2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

2021 Chrysler Pacifica
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
$36,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Volkswagen ID.4
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
$39,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Chrysler Pacifica
$36,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
$39,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is 8.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is the recommended choice, offering a superior blend of practicality, comfort, and safety for families.

Overview

MSRP

$36,245

MSRP

$39,995

Average price

$26,965

Average price

$24,087

Listings

849

Listings

193
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Spacious third row
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Plug-in hybrid can't be ordered with all-wheel drive
Pros
  • Quiet cabin
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Unimpressive electric range
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Poor visibility

2021 Chrysler Pacifica Reviews Summary

The Chrysler Pacifica minivan has undergone a styling and tech refresh for the 2021 model year. It continues to deliver what families want and need from a daily driver. Chrysler continues to offer the model with either a traditional V6 engine or hybrid powertrain and has upped the ante with a new premium Pinnacle trim level. With 97 standard safety features and gobs of well-designed storage space, it’s easy to see why the Pacifica is the perfect choice for many families.

2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Reviews Summary

The “Dieselgate” emissions scandal forced Volkswagen to double down on electric cars, and now we’re finally seeing the first result of that: the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover.

VW has made an electric car before, but its last attempt, the e-Golf, was built to satisfy emissions standards, not rack up sales. It was barely advertised, and it was sold only in certain states. That’s not the case with the ID.4, which will be available nationwide and will even be built in Tennessee starting in 2022. Volkswagen views the ID.4 as a rival not to other EVs, but to mainstream gasoline vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Being late to the party means there are already several other EVs trying to coax new-car buyers away from internal combustion, however. If you want a reasonably-priced EV, the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Kia Niro EV already exist, and General Motors just announced the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV—a new variant of the Chevy Bolt EV with a crossover body style similar to the Volkswagen.

We tested an ID.4 1st Edition, which commemorates the car’s launch, and an ID.4 PRO S with all-wheel drive (AWD). The 1st Edition is a limited-edition model that has already sold out, but it’s mechanically identical to the ID.4 Pro S AWD, albeit with power sent only to the rear wheels.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.6L 287 hp V6

Engine

201 hp Electric

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

8

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

287 hp @ 6400 rpm

Horsepower

EV Battery Capacity

EV Battery Capacity

82 kWh

MPG City

19

MPG City

104

MPG Highway

28

MPG Highway

89

Battery Charge Time (240V)

Battery Charge Time (240V)

8 hours
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
$36,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
$39,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
$36,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
$39,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is 8.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is the recommended choice, offering a superior blend of practicality, comfort, and safety for families.

Overview
MSRP
$36,245
$39,995
Average price
$26,965
$24,087
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.8
4.7
Expert reviews

8.7 out of 10

Read full review

7.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Spacious third row
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Plug-in hybrid can't be ordered with all-wheel drive
Pros
  • Quiet cabin
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Unimpressive electric range
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Poor visibility
Summary
The Chrysler Pacifica minivan has undergone a styling and tech refresh for the 2021 model year. It continues to deliver what families want and need from a daily driver. Chrysler continues to offer the model with either a traditional V6 engine or hybrid powertrain and has upped the ante with a new premium Pinnacle trim level. With 97 standard safety features and gobs of well-designed storage space, it’s easy to see why the Pacifica is the perfect choice for many families.

The “Dieselgate” emissions scandal forced Volkswagen to double down on electric cars, and now we’re finally seeing the first result of that: the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover.

VW has made an electric car before, but its last attempt, the e-Golf, was built to satisfy emissions standards, not rack up sales. It was barely advertised, and it was sold only in certain states. That’s not the case with the ID.4, which will be available nationwide and will even be built in Tennessee starting in 2022. Volkswagen views the ID.4 as a rival not to other EVs, but to mainstream gasoline vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Being late to the party means there are already several other EVs trying to coax new-car buyers away from internal combustion, however. If you want a reasonably-priced EV, the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Kia Niro EV already exist, and General Motors just announced the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV—a new variant of the Chevy Bolt EV with a crossover body style similar to the Volkswagen.

