After the update in 2021, the next 2022 VW Atlas is not bringing huge cosmetic modifications. Instead, the company is preparing changes for the engine room. Also, the Atlas Cross Sport is going to be an interesting model for the upcoming season. All in all, the largest SUV in the family will still be a competitor in the mid-size class.
Besides that, you can hear rumors about the Atlas Tanoak. It is the pickup truck, but besides the name, it won’t have too many things in common with the SUV. Well, there is a V6 engine, probably as the main powerplant. Also, the latest reports are speaking about the Taroq nameplate for the upcoming pickup, as well as the electric battery instead of a petrol unit.
There are three basic trim levels for the SUV, S, SE, and SEL. You can upgrade them with Technology, Premium, or R-Line packages. The 2022 VW Atlas might introduce another version. Well, the performance R package is going to become the new model for a smaller Tiguan. It will be based on the Golf R. However, the large Atlas is not getting such an upgrade.
2022 VW Atlas Specs
Under the bonnet of the 2022 VW Atlas is a turbo-four engine as the base option. However, the V6 is the main choice for most buyers. We could hear that Volkswagen is planning even more units for the Atlas SUV. For example, possibilities are a V8, hybrid, or even an all-electric motor based on the ID concept.
But, let’s start with what we have. A 2.0-liter turbo-four is good for 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The engine is also available on premium Audi crossovers, but it is underachiever for the mid-size model with three rows of seats. The vehicle is 4,300 pounds heavy and it causes a poor fuel economy, even with a four-cylinder engine. It sends power to front wheels and returns 21/24 mpg. All-wheel drive is optional and an eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four corners.
Optional, but more popular engine is a 3.6-liter V6. Volkswagen uses it for its flagship models and we are sure that the upcoming truck can benefit from 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. However, you will go to gas stations more frequently, since the V6 is consuming 20 mpg combined, or 19 mpg if you select the all-wheel drive.
2022 VW Atlas Hybrid or V8
After the big scandal about the emissions from diesel units, VW is turning to greener sources of power. In last few years, the carmaker developed a few electric concepts. Whatever you see with the ID badge, it is powered only by green energy.
So, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the 2022 VW Atlas Hybrid shows up, since it is too early to talk about the EV. A V6 is a perfect start and it depends on what kind of electric system is going to be used for the SUV. If the mild-hybrid configuration is about to be installed, we can expect the vehicle with 300 hp and more than 25 mpg in the city. If the Atlas becomes the PHEV, then more power and some electric range should be there to attract buyers.
Volkswagen can pick another path. The Atlas R is a wish of buyers, but we doubt it is going to happen. Still, a V8 might make the VW to this move. Still, if the carmaker wants to offer the vehicle with more power, a turbo-six might be a solution. 330 horsepower is a significant boost, coming from a 3.0-liter V6 drivetrain.
Trim Levels
We are still waiting for the news about the R version. The S is the base model. It comes with a four-cylinder engine, cloth seats, and 18-inch wheels. You can still upgrade the ride with an AWD system. The SE is going to upgrade the offer with leatherette upholstery and 20-inch wheels. A V6 also becomes an option. Active cruise control and parking sensors are notable safety upgrades. The R-Line package comes with the trademark features, such as wheels, badging, and sportier seats.
The 2022 VW Atlas SEL is still top of a line model. In its base form it comes with the Digital Cockpit, smart headlights, and tow package are standard. The R-Line bundle adds 21-inch rims, special bumpers, and unique pedals. Premium version comes with AWD as standard, leather upholstery, including steering wheel, heated and ventilated buckets, and premium audio system. You can combine these two packages to get the best of the Atlas SUV.
Price
With so many trims and packages, the price of the 2022 VW Atlas varies from $31,500 to more than $50,000. All-wheel drive upgrade is available for $1,900. The SE offers V6 as optional engine. It adds $3,500 compared to the base version, for the $38,500 starting price. Technology package is a $2,000 upgrade. SEL starts at $42,500. We suggest you adding R-Line, larger engine, and AWD for only $4,000.
VW is really going to miss out in 2021 and 2022. Chevy, GM and Ford are all coming out with Diesel engines from their trucks in their SUVs. We drove the Atlas for a week while another vehicle was waiting for parts at the VW dealer. The Atlas is a nice SUV, but the 19MPG we received over 700 miles of driving was terrible.
The Chevy Tahoe is coming in 2021 with a 3.0L duramax turbo diesel engine. This is the same engine from their trucks that gets close to 30MPG on the hwy. EPA numbers say 27MPG hwy, but all reviews online are doing better than that with some over 30MPG.
This makes sense as that is also the fuel economy from their trucks. The VW Touareg TDI in Europe can easily get 30+ MPG on the HWY. For large families that also want to tow a boat, horse trailer, caravan or other trailer, the Diesel engine makes a LOT of sense.
Diesel also can be MUCH greener than a Petrol engine. Diesel derived from Bio sources, Canola, Soy, have none of the downsides of Diesel from crude sources. With modern emissions the Diesel engine is as clean if not cleaner than the petrol engines. If Diesel is derived from Algae then it is actually cleaning the air. Algae remove CO2 from the air as they grow. They remove MORE than is produced when the resulting diesel is burned.
All in all a diesel engine is the BEST choice. It does not have the strip mining for battery materials, the nuclear or coal power plant emissions or dangerous waste issues. Let’s be honest. Renewable sources of energy for autos does NOT exist in quantity to support a large EV fleet.