2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant mid-generation refresh, resulting in a more muscular aesthetic. The new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights contributed to a streamlined front end, moving away from the elegance of previous models. Despite these changes, the Pacifica retained some of its original sophistication, particularly noticeable as one moved from the front to the sides and rear. The rear featured a new all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge at its centre. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which boasted quilted Nappa leather seats, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and sound-deadening technology.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, eschewing the straight lines and sharp angles of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform and was brought to North America as a crossover, a sensible choice given the market's preference. The interior combined Volkswagen's minimalism with a smartphone aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available in the Statement Package.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a hybrid version with a V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. In Canada, all-wheel drive was an option for internal combustion engine models, while hybrid models were front-wheel drive only. The AWD system was a new addition, activating on-demand based on various conditions to improve fuel efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with fuel consumption figures of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres and 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica had fuel consumption figures of 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 8.4 on the highway, and 10.6 combined, with AWD models seeing a slight increase in these numbers.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was available in two powertrain configurations: a base rear-wheel drive version with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, and an all-wheel-drive version with a dual-motor setup for a total power output of 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, with a smooth ride over bumps and potholes. The electric motor provided ample power, and the instantaneous torque made acceleration enjoyable. Unlike many electric cars, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking for one-pedal driving, instead relying on friction brakes and coasting for efficiency. This approach aimed to provide a familiar experience for drivers transitioning from gasoline cars.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and a feeling of togetherness. The cabin featured ample storage space, including an under-stack area and under-console storage for second-row passengers. Standard equipment included rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, power-adjustable seats, and Stow 'n Go seating for the second and third rows. The Pacifica's cargo area was spacious, offering best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, although legroom was average for the segment. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with the seats folded, more than some EV competitors but less than gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 did not have a "frunk" for extra storage, prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but substandard rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and a narrow centre console, offering limited storage space.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable experience with a clean design. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard, with optional in-seat entertainment for the second row. The sound system options ranged from a standard six-speaker setup to a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with advanced features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (with a 12-inch option) and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The control setup relied on haptic touchpads, which were challenging to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and ID.Light, a light strip that communicated information to the driver. While some features felt gimmicky, the touchscreen was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 standard or available safety features, including automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning with active braking. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, and a surround-view camera. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated it.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for RWD versions. It offered driver aids like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. New features included Travel Assist for automated lane centring and Emergency Assist to stop the car if the driver is incapacitated.