Volkswagen Atlas or Jeep Grand Cherokee L?

We are looking at a 22/23 VW Atlas, or a Jeep Grand Cherokee L. We are open to other suggestions as well. We have four kids so 6 seat minimum. We have a 14' Nissan Pathfinder with 182K miles on it and the transmission just went out. That vehicle doesn't owe us anything as it has been great, but the repair price far exceeds the vehicle's value. We test drove a Toyota Highlander and it felt cramped and also at the top of our budget.

Is VW and Jeep really as scary as their reputation has made them out to be? I guess any pro's and con's from all of you out there in reddit land would be appreciated.