2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from its predecessor, following significant updates in 2021. Available in four trim levels in Canada—Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, and Execline—the Atlas offered a range of features and pricing. The Execline trim, which was the top of the Canadian lineup, included R-Line design elements such as 21-inch alloy wheels that enhanced its upscale appearance. Despite its bold styling, the Atlas's interior, while simple and premium in design, was criticized for its use of low-cost materials, including hard, shiny plastics that detracted from the overall quality.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, offered a more practical design with its minivan format. The Limited trim with the S Appearance Package added stylish elements like body-coloured door handles and black accents. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior, though predominantly dark, featured Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dashboard design. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion. The Pacifica Hybrid's practicality was further enhanced by its sliding doors and ample cargo space, making it a family-friendly choice.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a 3.6-litre V6 engine. The turbocharged engine produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, requiring premium fuel for optimal performance. It had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms and a fuel consumption rating of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The V6 engine, standard on the Execline trim, delivered 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Despite its power, the V6 was criticized for its lack of refinement and efficiency, with a fuel consumption estimate of 12.2 L/100 km. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an AWD system with Active Control calibrations, but its ride quality and handling were not as refined as some competitors.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering a unique plug-in hybrid option in the minivan segment. It provided an all-electric range of 51 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with a fuel economy rating of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. In testing, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these estimates, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. The Pacifica Hybrid's FWD configuration and lack of a towing package limited its versatility compared to non-hybrid models. However, its 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque provided adequate performance for highway driving, and the CVT operated smoothly.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, seating seven people with ample head and legroom, even in the third row. The low step-in height made entry and exit easy, and the Atlas offered numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, leading to unwanted noise. Cargo space was generous, with 583 litres behind the third row, expandable to 1,572 litres with the third row folded, and 2,741 litres with the second row down.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured innovative family-friendly features like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the rear seats. The interior offered heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and comfortable second-row seats, though taller passengers might find them low. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was slightly reduced due to the battery placement, with 914 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third row folded, and 3,978 litres with all seats down. However, it lacked the Stow 'n Go seats and built-in vacuum available in non-hybrid models.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, featuring an 8-inch display standard and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The MIB3 infotainment system offered an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Fender audio system on the Execline trim. However, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and cumbersome navigation controls.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, praised for its user-friendly interface and crisp graphics. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also featured numerous USB ports and charging options, ensuring devices remained powered throughout journeys.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. However, the Lane Assist system was criticized for its sensitivity to road markings, and the Atlas did not achieve top safety ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid included standard safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. While some features required additional packages, the Pacifica Hybrid's safety systems were generally well-received. The 2022 model received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, and the IIHS awarded it Good marks in most categories.