2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a minivan that didn't shy away from its identity. Despite the stigma some people associated with minivans, the Pacifica Hybrid offered practical features like sliding side doors, which made it easier to load children in tight parking spaces. Its exterior and interior design, though rounded and flowing, appeared somewhat dated compared to the more architectural motifs popular at the time. The Pacifica Hybrid wasn't cheap, with the base Touring L starting at $49,095 and the Limited trim costing $54,095. Our test vehicle, a Limited trim with additional features, had an MSRP of $57,680, including the destination charge. The interior featured quality black Nappa premium leather, but the overall design didn't attempt to disguise its minivan nature.

Volkswagen's 2022 Atlas Cross Sport was a sportier, more upscale version of the standard Atlas. By removing the third row, lowering the roofline, and shortening the length, VW created a bold and stylish SUV. The SEL Premium R-Line trim, with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels, emphasized the vehicle's broad-shouldered stance. However, the interior had an abundance of hard, glossy plastic, which dulled the impression of quality. Despite this, the Atlas Cross Sport offered a spacious and comfortable interior for five people, with plenty of storage space. The test vehicle, priced at $52,495, provided a more affordable yet stylish alternative to the standard Atlas.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid 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 16-kWh battery pack allowed the Pacifica Hybrid to travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone. The van never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible. During testing, the Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and a lack of cornering grip.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine, which did not require premium fuel, provided a more satisfying driving experience and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The test vehicle, equipped with the V6 and 4Motion AWD, felt more energetic than the standard Atlas. However, the ride quality was inconsistent, with the suspension feeling too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds. The V6 engine averaged 19.2 mpg during testing, and the overall driving experience was marred by occasional operational refinement issues.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were plentiful, with various bins and shelves throughout the cabin. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Stow n' Go seats, but they did not collapse into the floor, requiring removal to maximize cargo space. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and track width with the larger Atlas, resulting in 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 a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The panoramic sunroof added to the sense of space, and rear side-window sunshades helped keep the interior cool. The cargo area offered plenty of space, with deep wells for additional storage. However, the shorter length and lower roofline reduced cargo capacity compared to the seven-passenger Atlas.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system allowed for five user profiles and included features like FamCam, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the sound quality required adjustment for optimal performance. The rear-seat entertainment system, while advanced, was not utilized by the teenagers during testing, suggesting it might be an unnecessary expense for families with tech-savvy children.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport's base SE trim included an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch digital cockpit, an 8-inch touchscreen with proximity sensing, wireless smartphone charging, and additional USB ports. The upgraded infotainment system offered access to Car-Net connected services, including remote start, emergency assistance, and a WiFi hotspot. However, the user experience was often frustrating, with issues related to touchscreen interaction and voice recognition technology. The 12-speaker Fender premium sound system in the test vehicle was praised for its quality.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. However, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist was not available. 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 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and an automatic post-collision braking system as standard. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and IQ Drive, which included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings but did not earn the highest accolades from the IIHS or NHTSA.