2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that included new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille design shared with the Atlas Cross Sport model. These changes added 6 centimetres to its length, giving the Atlas a more extroverted appearance compared to the previous year's model. The R-Line trim package further enhanced its sporty look with unique bumpers and side skirts. Despite these cosmetic updates, the Atlas retained its MQB platform, which is shared with other VW models like the Jetta and Golf. The interior of the Atlas was minimalist, with a focus on functionality, though the material quality was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and faux wood and metal trim.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica received a mid-generation refresh that gave it a more muscular aesthetic with new LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which added darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which featured quilted Nappa leather seats and upscale finishes. The Pacifica's interior was designed for family life, with features like Stow 'n Go seating and ample storage space, making it a versatile and comfortable choice for families.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Atlas's driving experience was underwhelming, with rough shifts and poor ride quality, especially with the 20-inch wheels. Despite having an Offroad mode and 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance, the Atlas was best suited for pavement due to its lack of a 4WD system with low range. The VR6 models had a towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms, while the four-cylinder models were limited to 900 kilograms. Fuel efficiency was not impressive, with the four-cylinder engine rated at 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined and the VR6 at 12.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered a traditional 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid option combined a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with a fuel efficiency of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The traditional V6 Pacifica had a combined fuel efficiency of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres, which increased to 12.0 litres per 100 kilometres with AWD. The AWD system was a new addition, automatically activating when needed and deactivating to improve fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler with three rows of seating. It offered 2,741 litres of cargo space behind the front seats and 583 litres with all seats up. While it provided more third-row legroom than most competitors, it sacrificed second-row legroom, which was the worst among its peers. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable, with thin cushions. The Atlas featured a driver-focused layout with controls within easy reach, up to five USB ports, and a wireless charging pad. It had a tall driving position, but forward visibility was limited. The Atlas included ultrasonic parking sensors and available low-speed automatic braking and active park assist.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and ample storage space. It featured rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for the second and third rows. The Pacifica provided plenty of legroom for passengers, with the second- and third-row seats offering comfort for both children and adults. The cargo area was spacious, with a best-in-class total storage capacity of 3,979 litres. The Pacifica's interior was practical and versatile, making it an excellent choice for family travel.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with satellite radio. The Digital Cockpit was available on higher trims, replacing analog gauges with a 10.3-inch digital display. The Atlas was set to receive VW's new MIBIII infotainment system later in the year, offering multi-phone pairing and improved voice recognition. The base audio system was decent, with a 12-speaker Fender audio system available on the Execline trim.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was modern, responsive, and customizable. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. The second-row in-seat entertainment system was optional, with additional games available. The Pacifica offered a six-speaker sound system, with upgrades to a 13-speaker Alpine system or a 19-speaker Harman Kardon option. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat functionality.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a top "good" rating in all IIHS crash tests, with a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2021 model, but the 2020 model received a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. The Atlas was set to receive more advanced driver aids later in the year, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 standard or available safety features. In Canada, most safety features were available from the Touring-L grade, including automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning with active braking. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with the IIHS yet to rate the model.