Compare the2023 Chrysler PacificaVS 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and middle seat shoulder belts of the Chrysler Pacifica are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Volkswagen Atlas doesn’t offer height-adjustable middle seat belts.

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Pacifica are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Atlas doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Chrysler Pacifica has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Atlas doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Both the Pacifica and the Atlas have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Chrysler Pacifica is safer than the Volkswagen Atlas:

	Pacifica	Atlas
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	168	307
Neck Injury Risk	29%	30%
Neck Stress	230 lbs.	412 lbs.
Neck Compression	56 lbs.	59 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	75/194 lbs.	67/229 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	196	277
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.7 inches
Neck Injury Risk	25%	39%
Neck Stress	117 lbs.	129 lbs.
Neck Compression	51 lbs.	117 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Chrysler Pacifica is safer than the Volkswagen Atlas:

	Pacifica	Atlas
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	66	144
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	14 inches
Spine Acceleration	50 G’s	51 G’s
Hip Force	616 lbs.	800 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Pacifica is 2% to 4.2% less likely to roll over than the Atlas.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Pacifica its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 92 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Atlas was last a “Top Safety Pick Plus” in 2019 but no longer qualifies.

Warranty

Chrysler’s powertrain warranty covers the Pacifica 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Volkswagen covers the Atlas. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the Atlas ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The Pacifica’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Atlas’ (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

There are almost 4 times as many Chrysler dealers as there are Volkswagen dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Pacifica’s warranty.

Reliability

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Chrysler vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Chrysler 5 places higher in reliability than Volkswagen.

Engine

The Pacifica Hybrid’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6 hybrid produces 25 more horsepower (260 vs. 235) than the Atlas’ standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The Pacifica’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6 produces 11 more horsepower (287 vs. 276) than the Atlas’ optional 3.6 DOHC V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the Chrysler Pacifica is faster than the Volkswagen Atlas V6:

	Pacifica Hybrid	Pacifica V6	Atlas
Zero to 60 MPH	7.8 sec	7.3 sec	7.9 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	19.7 sec	20.2 sec	20.2 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	8.1 sec	7.9 sec	8.2 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	90 MPH	91 MPH	89 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Pacifica running on electricity gets better mileage than the Atlas:

			MPGe
Pacifica
	FWD	Hybrid Electric Motor	87 city/77 hwy
Atlas
			MPG
	FWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	21 city/25 hwy
		3.6 DOHC V6	18 city/24 hwy
	AWD	3.6 DOHC V6	18 city/23 hwy
		2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/24 hwy

On the EPA test cycle the Pacifica running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the Atlas:

			MPG
Pacifica
	FWD	3.6 V6 Hybrid	29 city/30 hwy
		3.6 DOHC V6	19 city/28 hwy
	AWD	3.6 DOHC V6	17 city/25 hwy
Atlas
	FWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	21 city/25 hwy
		3.6 DOHC V6	18 city/24 hwy
	AWD	3.6 DOHC V6	18 city/23 hwy

The Pacifica Hybrid can travel with zero emissions for 32 miles. The Atlas can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the Pacifica Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Atlas doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Chrysler Pacifica uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Atlas with the 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder engine requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Pacifica has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Atlas doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Chrysler Pacifica higher (7 out of 10) than the Volkswagen Atlas (3 to 5). This means the Pacifica produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Atlas every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Chrysler Pacifica, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the Atlas.

The Pacifica Hybrid has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Atlas doesn’t offer a CVT.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Pacifica AWD’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Atlas:

	Pacifica AWD	Atlas
Front Rotors	13.8 inches	13.2 inches
Rear Rotors	13.4 inches	12.2 inches

The Pacifica stops much shorter than the Atlas:

	Pacifica	Atlas
70 to 0 MPH	164 feet	174 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	122 feet	139 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

Having a flat tire is dangerous, inconvenient and expensive. The self-sealing tires available on the Pacifica can automatically seal most punctures up to 3/16 of an inch, effectively preventing most flat tires. The Atlas doesn’t offer self-sealing tires.

Suspension and Handling

The Pacifica has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Atlas’ suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Pacifica’s wheelbase is 4.3 inches longer than on the Atlas (121.6 inches vs. 117.3 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Pacifica is 1.4 inches wider in the front and .8 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Atlas.

For better maneuverability, the Pacifica’s turning circle is .8 feet tighter than the Atlas’ (39.7 feet vs. 40.5 feet). The Pacifica AWD’s turning circle is .3 feet tighter than the Atlas’ (40.2 feet vs. 40.5 feet).

Chassis

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the Pacifica has liquid-filled engine mounts. The liquid helps further dampen engine harshness. The Atlas uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

The front grille of the Pacifica uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Atlas doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Pacifica uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Atlas doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The Pacifica offers optional seating for 8 passengers; the Atlas can only carry 7.

The Pacifica has 11.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Atlas (165.1 vs. 153.7).

The Pacifica has .8 inches more front hip room, 2.3 inches more front shoulder room, 1.4 inches more rear legroom, 6.8 inches more rear hip room, 2.2 inches more rear shoulder room, .4 inches more third row headroom, 2.8 inches more third row legroom, 4.4 inches more third row hip room and 6.3 inches more third row shoulder room than the Atlas.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Pacifica’s middle and third row seats recline. The Atlas’ third row seats don’t recline.

The front step up height for the Pacifica is 1.7 inches lower than the Atlas (16.3” vs. 18”).

Cargo Capacity

The Pacifica’s cargo area provides more volume than the Atlas.

	Pacifica	Atlas
Behind Third Seat	32.3 cubic feet	20.6 cubic feet
Third Seat Folded	87.5 cubic feet	55.5 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	140.5 cubic feet	96.8 cubic feet

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Pacifica easier. The Pacifica’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 24.3 inches, while the Atlas’ liftover is 29.7 inches.

The Pacifica’s cargo area is larger than the Atlas’ in almost every dimension:

	Pacifica	Atlas
Length to seat (3rd/2nd/1st)	23.2”/57.5”/92.5”	23.8”/53”/85”
Max Width	49.3”	61.6”
Min Width	48.8”	45”
Height	47.6”	37.5”

The Pacifica has standard Stow ’n Go second and third row seats (except Hybrid for the second row), which fold flat into the floor. This completely clears a very large cargo area quickly. The Atlas doesn’t offer seats that fold into the floor.

Pressing a switch automatically lowers or raises the Pacifica Limited/Pinnacle’s third row seats, to make changing between cargo and passengers easier. The Atlas doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Towing

The Pacifica’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Atlas’ (3600 vs. 2000 pounds).

Optional Trailer Sway Control on the Pacifica (except Hybrid/Touring) uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Atlas doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Ergonomics

The Pacifica Touring L/Limited/Pinnacle’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Atlas doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Pacifica’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Atlas does not have an oil pressure gauge.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Pacifica has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the Atlas only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

The Pacifica’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Atlas has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Pacifica has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the Atlas SEL.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Pacifica is less expensive to operate than the Atlas because it costs $582 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the Pacifica than the Atlas, including $431 less for a water pump, $287 less for a starter, $338 less for fuel injection, $173 less for front struts, $511 less for a timing belt/chain and $730 less for a power steering pump.

Recommendations

The Pacifica was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Five/10Best Trucks” for 3 of the last 6 years. The Atlas has never been a Car and Driver “Top Five/10Best Truck” pick.

The Chrysler Pacifica/Voyager outsold the Volkswagen Atlas by 7% during 2020.