2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Volkswagen Taos

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered a unique blend of practicality and efficiency that was hard to ignore. While it didn't boast the rugged image of a midsize crossover SUV, it provided the convenience of sliding side doors, making it ideal for families. The Pacifica Hybrid stood out as a plug-in hybrid minivan, a rarity in the market, offering an electric-only driving range that was unmatched by any three-row SUV from mainstream brands. However, its styling, even with the S Appearance Package, was considered soft and dated, and its price tag was on the higher side, starting at $49,095 for the base model.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos was designed for global appeal, offering a stylish and sporty look that resonated with many consumers. It quickly became Volkswagen's third-best-selling model in the U.S. in 2022, surpassing the Jetta. The Taos was available in S, SE, and SEL trims, with prices ranging from $24,155 to $34,535, excluding destination charges. The SEL trim, with its bold 19-inch alloy wheels and upscale appearance, aimed to justify its higher price point. Inside, the Taos SEL featured premium materials and a spacious interior, making it feel larger than its competitors.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total of 260 horsepower. The electric drive system provided immediate torque, ensuring the Pacifica never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded. It 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, contributing to an impressive average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for FWD models and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic for AWD models. The Taos offered up to five driving modes, but the powertrain response was unpredictable, with occasional surges of torque and delays in response. Despite its sporty character, the Taos lacked power compared to rivals like the Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona N. The Taos averaged 26.8 mpg during testing, slightly below its EPA rating. The driving experience was characterized by firm handling and good visibility, but the brakes were occasionally unpredictable.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of 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 various bins and trays throughout the cabin. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, but they required removal to maximize cargo space. 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 folded and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos offered a spacious interior with comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers. The SEL trim featured real leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. The Taos felt larger inside than many competitors, providing ample legroom and headroom for rear passengers. Storage space was generous, with deep wells in the cargo area and a total of 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 65.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The 4Motion models had slightly reduced cargo space.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display with appealing graphics and a user-friendly interface. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The Pacifica also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, although the sound quality required adjustment. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but not widely used by passengers with personal devices.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos came with standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL trim featuring a 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system varied by trim, with the Taos S offering a 6.5-inch touchscreen and the SE and SEL trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SEL trim included a native navigation system, an eight-speaker Beats Audio premium sound system, and access to connected services. However, the user experience was hindered by hidden virtual controls, a complex radio tuning process, and limited voice-recognition capabilities. Pairing a smartphone and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was recommended for a smoother experience.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, although the adaptive cruise control required refinement. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos improved its standard safety features, with the Taos S including Front Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Taos SE added the IQ.Drive collection of ADAS, including Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. The Taos also featured a post-collision automatic braking system, automatic high-beam headlights, and parking sensors with automatic braking. Travel Assist performed well during testing, providing smooth and accurate assistance. The Taos received decent crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.