2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium: A Deep Dive

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium. This SUV is a real contender in the mid-size SUV market, offering a blend of space, comfort, and tech that's hard to ignore. We'll explore everything from its performance and features to its overall value proposition. If you're in the market for a family-friendly SUV that doesn't skimp on the premium touches, stick around! This review will help you understand why the Atlas SEL Premium might be the perfect fit for your needs.

Unveiling the 2022 Atlas SEL Premium: What's New?

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium, a step above the regular SEL trim, boasts a range of features designed to elevate the driving experience. This isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it's about doing it in style and comfort. VW has packed this model with upgrades that enhance both the interior and exterior, as well as the driving dynamics. For starters, you'll notice the distinct styling, but the real magic happens inside the cabin. Think high-quality materials, advanced technology, and a spacious layout that caters to both passengers and cargo. The Atlas SEL Premium stands out with its standard all-wheel drive (4Motion), making it a reliable companion in various weather conditions. This feature significantly enhances its appeal, especially for those living in regions with challenging climates. Furthermore, the 2022 model builds on its predecessors' strengths, refining its key attributes to offer a more polished and luxurious experience. The enhancements address common concerns and build on positive feedback from previous model years. Driving this car offers a unique feel, from the smooth ride to the responsiveness of the engine. The technology integration is seamless, allowing for an intuitive user experience. The 2022 model aims to offer a complete package that addresses the needs of a modern family without compromising on performance or luxury. The addition of advanced safety features further enhances the overall value of the vehicle, providing peace of mind to both drivers and passengers.

Specifically, the 2022 Atlas SEL Premium comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.6-liter V6, providing drivers with options that cater to different performance needs. The 2.0-liter engine is known for its fuel efficiency, making it a great option for those who prioritize saving at the pump. On the other hand, the V6 offers more power and a thrilling driving experience. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which ensures smooth and responsive gear changes. The standard all-wheel drive system is a key differentiator, enhancing the SUV's capabilities in various road conditions. It provides extra grip and stability, allowing for confident handling whether you're driving on wet, snowy, or uneven roads. Inside, the Atlas SEL Premium has a modern and spacious cabin. High-quality materials like leather upholstery and premium trim accents elevate the interior's overall feel. The infotainment system, with a large touchscreen display, is intuitive and easy to use, providing access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. Advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring further enhance the driving experience. The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium is designed to deliver a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable driving experience for the whole family.

Performance and Driving Experience

Alright, let's talk about what makes the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium move! You've got a couple of engine choices here. First up, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. This engine is your friend if you're looking for good fuel economy without sacrificing too much power. It provides a respectable amount of pep for everyday driving, making it perfect for city commutes and highway cruising. Then, there's the 3.6-liter V6. This is where things get interesting, guys! The V6 offers a significant boost in power and torque, delivering a more engaging driving experience. Acceleration is quicker, and you'll have plenty of power for merging onto the highway or tackling those uphill climbs. No matter which engine you choose, you'll be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This transmission is smooth and responsive, ensuring that the power is delivered efficiently to the wheels. Gear changes are seamless, and the transmission always seems to be in the right gear, providing a comfortable and refined driving experience.

One of the standout features of the Atlas SEL Premium is the standard 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. This system constantly monitors the road conditions and adjusts the power distribution to the wheels to maximize traction and stability. This means you'll have increased confidence in various weather conditions, from rain and snow to ice and gravel. The Atlas SEL Premium handles well for its size, offering a composed ride and responsive steering. The suspension is tuned to provide a balance between comfort and control, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road while keeping the vehicle stable through corners. The brakes are strong and reliable, providing confident stopping power. Overall, the driving experience in the 2022 Atlas SEL Premium is pleasant and refined. It's not a sports car, but it's not trying to be. It's designed to provide a comfortable, capable, and confident driving experience that's perfect for families and anyone who values a smooth and enjoyable ride. The Atlas SEL Premium combines practicality with a touch of sophistication, making it a well-rounded SUV that's enjoyable to drive every day. Whether you're navigating city streets or embarking on a long road trip, the Atlas SEL Premium is up for the challenge.

Interior Comfort and Features

Step inside the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium, and you'll be greeted by an interior that prioritizes comfort, space, and a touch of luxury. The cabin is designed to accommodate passengers of all sizes, with plenty of headroom and legroom in all three rows. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, making long journeys a breeze. The SEL Premium trim comes with leather upholstery, adding a touch of elegance to the interior. The design of the dashboard and center console is clean and modern, with easy-to-reach controls and a user-friendly layout. The materials used throughout the cabin are of high quality, creating a premium feel. One of the standout features of the Atlas SEL Premium is its spaciousness. The third row of seats is surprisingly comfortable, making it a true seven-seater. The second row also offers ample legroom and can be easily adjusted to provide more space for passengers or cargo. The cargo area is generous, providing plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or anything else you need to haul.

The infotainment system is a key part of the in-cabin experience. The touchscreen display is large and easy to read, with intuitive menus and responsive controls. The system includes features like navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. You'll also find a premium sound system, which delivers high-quality audio throughout the cabin. The SEL Premium trim also comes with a range of advanced features, including a panoramic sunroof, which floods the cabin with natural light and enhances the sense of space. The climate control system keeps everyone comfortable, regardless of the outside temperature. The digital cockpit display replaces the traditional instrument cluster with a customizable screen that displays important information like speed, fuel level, and navigation directions. The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium's interior is designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both the driver and passengers. It combines space, luxury, and technology to create an SUV that's perfect for families and anyone who values comfort and convenience. The thoughtfully designed interior ensures that every journey is a pleasure.

Technology and Infotainment

Let's get into the tech! The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium is loaded with technology designed to make your drive safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable. The centerpiece of the tech setup is the infotainment system, which is controlled via a large touchscreen display. This screen is your gateway to a world of features, including navigation, audio controls, and vehicle settings. The interface is intuitive, making it easy to navigate the various menus and options. The system also includes smartphone integration, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This means you can seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation apps directly on the car's display.

Beyond the infotainment system, the Atlas SEL Premium comes with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These systems are designed to enhance safety and provide peace of mind. Features like adaptive cruise control automatically adjust your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Lane-keeping assist helps keep you centered in your lane, preventing unintentional lane departures. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, making lane changes safer. Other ADAS features include front and rear parking sensors, which make it easier to park in tight spaces, and a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of what's behind you when reversing. The digital cockpit is a standout feature, replacing the traditional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display. This allows you to personalize the information displayed, such as speed, fuel level, navigation directions, and more.

The 2022 Atlas SEL Premium also offers a premium sound system, which delivers high-quality audio throughout the cabin. Whether you're listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, the sound system provides a rich and immersive listening experience. The combination of advanced technology, user-friendly infotainment, and comprehensive safety features makes the 2022 Atlas SEL Premium a tech-savvy SUV that's well-equipped to meet the needs of modern drivers. The focus on technology enhances both the driving experience and the overall convenience, making it a pleasure to drive every day.

Safety Features and Driver-Assistance Systems

Safety is a top priority in the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium, and it shows. This SUV is packed with a comprehensive suite of safety features and driver-assistance systems designed to protect you and your passengers. The foundation of the safety package starts with a robust structure and a variety of airbags throughout the cabin. The Atlas SEL Premium is equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that provide an extra layer of protection.

One of the key ADAS features is adaptive cruise control. This system automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, making highway driving more relaxed and reducing driver fatigue. Lane-keeping assist helps keep you centered in your lane, preventing unintentional lane departures. This feature is especially helpful on long drives and in challenging road conditions. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, making lane changes safer. This is a particularly useful feature in busy traffic. Front and rear parking sensors make it easier to park in tight spaces. These sensors provide audible and visual alerts, helping you maneuver the vehicle with confidence. A rearview camera provides a clear view of what's behind you when reversing. This feature is essential for safe backing and parking. Automatic emergency braking can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to help mitigate or avoid an accident. This system can be a lifesaver in unexpected situations. The 2022 Atlas SEL Premium has a strong safety reputation and has received positive ratings from safety organizations. It offers a comprehensive package of safety features and driver-assistance systems that provide peace of mind and help protect you and your passengers on every journey. This focus on safety makes the Atlas SEL Premium a smart choice for families and anyone who values safety on the road.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas comes in several trim levels, and the SEL Premium sits at the top, offering the most features and luxury. Pricing will vary based on your location and any optional features you choose, but the SEL Premium is positioned as a premium offering, so expect a higher price point than the base models. However, when you consider the features and capabilities you're getting, the Atlas SEL Premium offers excellent value for its class.

Here’s a general idea of what you can expect in terms of trim levels: you start with the base trims and as you move up, you'll find more features and upgrades. The SEL Premium adds things like the premium leather upholstery, advanced driver-assistance systems, the premium sound system, and other luxury touches that make it stand out. When you're considering the price, make sure to factor in the features and the added value they provide. The Atlas SEL Premium is not just about a higher price tag; it's about getting a more luxurious and well-equipped SUV. The exact price will be determined by the options and packages you add, but be sure to check with your local Volkswagen dealer for the most current pricing and any available incentives. Comparing prices with competitors in the same segment is a good idea to see how the Atlas SEL Premium stacks up in terms of value. Don't forget to consider factors like fuel economy, long-term reliability, and resale value when making your decision. Overall, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium's pricing reflects its premium positioning, offering a well-equipped and luxurious SUV that delivers exceptional value in its class. Weigh the features, performance, and overall value to determine if it meets your needs and budget.

Pros and Cons

Let's break down the good and the bad of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium, so you can get a clear picture:

Pros:

• Spacious Interior: Guys, this is a major plus! The Atlas SEL Premium offers a ton of space, especially in the third row. Perfect for families!
• Comfortable Ride: The ride quality is smooth and comfortable, making it great for long trips.
• Standard All-Wheel Drive: This is a big win, especially if you live in an area with bad weather. It adds a lot of confidence on the road.
• Well-Equipped: You get a lot of features for the price, including advanced safety tech and a premium sound system.
• User-Friendly Infotainment: The infotainment system is easy to use and has all the features you need, like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Cons:

• Fuel Economy: While not terrible, the fuel economy isn't the best in its class.
• Price: The SEL Premium is at the higher end of the price range for the Atlas.
• Engine Choices: While the V6 is powerful, the base engine may feel a bit underpowered for some.

Conclusion: Is the Atlas SEL Premium Right for You?

So, after all this, is the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium the right SUV for you? If you're looking for a spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped SUV with all-wheel drive, it's definitely worth considering. It's a great choice for families who need plenty of room for passengers and cargo, and it offers a premium experience without breaking the bank. The combination of its spacious interior, advanced technology, and standard all-wheel drive makes it a strong contender in the mid-size SUV market. The Atlas SEL Premium provides a compelling package that caters to a wide range of needs.

However, it's essential to consider your individual needs and priorities. If fuel economy is a top concern, you might want to consider other options. Similarly, if you're on a tight budget, the SEL Premium's price point might be a bit high. But overall, the Atlas SEL Premium offers a well-rounded package that delivers a lot of value. If you value comfort, space, and a touch of luxury, along with the added safety and security of all-wheel drive, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium is a top-tier choice that's worth checking out. It combines practicality with a premium feel, making it an excellent choice for a family-oriented SUV. Whether it's the right choice for you depends on your specific needs and priorities, but it's undoubtedly a strong contender in its class.