshness at lower speeds and softness at higher speeds. The suspension tuning felt backward, and road noise was more intrusive than expected. The Atlas Cross Sport excelled on the highway but struggled with urban and suburban ride quality.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a dual-zone automatic climate control system, rear air conditioning vents, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with heated front seats. The rear seats offered excellent space and comfort, with rear side-window shades and USB charging ports. The Smart Tailgate provided hands-free access to the 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Storage space was adequate, with various nooks and crannies, though some were hard to access.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and interior dimensions with the larger Atlas, offering exceptional room for five adults. The test vehicle had 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel. Storage space was ample, though unlined compartments could cause rattling. The cargo area, while reduced compared to the seven-passenger model, still offered plenty of space for luggage and other items.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and Bluelink connected services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and clean graphics. The digital key technology allowed Android users to unlock and start the vehicle. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a thoughtful addition for distracted drivers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE featured an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB-C ports. Higher trims had a 10.25-inch digital cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen with additional features like wireless smartphone charging and SiriusXM with 360L. Car-Net connected services offered remote start, emergency assistance, and a WiFi hotspot. The user experience could be frustrating, with issues related to touchscreen interaction and voice recognition. The 12-speaker Fender premium sound system in the SEL Premium R-Line was a highlight.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Junction Turning Detection system and Safe Exit Assist were notable features. The ultrasonic rear occupant alert system added an extra layer of safety. The Santa Fe earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and IQ Drive with Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The SEL Premium R-Line featured a semi-autonomous Parking Steering Assistant and a 360-degree camera system. Travel Assist occasionally lacked refinement, and Lane Assist could misinterpret road markings. The Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings but did not earn the highest accolades from the IIHS or NHTSA.