We tested an ID.4 1st Edition, which commemorates the car’s launch, and an ID.4 PRO S with all-wheel drive (AWD). The 1st Edition is a limited-edition model that has already sold out, but it’s mechanically identical to the ID.4 Pro S AWD, albeit with power sent only to the rear wheels.

Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.6L 287 hp V6
201 hp Electric
Drive Train
FWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
8
5
Horsepower
287 hp @ 6400 rpm
EV Battery Capacity
82 kWh
MPG City
19
104
MPG Highway
28
89
Battery Charge Time (240V)
8 hours
Look and feel
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
9/10
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
8/10

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that included a revised exterior. The new standard LED headlights flanked a hexagonal grille, giving the Pacifica a more muscular look compared to its previous elegant design. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp running the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. Six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which added darkened features and black accents, were also introduced.

Inside, the Pacifica differentiated itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by offering a blend of practicality and premium features. The Pacifica Pinnacle trim stood out with its luxurious touches, including quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats. The flat dashboard, anchored by a 10.1-inch touchscreen, combined with Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and real metal surrounds, made it the poshest minivan available. The doors had a well-weighted feel, and sound deadening technology kept the cabin quiet.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, featuring a distinctive look with a streamlined profile and wheels pushed to the corners. It shared some design elements with the European-market ID.3 hatchback but was tailored for the U.S. market as a crossover. The ID.4's interior combined Volkswagen's minimalism with a smartphone aesthetic, using Piano black and matte plastic materials. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while higher trims offered leatherette upholstery.

The ID.4's interior design aimed to balance tech and comfort. The cabin felt spacious, with good forward visibility despite the steeply-raked windshield. However, rearward visibility was compromised by thick rear pillars and a small back window. The console was narrow and close to the floor, providing limited storage space. Heated steering wheel and front seats were standard, which proved effective in cold weather. The seats had good cushioning, but the driver's seat lacked thigh support.

Performance
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
8/10
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
8/10

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine paired with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The base Touring and Touring L trims came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered either all-wheel drive (AWD) or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, new to the Pacifica lineup, activated on-demand based on various driving conditions and deactivated to improve fuel efficiency when not needed.

The Pacifica Hybrid had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of more than 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD models seeing a slight decrease in fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. An AWD version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, increasing power output to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4's RWD setup provided balanced handling, while the AWD version offered additional power and traction.

The ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, with a smooth ride over bumps and potholes but noticeable body roll in corners. Regenerative braking was less aggressive than in other EVs, with VW opting for a more traditional braking feel to provide a familiar experience for drivers transitioning from gasoline cars.

Form and function
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
9/10
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
7/10

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seats provided ample space and a sense of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seats were standard, with the second-row seats offering under-console storage. The Pacifica's cargo area was spacious, with best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters in the Pinnacle trim.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, more than several EV competitors but less than gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, but the cabin felt spacious, with good forward visibility. The console was narrow, providing limited storage space, but the heated steering wheel and front seats were effective in cold weather.

Technology
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
8/10
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
7/10

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable interface with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option. The Pinnacle trim included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with a rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat feature. A six-speaker sound system was standard, with 13-speaker Alpine and 19- and 20-speaker Harman Kardon options available.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (a 12-inch screen was optional) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display screen served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced traditional switchgear. The control setup was challenging to use, but the natural-language voice-control system provided an alternative. The ID.Light feature communicated information to the driver through a light strip at the base of the windshield. The touchscreen was well-positioned, with smart-looking graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

Safety
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
9/10
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
7/10

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, advanced brake assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were new standard features, with Travel Assist providing automated lane centering and Emergency Assist bringing the car to a stop if the driver was incapacitated.

Cost Effectiveness
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
9/10
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
7/10
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