2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from the previous year, simplifying its lineup to six trim levels. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, which we tested, featured 21-inch wheels and a new Aurora Red paint option, giving it an upscale look. Despite its bold exterior, the interior materials were somewhat disappointing, with an abundance of hard, shiny plastics that detracted from the overall quality. The storage areas also lacked linings, leading to unwanted noise and vibration.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX boasted a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The Black Line Special Edition returned with limited availability and exclusive paint colors. While the GX's exterior dimensions seemed to shrink from the side, its flared fenders and sleek design elements added to its rugged yet refined appearance. The interior, however, was marred by an excessive amount of plastic, which felt out of place in a luxury SUV. Despite this, the GX offered several luxury touches, including heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V6. The turbocharged engine produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, but required premium fuel for optimal performance. It had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and an EPA fuel economy rating of 22-23 mpg combined. The V6 engine, which was standard on higher trims, delivered 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, its fuel economy was lower at 19-20 mpg combined, and it lacked refinement. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an optional 4Motion AWD system with Active Control calibrations, but its ride quality was inconsistent, and road noise was an issue.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. While it didn't excel on paper compared to newer engines, it offered a satisfying driving experience with a linear power delivery. The GX had a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds but suffered from poor fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight made it prone to body roll, but its handling was predictable and controllable. The standard 4WD system, Torsen limited-slip differential, and various off-road features made it capable in challenging conditions.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort. With the discontinuation of the base S trim, all models featured V-Tex leatherette seating and heated front seats. Higher trims added tri-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The Atlas could comfortably seat seven adults, with easy access to the third row. Cargo space was impressive, offering 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 96.8 cubic feet with both rows down. However, the unlined storage areas caused items to rattle and slide around.

The 2023 Lexus GX provided ample cubby space, a deep center console bin, and conveniently placed cupholders. The decision to use hard buttons instead of haptic-touch interfaces was a practical choice, though the abundance of buttons required some getting used to. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat option. However, the third row was too tight for regular use. The GX's cargo space was limited, offering only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows down.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came standard with the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, featuring an 8-inch display that expanded to 10.25 inches on higher trims. The SE trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with basic infotainment features, while other trims included the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome tuning process. The Car-Net connected services offered various plans, but the natural voice recognition capability required additional subscriptions.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. However, the infotainment system felt dated compared to other Lexus models, with lagging performance and less crisp graphics. The GX's off-road capabilities were more impressive, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a surround-view camera system. However, the Lane Assist technology had issues with old construction markings, and the system could not be easily disabled while driving. The Atlas received decent crash-test ratings but did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it included several advanced driver assistance systems. These included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were up-to-date, providing a good level of protection.