The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is VW’s compact SUV, while the 2022 Atlas is the brand’s take on a midsize SUV. Both technically offer three rows, but there’s more to the story. Here’s how they compare.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Starting Price: $33,475 | Price yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Room for taller drivers; lots of interior space; flexible powertrain options.
Below Average: Not the best fuel economy; no option for 8-passenger seating.
Consensus: The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offers solid features and technology for its class, as well as ample interior space and a good choice of engines and drivetrains.
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Starting Price: $25,995 | Price yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Handsome, updated styling; spacious interior; available third-row seat.
Below Average: Third row limited to FWD models; just one engine choice; mediocre fuel economy.
Consensus: The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan drives well and has a roomy interior, but its available third-row seat is best for smaller kids. Its exterior benefits from a refresh.
Atlas vs. Tiguan: Space or More Space?
Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas can be built in a few different passenger configurations seating — either 6-passenger-style, with a pair of captain’s chairs in the second row, or a bench seat in that second row to seat seven.
The recently updated front and rear styling give the Atlas an even more handsome and fresh look, and it gets an additional three inches in length. That translates to a bit more interior space for passengers. We also like the Atlas’ standard safety features, which include forward-collision warning system, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert on all models. You can choose to outfit your Atlas with all-wheel drive (AWD) in lieu of the standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and expect to get the same EPA combined fuel rating of 22 mpg.
On the road, the Atlas is comfortable and gives drivers and passengers a commanding view. Since the SUV was built specifically for the American market, interior space abounds, and everything is well thought out in terms of ergonomics.
The base engine, a 235-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder, may seem a bit small for a vehicle weighing in at 4,000 pounds, but the Atlas makes up for it with strong low-end torque and smart gearing. You can also opt for the 276-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 if you want a bit more power, but you’ll lose a bit of efficiency.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan has been freshened yet remains one of the larger entrants in its class and one of the few to offer a third-row seat. That back bench is small, however, and when in use it eats up most of the cargo space. The 3-row Tiguan is also only available in front-wheel drive.
As a 2-row SUV, the Tiguan provides plenty of passenger room and luggage space. A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque is the sole engine, mated to a responsive 8-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy trails the segment leaders at 26 mpg with FWD and 24 to 25 mpg with AWD.
The 2022 Tiguan is offered in S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trim levels. The top trim comes standard with all-wheel drive; it’s optional on the others. The S includes forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, heated seats, and third-row seating.
The SE adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot intervention (all optional on the S). It also upgrades to an 8-inch infotainment display with wireless smartphone mirroring and adds wireless charging, power driver’s seat, and a power liftgate, among other features.
The SE R-Line Black features black 19-inch wheels and exterior accents as well as a panoramic sunroof, parking sensors, and ambient lighting. The SEL R-Line gets leather, ventilated front seats, and a larger digital instrumentation display.
Similarities
Both offer three rows, but Tiguan only does so only with FWD; both feature VW’s suite of driver assistance and infotainment systems.
2022 Volkswagen Atlas Advantages
Larger and roomier for all purposes; can get 3 rows with AWD.
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Advantages
More affordable without giving up that much interior space.
Which One is Right for Me?
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is spacious, handsome, and comfortable, with seating for either six or seven passengers and available AWD.
The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan appeals to those who need a well-equipped compact SUV with occasional use for third-row seating at a lower price point.
Ready to buy a Volkswagen Atlas or Tiguan? Shop for one on sale now near you
| 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan | 2022 Volkswagen Atlas | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbo I4 | 2.0-liter turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 184 hp @ 4,400 rpm | 235 hp @ 4,500 rpm |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-spd automatic | 8-spd automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 26 mpg (23 city/30 hwy) | 22 mpg (21 city/24 hwy) |
| Also Available | AWD | 3.6-liter V6; AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles | |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | n/a | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 109.8 inches | 117.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 185.1 inches | 198.3 inches |
| Width | 72.4 inches | 78.3 inches |
| Height | 66.3 inches | 70.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.7 feet | 38.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.6 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.1 inches | 40.4 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 33.8 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 40.2 inches | 41.5 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 36.6 inches | 37. 6 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 27.8 inches | 33.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.0 inches | 61.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.9 inches | 60.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 47.8 inches | 54.9 inches |
| EPA Passenger Volume | 123.9 cubic feet | 154 cubic feet |
| EPA Cargo Volume | 37.5/73.5 cubic feet | 55.5/96.8 cubic feet |