2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that included new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille design. These changes extended the Atlas by 2.4 inches, giving it a more extroverted appearance compared to the previous model. The R-Line trim added sportier elements like unique bumpers and side skirts. Despite these updates, the Atlas maintained its MQB platform, which is shared with other VW models. The interior followed a minimalist approach, with a standard seven-seat configuration and available second-row captain’s chairs. However, the material quality, especially in the mid-level SE with Technology trim, was criticized for feeling cheap and unrefined.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica received a mid-generation refresh that enhanced its exterior with new LED headlights and a hexagonal grille, giving it a more muscular look. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle. Inside, the Pacifica offered a premium feel, especially in the Pinnacle trim, with quilted leather seats and upscale finishes. The dashboard was flat with a large 10.1-inch touchscreen, and the interior was designed to be both practical and luxurious. The Pacifica also focused on sound deadening, providing a quiet ride, and its doors closed with a reassuring thud, indicating solid build quality.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine with 276 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and optional 4Motion all-wheel drive. The driving experience with the base engine and AWD was underwhelming, with rough shifts and poor ride quality. The Atlas had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the VR6 engine, but only 2,000 pounds with the four-cylinder. Fuel economy was not impressive, with the four-cylinder achieving 22 mpg combined and the VR6 getting 19 mpg combined.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and a hybrid powertrain with a combined 260 horsepower. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of more than 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe. The V6 engine achieved 22 mpg combined, while the AWD version got 20 mpg combined. The AWD system was new for 2021 and activated on-demand, improving fuel efficiency by deactivating when not needed. The Pacifica Hybrid provided a smooth driving experience with its dual-motor electrically variable transmission.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler with three rows of seating. It offered 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. The third row provided more legroom than most competitors, but the second row was cramped and uncomfortable. The Atlas featured a user-friendly layout with controls within easy reach and up to five USB ports. It also had 17 cupholders and a tall driving position, though forward visibility was limited.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was built with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The interior featured power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow ’n Go seats for flexible cargo space. The second and third rows provided ample legroom, and the Pacifica Pinnacle offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters. The Pacifica's cargo area was spacious, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base model had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured an 8-inch screen. The Digital Cockpit was available on upper trims, offering a 10.3-inch digital display. The Atlas was set to receive the MIBIII infotainment system later in the year, enhancing voice recognition and navigation. A 12-speaker Fender audio system was available, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot supported up to four devices.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was modern and customizable. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with an optional second-row entertainment system. The Pacifica offered a six-speaker sound system, with upgrades to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top ratings in IIHS crash tests but had mixed headlight ratings. It came with standard automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. The Atlas was set to receive more advanced driver aids later in the year.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. It included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.