2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It replaced the straight lines and sharp angles of the Tiguan and Atlas with a streamlined profile and wheels pushed out to the corners. The ID.4 was part of VW’s EV-specific MEB platform, following the European-market ID.3 hatchback. Despite its SUV-like styling, the ID.4 didn’t quite look like an SUV, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. The interior combined Volkswagen’s minimalism with a tech-focused design, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. Standard features included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available on higher trims.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite being a minivan, offered a unique package for efficiently transporting up to seven people. It featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The interior was comfortable, with black Nappa premium leather and a rounded, flowing design. However, the Pacifica’s styling appeared soft and dated compared to more modern designs. Despite its high price, the Pacifica Hybrid provided a practical and efficient solution for families.

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. It was the first rear-wheel-drive Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, with a smooth ride over bumps but noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking for one-pedal driving, relying more on friction brakes to provide a familiar experience for drivers transitioning from gasoline cars.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded, and could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, contributing to an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing. The Pacifica Hybrid’s powertrain operated smoothly, with nearly imperceptible transitions between electric and gasoline power. However, the driving experience was unremarkable, with light and uncommunicative steering, occasionally grabby brakes, and limited cornering grip. Despite these drawbacks, the Pacifica Hybrid’s powertrain was praised for its efficiency and ease of use.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many 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 rivals but less than gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, but the interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility. However, rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars and a small back window. The center console offered limited storage space, but the heated steering wheel and front seats were effective in maintaining cabin warmth during cold weather.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seats and ample cargo space. It featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were plentiful, with extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin behind the center console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica’s Stow n’ Go seats but did not collapse into the floor, requiring 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, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (with an optional 12-inch screen) featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display screen served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced nearly all switchgear. While the setup looked modern, it was difficult to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 also included a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light feature, which communicated information to the driver through a light strip at the base of the windshield. Despite some gimmicky features, the touchscreen was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, offering appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and quick response times. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and an Amazon Fire TV-enabled rear-seat entertainment system. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the sound quality of the premium audio system required adjustment for optimal performance.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (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. The ID.4 also introduced Travel Assist, which added automated lane centering to adaptive cruise control, and Emergency Assist, designed to stop the car if the driver was incapacitated.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety and security features than any other vehicle in the industry. It included a rear-seat reminder system to prevent leaving children or pets inside the vehicle. Standard driver-assist and collision-avoidance features were comprehensive, though adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist was not available. The Pacifica Hybrid’s adaptive cruise control needed refinement, particularly in recognizing departing vehicles and moderating speed when other motorists cut in. 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.