2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport retained much of the same design as the regular Atlas but featured a lower roofline and an aggressively-raked rear hatch. This design gave it a crossover coupe-like appearance, blending SUV ruggedness with car-like features. However, the styling was somewhat awkward, and the fake exhaust tips on the rear bumper of the SEL Premium model appeared tacky. The Cross Sport was shorter and lower than the seven-seat Atlas, sharing the same wheelbase and platform. It came with standard LED exterior lighting and various wheel sizes depending on the trim level. The R-Line trims added sportier exterior features, including different bumpers and side skirts.

Inside, the Cross Sport showcased VW’s minimalist design, which was visually appealing and functional but marred by subpar materials. Even with leather upholstery and contrast stitching in the SEL Premium model, the interior felt cheap due to the extensive use of hard and shiny plastics. The color scheme was also poorly executed, with dark colors blending together and making the interior feel unwelcoming. The flat-bottom steering wheel seemed out of place for a non-performance model.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite being a minivan, offered a unique proposition with its plug-in hybrid drivetrain. It wasn’t a visually striking vehicle, even with the S Appearance Package, and it came with a hefty price tag. The base Touring L started at $49,095, while the Limited trim cost $54,095, and the Pinnacle version was priced at $57,645. Our test vehicle, a Limited trim with additional features, had an MSRP of $57,680. However, the federal income tax credit of $7,500 brought the cost down slightly.

The interior of the Pacifica Hybrid was comfortable, with black Nappa premium leather and a design that felt somewhat dated compared to newer, more angular styles. The Pacifica didn’t try to hide its minivan identity, unlike the Kia Carnival. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a compelling package for those needing efficient transportation for up to seven people, with a focus on practicality and comfort.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two powertrain options: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and an optional 3.6-liter V6 engine. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and featured start-stop systems for improved fuel economy. The turbo-four engine produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the V6 delivered 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine provided a livelier acceleration experience, but midrange performance was lacking, and the transmission was slow to react.

The ride quality of the Cross Sport was subpar, with every bump and pothole making its presence felt. The cabin was noisy, with significant wind and tire noise. Despite its name, the Cross Sport didn’t feel sporty, handling more like a truck with considerable body roll and loose steering. The VR6 models had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder models were rated to tow 2,000 pounds. AWD versions featured Active Control with multiple drive modes and 8 inches of ground clearance, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee was a better choice for off-road adventures.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system. The total system output was 260 horsepower, with immediate torque from the electric drive system. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible.

During testing, the Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg on a mixed driving loop. The Toyota Sienna, its closest competitor, offered a combined fuel economy of 36 mpg but lacked the plug-in capability. The Pacifica Hybrid’s powertrain was impressive, but the driving experience was dull, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and a sometimes unnatural ride quality due to the low-mounted battery.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered competitive interior space for a two-row midsize crossover. Front-seat and rear-seat legroom were near the top of the class, but rear headroom was limited due to the sloping roofline. Cargo space was above average, with 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The second-row seats featured a 60/40 split-fold and a 14-degree backrest recline. The SE with Technology trim added a foot-activated tailgate. The Cross Sport included various storage options, such as cargo nets, cupholders, and storage bins.

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 automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were plentiful, with extra shelves, a large floor tray, and multiple bins. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica’s Stow n’ Go seats but required removal to maximize cargo space. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, with cupholders, USB ports, and side window shades.

The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. Removing the second-row seats increased cargo capacity to 140.5 cubic feet, surpassing the Chevy Tahoe. However, creating this space required more effort than in an SUV.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport featured two infotainment systems. The base S trim had the MIB2 system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims had the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems included USB-C ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The MIB3 system added multiple-device pairing and updated voice recognition. Higher trims included the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, a 10-inch reconfigurable display, and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. The MIB3 system was slow to load, and the voice recognition required specific prompts. The Digital Cockpit display was a valuable feature, and analog controls made basic functions easy to use.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. Uconnect 5 included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services. The system allowed for five user profiles and had a simple interface with knobs for volume and tuning. The voice recognition technology was inconsistent, but the system’s overall operation was satisfactory. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV. The surround-view camera system and parking assist were useful features.

The 2021 VW Atlas Cross Sport earned top “Good” scores in all IIHS crash tests, with mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, with five stars for side crash tests and four stars for frontal and rollover tests. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and parking assist. The Cross Sport also had unique features like the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System. New for 2021 were Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, available on higher trims.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety features than any other vehicle. It included a rear-seat reminder system and a complete package of driver-assist and collision-avoidance features. However, it lacked adaptive cruise control paired with lane-centering assist. The adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability needed refinement, as it was slow to recognize lane departures and overly aggressive in braking. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.