2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a spacious interior, fitting comfortably within Volkswagen's lineup between the subcompact and compact segments. It competed with models like the Kia Seltos, Jeep Compass, and Subaru Crosstrek. The Taos was available in Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims, with a single engine option and a choice between front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive on the base model. The SUV's design featured elements typical of the SUV club, such as roof rails and skid plates, but its interior was criticized for its hard plastic materials, reminiscent of children's toys. However, the Highline trim offered upscale touches like two-tone perforated leather and contrast stitching.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a unique offering in the minivan segment, combining practicality with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Despite its minivan image, the Pacifica Hybrid provided a compelling package for those seeking efficiency and space. It featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, offering a total output of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The interior was comfortable, with quality leather upholstery and a range of storage solutions. However, its styling was considered soft and dated compared to more modern designs.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided adequate power, but the turbocharger's delayed response and the dual-clutch transmission's erratic shifting could be frustrating for some drivers. The Taos offered a smooth and compliant driving experience, with responsive steering and effective brakes. However, its ground clearance was limited compared to competitors like the Jeep Compass and Subaru Crosstrek. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with real-world testing showing an average of 8.7 L/100 km.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a 3.6-litre V6 engine and a dual-motor electric drive system. It delivered 260 horsepower, with immediate torque from the electric motors. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, and its regenerative braking system helped improve efficiency. During testing, the Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless, and the powertrain operated efficiently without requiring driver intervention. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered a spacious interior, with deeply bolstered front seats and ample legroom in the rear. The Highline trim featured heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a centre pass-through for ski trips. Cargo space varied depending on the drive system, with up to 1,866 litres available in the front-wheel-drive model and 1,705 litres in the 4Motion version. However, the centre armrest storage bin was small due to the rear air conditioning vents.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, with three rows of comfortable seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone automatic climate control, and a range of storage solutions. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, but they did not fold into the floor. The Pacifica Hybrid offered 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third row folded. Removing the second-row seats provided up to 3,978 litres of cargo space, surpassing many full-size SUVs.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos came equipped with a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the Trendline trim. The Comfortline and Highline trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with MIB3 software, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a BeatsAudio premium sound system. However, the infotainment system's user experience was criticized for its complexity, and the voice recognition technology was unreliable.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the FamCam overhead camera system. The system allowed for multiple user profiles and simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an optional rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered a range of safety and driver assistance features, but many were only available on higher trims or as part of an extra-cost package. The Comfortline trim included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highline trim added automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, and rear parking sensors. Travel Assist, a Level 2 advanced driving assistance system, and Emergency Assist were available on the Highline trim. However, the Taos had issues with its reverse automatic braking system, which could be turned off through the infotainment system.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, but the adaptive cruise control system needed refinement. The Pacifica Hybrid 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.