The last of our content from this year’s Texas Truck Rodeo almost did not happen, but we are so glad that it did. The Volkswagen Atlas is not new for 2022, nor does it have any major updates for the year leading us to look to other, newer vehicles to test and film while on-location. However, one quick drive in this one without the cameras pointed at me and I knew I had to share this one with you.
While there are no major standout features like the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s secondary infotainment screen for the passenger or twin-turbocharged V6 powerplant like the one found in the Sequoia, this 2022 Atlas V6 SEL Premium R-Line gets a lot right and makes for a worthy competitor in the ever-crowded 3-row SUV segment.
First up, build quality. This is a solidly built, no-frills three-row vehicle capable of seating 7 comfortably. Though, the two in the third row would do best being shorter than my 5’ 10” frame. The mid-row bench does what more three-row SUVs should and tips up and out of the way for rear-seat access while still allowing a child safety seat to remain attached. Interior design themes do not ooze style, but also do not offend. While testing this vehicle in the dirt among the cows of our test track, nary stray creak or rattle could be heard, even though our test vehicle sports 21-inch wheels and tires.
The 3.6L V6 had plenty of power and made quick work of our obstacles thanks to the 4Motion all-wheel drive. Different drive modes meant we could tell the VW what terrain to expect and it would adjust the AWD, transmission, and throttle to our current situation.
The room inside was plentiful, lest you be taller than me trying to get into the aforementioned third-row seat. Fold that rear seat down and you are greeted with 55.5 cubic feet of space (up from the 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row). Fold the second-row seats down and you find a minivan-like 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
Needless to say, we want a little more time with this one and have requested one from VW for testing on our home turf, until then we can tell you that our first impressions left us impressed by this otherwise unassuming family hauler that packs quite a punch where it matters most. And, thanks to the R-Line, does have a little style to go with all the practicality.
2022 VW Atlas V6 SEL Premium R-Line Specs:
3.6L V6 Engine
276 Horsepower
266 lb-ft of Torque
8-Speed Automatic Transmission
4 Selectable Drive Modes: Snow, On-Road, Off-Road, & Off-Road Custom
4Motion All-Wheel Drive
21-Inch Wheels
Heated and Ventilated Leather Front Seats
Heated Rear Outboard Seats
Volkswagen Digital Cockpit
Color Infotainment Screen
USB Charging Ports
Automatic Climate Control
Proximity Key with Push Button Start
EPA Fuel Economy 17/23/19 (city/hwy/combined)
Starting MSRP $35,150
Price as tested: $51,840
All images courtesy of Capturing the Machine.