2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It showcased a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, moving away from the angular designs of the Tiguan and Atlas. The ID.4, built on VW’s MEB platform, was introduced to the North American market as a crossover, a strategic choice given the region's preference for such vehicles over hatchbacks. Despite its SUV-like aspirations, the ID.4's design closely resembled the ID.3 hatchback, which might not have resonated with buyers seeking a traditional SUV appearance. Inside, the ID.4 combined Volkswagen’s minimalist design with a tech-forward aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic finishes. The base model came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while leatherette upholstery was available through an upgrade package.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, while not a visual standout, offered a unique proposition as a plug-in hybrid minivan. Despite its minivan image, which some might find unappealing, it provided practical advantages like sliding side doors for easy access in tight spaces. The Pacifica Hybrid was a rare find, being the only plug-in hybrid minivan available, with no direct competitors offering the same combination of features. The model came with a hefty price tag, starting at $55,995 for the base Touring L trim, excluding destination charges. The Limited trim, tested with additional features like the S Appearance Package and a rear-seat entertainment system, pushed the price to $64,960. Despite its cost, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a comfortable interior with premium leather and a spacious cabin, though its styling felt softer and less modern compared to newer designs.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was available in two powertrain configurations. The base rear-wheel drive (RWD) version featured a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This marked the first RWD Volkswagen passenger car in North America since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version added a second electric motor for a total output of 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The ID.4 was tuned for comfort, offering a smooth ride over bumps and potholes, though it exhibited body roll in corners. Unlike many electric cars, the ID.4 did not support one-pedal driving, relying on friction brakes for deceleration.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The electric drive system provided immediate torque, ensuring the Pacifica never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded. The van could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped extend the electric range, capturing energy during coasting. The Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres, outperforming its closest rival, the Toyota Sienna, which used a four-cylinder engine. The transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless, and the powertrain operated efficiently without requiring driver intervention. However, the driving experience was unremarkable, with light steering and limited cornering grip.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, though its legroom was average for the segment. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded, surpassing several electric competitors but falling short of gasoline models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, opting instead for more cabin space. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility, though rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and standard heated steering wheel and front seats, which proved effective in cold conditions.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and substantial cargo space. It featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were plentiful, with various bins and trays throughout the cabin. The second-row seats were more comfortable than those in a standard Pacifica, though they did not fold into the floor, requiring removal for maximum cargo space. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults and children, with cupholders and USB ports. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third row folded, and up to 3,978 litres with the second row removed.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a 5.3-inch display screen for the instrument cluster and haptic touchpads for controls, which proved challenging to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light, a light strip that communicated information to the driver. While some features felt gimmicky, the infotainment system was well-positioned and easy to navigate.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen with appealing graphics and a user-friendly interface. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and allowed for simultaneous Bluetooth pairing of two devices. The available FamCam system provided a view of rear-seat passengers, and the optional 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system offered customizable sound quality. The Pacifica also offered Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat entertainment, though personal devices were often preferred by passengers. The vehicle included a surround-view camera system and parking assist, though the latter was deemed less effective than manual parking.

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

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety features than any other vehicle in the industry. It included a rear-seat reminder system and a comprehensive package of driver-assist and collision-avoidance features. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars. The adaptive cruise control system required refinement, as it was slow to resume speed and overly cautious in traffic.