2022 Volkswagen Atlas

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 models.

Volkswagen Atlas
Pictured: 2024 Volkswagen Atlas IMG 2146. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l, 4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l, Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l, Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl
Horsepower
276 hp
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
7
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 21 city / 25 hwy
Length
195.7–200.8 in
Curb weight
4,442–4,594 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
7 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 23 MPG combined, 13% below the 2022 small SUV average of 26.5 MPG.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 201 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,442 lb (4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 25 highway), 13% worse than the 2022 small SUV average of 26.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 260 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2022

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2021 Atlas — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2021; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2021 Atlas →

Trims, performance & features

Engine276 hp3.6L 6-cyl
Engine276 hp3.6L turbo 6-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating7 seats · 3 rows

Trims

4Motion SEL Premium R-Line4Motion SE w/ TechSE w/ Tech

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Rear automatic brakingStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Chattanooga, Tennessee

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2022 Atlas configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l200.8 in78 in68.9 in117.3 in67.7 / 67.7 in4,442 lb56/44
4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l200.8 in78 in68.9 in117.3 in67.7 / 67.7 in4,594 lb57/43
Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l195.7 in78.3 in67.7 in117.3 in67.3 / 67.7 in4,442 lb57/43
Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l195.7 in78.3 in67.7 in117.3 in67.3 / 67.7 in4,594 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Atlas2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive21 / 25 / 23-13%$2,900387
Atlas Cross Sport2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive21 / 25 / 23-13%$2,900391
Atlas 4motion2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive20 / 24 / 22-10%$3,050411
Atlas Cross Sport 4motion2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive20 / 24 / 22-10%$3,050406
Atlas Cross Sport3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20-25%$3,350435
Atlas Cross Sport 4motion3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20-18%$3,350443
Atlas3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20-25%$3,350445
Atlas 4motion3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19-22%$3,550460
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.5 MPG2022 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2022 Volkswagen Atlas SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.9%
2022 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★13.6%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2022 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2022 Volkswagen Atlas (this car)23 MPG★★★★★7
2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime38 MPGNot rated3
2022 Ford Explorer27 MPGNot rated25
2022 Toyota Highlander36 MPG★★★★★6
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee23 MPGNot rated24
2022 Kia Telluride23 MPG★★★★★7
2022 GMC Yukon23 MPG★★★★★5

Recalls (7)

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Jun 20, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V464000 · 271,330 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
Risk
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on October 18, 2024, December 10, 2024, December 20, 2024, and January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69PZ.
Suspension › Critical Fasteners · Oct 26, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V807000 · 33 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Volkswagen Atlas FL and 2022-2023 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The driver-side rear trailing arm bolts may not have been tightened properly, allowing them to loosen and fall out.
Risk
Unsecured bolts may cause the trailing arm to fracture, resulting in a sudden loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the driver side rear trailing arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 25, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42M2.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical · Oct 7, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V753000 · 76,515 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
Risk
A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine failure causes an oil leak, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 13i4 (VW) and 13i5 (Audi).
Trailer Hitches · Aug 31, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V657000 · 3,184 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The trailer hitch bolts may have been insufficiently tightened.
Risk
Loose bolts may fall out, causing the remaining bolts to break, which could lead to separation of the trailer hitch and trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will tighten the trailer hitch bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66N8.
Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Software · Jul 20, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V514000 · 43,091 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the infotainment software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DV.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Injectors · Apr 13, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V245000 · 1,382 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Atlas FL and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The long fuel injectors may have been assembled without filters.
Risk
Long fuel injectors with missing filters may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will replace the long fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24iD.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Mar 28, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V152000 · 222,892 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Atlas, 2020-2023 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021-2023 Atlas FL vehicles. The door wiring harness electrical contacts may corrode, disrupting the electrical connection and delaying the deployment of the driver or passenger front side air bag during a side impact crash.
Risk
A delayed air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will secure and, as necessary, replace any the front door wiring harnesses showing a fault code, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97GF.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

260Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
4Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
42,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine69
Service Brakes68
Electrical System63
Air Bags40
Unknown Or Other38
Fuel/Propulsion System22
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking21
Exterior Lighting17
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 824/12: 425/01: 725/02: 225/03: 225/04: 625/05: 125/06: 225/07: 525/08: 725/09: 825/10: 825/11: 325/12: 626/01: 526/02: 726/03: 426/04: 726/05: 326/06: 426/07: 526/08: 626/09: 726/10: 524/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 8

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2022 Volkswagen Atlas buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 69 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Service Brakes — 68 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  4. Electrical System — 63 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 42,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Atlas years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Atlas25–Not rated00
2026 Atlas23200.8 inNot rated212
2025 Atlas23200.8 in★★★★★576
2024 Atlas23200.8 in★★★★★8277
2023 Atlas23200.8 in★★★★★6159
2021 Atlas22200.8 in★★★★★17647
2020 Atlas22198.4 in★★★★★11135
2019 Atlas22198.4 in★★★★★12483
2018 Atlas24198.4 in★★★★★17466

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →