If you’re considering leasing a reliable new wheel that can take you and the whole family on any adventure in relaxing comfort, you should consider leasing either the new Nissan Pathfinder or the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas.
These two SUVs are exceptional family-friendly SUVs that can confidently take the whole family on any trip, while delivering a spacious and comfortable cabin, excellent towing figures, robust and efficient powertrain. The Pathfinder and the Atlas are three-row midsize SUVs that easily stands out from the crowd in terms of comfort, refinement, and overall reliability.
However, between these capable three-row SUVs, which offers a more well-rounded package? Is leasing the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder going to offer a more reliable family SUV than leasing the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas?
What’s New?
The midsize three-row SUV segment is booming, with many new models from different brands and more shoppers looking to lease a three-row midsize SUV. The Nissan Pathfinder may have been a decent lease choice only because of its spacious cabin, but that is about to change now.
After skipping the 2021 model year, the Pathfinder is back in the 2022 Nissan lineup wearing complete new looks inside and out. In a bid to make it compete better in the segment, Nissan has redesigned the Pathfinder, ushering it into its fifth generation with more modern and muscular looks, restyled interior, and improved powertrain and fuel economy.
Besides the new bold looks outside, the fully redesigned 2022 Pathfinder comes with a new nine-speed automatic transmission to replace the outgoing model’s CVT, retuned steering, and revised suspension tuning. Other worth mentioning changes includes new AWD system, updated driver assists features, more tech options, and an available second-row captain’s chairs.
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is the largest model in the 2022 Volkswagen lineup. This three-row midsize SUV made its first debut in 2017 as a 2018 model year SUV. Since then, it’s yet to get a complete redesign.
After it got a fresh facelift that included new front and rear bumpers, more features, and updated tech, the Atlas is back for the 2022 model year with no significant changes besides few tweaks in the lineup.
For 2022, the Atlas drops its entry-level trim, the S model, leaving the SE model as the new base model. The 2022 Atlas also receives more standard features, including a new 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster. SE models with the Technology package now get standard third-row USB-C ports and trailer hitch and an optional black 20-inch wheel package. Higher up the trim level, the SEL trims get a standard AWD system and 20-inch wheels. Next up, the SEL Premium trim levels afford the R-Line package and 21-inch wheels.
Powertrain And Transmission
In terms of horsepower, you can never go wrong with the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder lease deal over leasing the new Volkswagen Atlas. The all-new Pathfinder affords 46 horses more than the 2022 Atlas. However, both SUVs share similar torque, with the Pathfinder at 259 lb-ft, while the Atlas gets 258 lb-ft.
Transmission is not the same in these two three-row crossover SUVs. While the fully redesigned Nissan Pathfinder comes with a new slick-shifting nine-speed transmission, the Atlas still retains its smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is powered by the familiar 3.5-liter V6 engine that pumps out 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. However, unlike the outgoing model with the CVT, the 2022 Pathfinder’s powertrain uses a nine-speed automatic transmission to send powers to front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offers two powertrain choices. Powering the base models is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. The second powertrain is a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines send power to the front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive through an eight-speed automatic.
Handling And Performance
The all-new Pathfinder is a lot quicker than the Atlas, zooming from 0 to 60 mph at far fewer seconds when it comes to acceleration. It also offers more pleasant driving dynamics. Nevertheless, the 2022 Atlas has a refined handling and comfortable ride.
While these SUVs are pretty big, meaning you can expect to observe some body lean and sway through turns, it generally remains well composed. The steering is responsive and firm, with a braking system that delivers ample stopping power. However, the Pathfinder has a smaller turning radius than the Atlas, making it easier to maneuver the Pathfinder around tight spots than maneuvering the Atlas.
Fuel Economy
With the 2022 Pathfinder, you won’t be making more stops at the gas station like the Atlas, as the redesigned Pathfinder offers a more fuel-efficient engine.
According to the EPA, the Pathfinder will return 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with the FWD and 21/27 mpg city/highway with the AWD, which is above average for its class.
On the other hand, the 2022 Atlas returns 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with the FWD, and 20/24 mpg with AWD. Opting to the available V6 drops the numbers to 18/24 mpg with FWD and 17/23 mpg city/highway with AWD.
Interior
On the inside, both SUVs afford a spacious and well-built cabin, but if you want a more premium-looking SUV, you should consider leasing the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. However, the standard user-friendly 6.5-inch touch screen is dwarfed by the new Pathfinder’s 8-inch touch screen.
The 2022 Atlas seats five to seven people, while the new Pathfinder can seat up to eight people. However, the backseat of the Pathfinder is not a good place for adult passengers, compared to the Atlas that affords more head and legroom space. The Nissan Pathfinder also has a lesser cargo hold compared to the Atlas.
Cost
Both SUVs are loosely matched at price as there’s not much difference in the starting MSRP of both SUVs.
Whether you finally decide to settle with the all-new Pathfinder or the new Atlas, you’ll never go wrong leasing a spacious and comfortable family-friendly SUV. To get the lowest possible lease rates when you lease any of these, reach out to VIP Auto Lease Of Long Island 164 Northern Blvd, Great Neck, NY 11021 516-487-2886 https://www.vipautoli.com/.
