2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant mid-generation refresh, resulting in a more muscular exterior design. The new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights contributed to a robust front-end appearance, moving away from the elegance of previous models. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which added darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica balanced sophistication and practicality, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which boasted premium materials like quilted leather seats and wood accents. The interior was designed for comfort and luxury, with a flat dashboard and a 10.1-inch touchscreen, making it one of the poshest minivans available.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared much of its design with the regular Atlas but featured a lower roofline and aggressively-raked rear hatch, giving it a unique crossover coupe aesthetic. However, the styling was a mix of SUV ruggedness and car-like features, with some elements like fake exhaust tips appearing tacky. The Cross Sport was shorter and lower than the seven-seat Atlas, maintaining the same wheelbase. It came with standard LED lighting and various wheel sizes depending on the trim. The interior followed VW's minimalist design, but the materials felt subpar, with hard plastics and rubbery leather detracting from the overall feel. The color scheme was dark and uninviting, and the flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place for a non-performance model.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a hybrid version combining a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The base Touring and Touring L trims came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered all-wheel drive (AWD) or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system was a new addition, automatically activating when needed to improve traction and deactivating for better fuel efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 achieved 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, with AWD models slightly less efficient.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its powertrain options with the seven-seat Atlas, featuring a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.6-liter VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 engine provided lively acceleration from a stop but lacked midrange power, and the transmission was slow to react. The ride quality was harsh, with noticeable bumps and potholes, and the cabin allowed wind and tire noise. The VR6 models had a 5,000-pound towing capacity, while the four-cylinder models were rated for 2,000 pounds. AWD versions included Active Control with multiple drive modes and 8 inches of ground clearance, but the Cross Sport lacked the off-road capability of competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seats provided ample space and a sense of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Storage options included an under-stack area and under-console storage for second-row passengers. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for flexible cargo space. The Pacifica Pinnacle offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered competitive interior space for a two-row midsize crossover, with excellent front-seat and rear-seat legroom. However, the sloping roofline compromised rear headroom, making it less accommodating for taller passengers. Cargo space was above average, with 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.8 cubic feet with them folded. The second-row seats featured a 60/40 split-fold and 14-degree backrest recline. The Cross Sport included various storage solutions, such as a center console and a second-row armrest with cupholders, but the overall interior feel was let down by subpar materials.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured advanced technology, including hands-free sliding doors on mid-grade and higher trims. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern and customizable, with a user-friendly interface and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games available. Audio options ranged from a standard six-speaker system to a premium 20-speaker Harman Kardon system. The Pinnacle trim included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two infotainment systems: the MIB2 system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen on the base trim and the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Both systems included USB-C ports and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. The MIB3 system added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition, but it was slow to load and the Fender audio system was underwhelming. The Digital Cockpit display provided a customizable instrument cluster, and analog controls made basic functions easy to access.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came with 97 standard safety features, increasing to 100 on the Pinnacle trim. Key features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS had not yet rated the model.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating, with high marks for side crash tests. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Unique to the Cross Sport were the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021 were Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, offering advanced driver-assist capabilities.