2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over with minor modifications from its predecessor, following significant updates in 2021. Volkswagen streamlined the lineup, offering configurations such as SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line. The Atlas boasted more standard features across most models, with pricing ranging from $34,355 to $51,505, plus a $1,195 destination charge. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, priced at $53,790, featured R-Line design elements, including 21-inch wheels that enhanced its upscale appearance. Despite its bold exterior, the interior, while simple and premium in design, was marred by low-cost materials and excessive hard plastics, detracting from the overall quality.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, with the Limited trim featuring the S Appearance Package. This package added body-colored door handles, gloss black grille accents, and 18-inch wheels. The Pacifica Hybrid, a practical minivan with sliding doors and ample cargo space, offered a sophisticated interior with Nappa leather seats and a few sweeping lines on the dash. However, the interior was predominantly dark unless upgraded to the top trim. The Pacifica's design included thoughtful features like chunky HVAC and audio knobs, though their proximity to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the SE, SE with Technology, and SEL trims, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine required premium fuel for optimal performance and had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 22 to 23 mpg combined. The 3.6-liter V6 engine, standard on higher trims, delivered 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, its fuel economy was lower at 19 to 20 mpg combined. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an Active Control system for AWD models, but its performance was hindered by a lack of power and refinement. The ride quality was mixed, with a busy ride on rough surfaces and a softer, more compliant feel on smoother roads.

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. In testing, the Pacifica exceeded these estimates, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode before switching to hybrid mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The Pacifica Hybrid was FWD only and lacked a towing package, but it offered a smooth driving experience with a CVT and a lower center of gravity for better handling.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a spacious interior with V-Tex leatherette seating, heated front seats, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat as standard. Higher trims added features like tri-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The Atlas excelled in interior space, comfortably seating seven adults and providing easy access to the third row. Cargo space was generous, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 96.8 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, unlined storage areas caused items to slide and create noise.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the rear seats. The interior included heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and comfortable second-row seats, though taller passengers might find them low. The Pacifica's third row was spacious, but competitors like the Honda Odyssey offered more legroom. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement, but cargo space remained ample, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, it missed features like a built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, featuring an 8-inch display that expanded to 10.25 inches on higher trims. The Atlas SE had a 6.5-inch touchscreen with basic infotainment features, while other trims offered the MIB3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. The user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome process for tuning the radio. The navigation system was hit-or-miss, and the Car-Net Hotspot plan was necessary for natural voice recognition.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and dual Bluetooth connectivity. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with streaming capabilities and games. The Pacifica Hybrid included numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained charged throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and the full collection of IQ Drive safety features. However, the Lane Assist technology struggled with old construction markings, and the Atlas did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, receiving four-star ratings in frontal-impact tests from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid included standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided both visual and audible alerts, while the adaptive cruise control offered smooth braking and acceleration. Optional features included parallel parking assistance and front and rear parking assist. The 2022 Pacifica received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.