2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Volkswagen designed the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport by eliminating the third row from the standard seven-passenger Atlas model, lowering the roofline by 2.3 inches for a sportier look, and shortening the SUV’s length by 5.2 inches. Despite these changes, the wheelbase remained the same, ensuring a spacious interior for five people. However, the reduced length and angled rear window decreased cargo space to 40.3 cubic feet behind the second-row seat and a maximum of 77.8 cubic feet. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels, added a bold and upscale appearance, although other wheel options were less appealing. The interior offered various color combinations, but the presence of hard, glossy plastic and unlined storage areas detracted from the overall quality impression.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, featured a mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package. This package added body-colored door handles and exterior mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black accents, complemented by 18-inch wheels with a “Foreshadow” finish. The minivan’s split grille was flanked by standard LED headlamps, and the LED tail lamps spanned the entire rear width. While the interior of the Limited trim was predominantly black, it featured handsome Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6, which did not require premium fuel, had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, compared to the turbo-four’s 2,000 pounds. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive (FWD) standard and Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD) system available. The V6 engine, standard in the SEL Premium R-Line trim, provided a more energetic feel despite the vehicle’s weight. However, the suspension tuning was inconsistent, resulting in a harsh ride on urban roads and a too-soft feel on winding roads. The V6 engine averaged 19.2 mpg during testing, slightly less efficient than the larger Atlas.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. It was the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid, with an EPA rating of 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined fuel economy. During testing, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these estimates, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. The battery could be fully charged in two hours using a Level 2 home charger. However, the Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode first, which was less efficient for highway driving. The hybrid model was only available with front-wheel drive (FWD) and lacked a spare tire and towing package, unlike the gasoline-only Pacifica.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, sharing its wheelbase and track width with the larger seven-passenger model, offered a spacious interior for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. A panoramic sunroof added to the sense of space, and rear side-window sunshades provided additional comfort. The cargo area, though reduced compared to the seven-passenger model, offered ample load-floor space and additional storage underneath.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The test vehicle included heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a comfortable driver’s seat with an adjustable center armrest. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the center pathway allowed easy access to the spacious third row. The Pacifica Hybrid’s cargo space remained the same as the standard model, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats down. However, the hybrid model lacked the Stow ‘n Go seats, built-in vacuum cleaner, and heated second-row seats available in the standard Pacifica.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE came standard with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring an 8-inch display and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB-C ports. Higher trims included a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit, an 8-inch touchscreen with proximity sensing, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM with 360L, wireless smartphone charging, and additional USB ports. The upgraded infotainment system offered access to three Car-Net connected service subscription plans, including remote start, emergency assistance, and a WiFi hotspot. However, the user experience could be frustrating, and the standard voice recognition technology was less effective without the Car-Net WiFi hotspot plan. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, which was highly praised.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its ease of use and crisp graphics. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with games and streaming content from Amazon Fire TV. However, the additional cost of $2,795 for this feature was questionable, given that most children already have phones or tablets. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered numerous USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging, ensuring that devices remained charged.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and a low-speed automatic braking system. The SEL trim featured automatic high-beam LED headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and IQ Drive, which included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The SEL Premium R-Line trim added a semi-autonomous Parking Steering Assistant system and an Area View 360-degree camera system. The Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings but did not earn the highest accolades from the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came standard with blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking assist, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided both visual and audible alerts, and the adaptive cruise control system offered smooth braking and quick acceleration. However, features such as parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist required an additional package or the top Pinnacle trim. The 2023 Pacifica Hybrid had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall safety rating. The IIHS gave it Good marks in most categories, with Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.