2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered a unique proposition in the automotive market. It was a plug-in hybrid with three rows, a rarity among mainstream brands. While it didn't boast a striking appearance, even with the S Appearance Package, it was a practical choice for families. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior, adorned with black Nappa premium leather, exuded quality, though its design felt somewhat dated compared to more modern, angular styles. Despite its high price tag, the Pacifica Hybrid provided a compelling option for those seeking efficiency and practicality in a family vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presented a bold and sporty appearance, especially in the Execline trim with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels. By removing the third row and lowering the roofline, Volkswagen created a more coupe-like SUV that still offered ample space for five passengers. The Atlas Cross Sport's interior featured a mix of appealing colour combinations, though the use of hard, glossy plastics detracted from the overall impression of quality. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas Cross Sport's design and style made it an attractive choice for those seeking a more upscale SUV experience.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total output of 260 horsepower. The electric drive system provided immediate torque, ensuring the Pacifica never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded. It 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, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was somewhat uninspiring, with light steering, unremarkable brakes, and limited cornering grip.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 producing 276 horsepower. The V6 engine, paired with VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, provided a more satisfying driving experience, especially in the two-row Cross Sport. However, the V6's fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 12.3 L/100 km during testing. The Atlas Cross Sport's suspension struggled with ride quality, feeling harsh at lower speeds and too soft at higher speeds. Despite these issues, the Cross Sport excelled on highways, where the ride was more agreeable, and the V6 engine performed efficiently.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone climate control, and numerous storage options. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, though they required removal to maximize cargo space. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third row folded and 3,978 litres with the second row removed.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its interior dimensions with the larger seven-passenger model, providing generous space for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and a dual-zone climate control system. The panoramic sunroof added to the sense of spaciousness, while the cargo area offered ample load-floor real estate. However, the use of unlined storage areas resulted in potential rattles and scraping noises during drives. Despite its shorter length and lower roofline, the Atlas Cross Sport accommodated full-size suitcases and additional luggage with ease.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a FamCam overhead camera system. The system allowed for multiple user profiles and simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the Harman Kardon premium sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but not essential for families with personal devices.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, an 8-inch touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system included Bluetooth pairing for two devices, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless smartphone charging. While the technology offered essential features, the user experience was occasionally frustrating, particularly with the touchscreen and voice recognition. The Execline trim featured a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system, delivering impressive sound quality for the price point.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control required refinement, as it was slow to resume speed and overly sensitive to vehicles cutting in. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a semi-autonomous Park Assist system. The Travel Assist system combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist, though it occasionally lacked refinement. The Atlas Cross Sport received favourable crash-test ratings, though it did not achieve the highest accolades from the IIHS or NHTSA.