2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, giving it a more muscular appearance with new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. This design shift moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained a touch of sophistication as seen in the sleek sides and rear, which featured a new all-LED taillamp. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, adding darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica stood out from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival by balancing practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim. The interior boasted a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted Nappa leather seats, creating a luxurious feel. The Pacifica also excelled in sound deadening, providing a quiet ride.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, on the other hand, was crafted by removing the third row from the standard Atlas, lowering the roofline, and shortening the length, resulting in a sporty, coupe-like appearance. The Execline trim, with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels, emphasized the SUV's bold stance. However, the interior was marred by hard, glossy plastics that detracted from the upscale feel. Despite this, the Atlas Cross Sport offered a spacious cabin with generous rear legroom and a panoramic sunroof. The cargo area, though reduced compared to the seven-passenger model, still provided ample space for luggage. The Atlas Cross Sport's design was visually appealing, but the interior materials and storage solutions left room for improvement.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid version with a V6 engine, dual-motor electrically variable transmission, and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, delivering 260 horsepower. The hybrid model boasted an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. The traditional V6 achieved fuel economy ratings of 12.4 L/100 km in the city, 8.4 on the highway, and 10.6 combined, while the hybrid used 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The Pacifica also introduced an all-wheel-drive option for the first time in 16 years, enhancing traction and stability.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The Atlas Cross Sport's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system provided various driving modes, including Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad. Despite its power, the V6 engine felt less refined, and the ride quality was inconsistent, with harsh impacts at low speeds and excessive softness at higher speeds. The Atlas Cross Sport averaged 12.3 L/100 km during testing, slightly higher than the larger Atlas.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and a padded centre console lid for a sense of togetherness. Storage was ample, with an under-stack area for personal items. Standard features included rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for flexible cargo space. The Pacifica's cargo area provided best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and track width with the larger Atlas, resulting in a roomy interior for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and a dual-zone climate control system. Storage was plentiful, though unlined compartments could cause rattling. The cargo area, while smaller than the seven-passenger model, still accommodated full-size suitcases and additional bags.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its modern design and responsiveness. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with optional in-seat entertainment for the second row. The Pinnacle model offered FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view. The sound system options ranged from a standard six-speaker setup to a premium 20-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with a Digital Cockpit, an 8-inch touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the user experience was often frustrating, with issues in touchscreen interaction and voice recognition. The Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender audio system, providing excellent sound quality. Despite the technology's potential, the interface could be challenging to navigate.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, including automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated it.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control across all trims. Higher trims added features like adaptive LED headlights and a semi-autonomous Park Assist system. While the Atlas Cross Sport's safety features were comprehensive, some systems, like Travel Assist, lacked refinement. The Atlas Cross Sport received favourable crash-test ratings, though not the highest accolades from the IIHS or NHTSA.