2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was offered in a variety of trims, including S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium, with optional Technology and R-Line packages. Its design was a major selling point, featuring a shorter and lower profile than the larger Atlas, giving it a sleek SUV coupe appearance. The SEL Premium trim with the R-Line package was particularly striking, with large 21-inch wheels and a custom look enhanced by Pure Gray paint. Inside, the Atlas Cross Sport had a visually appealing interior with a two-tone color scheme, though it included some hard plastics. The design and materials were well-executed for its segment, with ambient lighting adding a touch of sophistication.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh, resulting in a more muscular exterior 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 and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which featured premium materials like quilted leather seats and wood accents. The dashboard housed a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and the cabin was designed to minimize noise, providing a serene driving experience.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. However, the optional 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, was more popular due to its better performance in daily driving. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the vehicle offered front-wheel drive with an optional 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The Atlas Cross Sport had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and was equipped with Active Control traction settings. Despite its performance capabilities, the vehicle was noted for its thirstiness, averaging 18.7 mpg in testing.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Alternatively, a hybrid powertrain combined a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower. The Pacifica's AWD system was newly available, automatically engaging when needed. The hybrid model boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, with an impressive 82 MPGe. The traditional V6 achieved 22 mpg combined, while the AWD version managed 20 mpg combined.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, though smaller than the Atlas, offered a spacious interior. The front seats were large, heated, and ventilated, with numerous power adjustments. The second row provided ample legroom and headroom, with heated seat cushions and rear air-conditioning vents. The vehicle had a dual-zone automatic climate control system, though it struggled in direct sunlight. Storage was plentiful, with a large center console and various compartments. The cargo space measured 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.8 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, featuring power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating. The front seating area was spacious, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. The second row had under-console storage, and the third row offered Stow 'n Go seating. The Pacifica's cargo area was generous, with best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters in the Pinnacle trim.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered three infotainment systems, with the top-trim featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, USB-C ports, and a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system. It included Car-Net connected services, WiFi, and safe teen driving features. However, it lacked a natural voice recognition system, requiring reliance on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for voice commands.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was modern, responsive, and easy to use. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional in-seat entertainment for the second row. The Pinnacle trim offered FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features. The sound system options ranged from a standard six-speaker setup to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included a comprehensive suite of safety features, with advanced driving assistance systems standard even on the base trim. The SEL Premium R-Line trim had additional features like road-sign recognition and Traffic Jam Assist. Crash-test results were not available, but the larger Atlas performed well in safety tests.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came with 97 standard safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though IIHS ratings were pending.