The question of the sudden increase of collectivity in neutron-rich nuclei when approaching $N=40$ has recently interested both experimentalists and theorists. In this paper we study the development of collectivity along the chromium and iron isotopic chains. The calculations are performed within two different perspectives, namely, the proton-neutron interacting boson model (IBM-2) and interacting shell model (ISM) and compared with the available experimental data. The onset of collectivity is studied through nuclear quantities and observables that suggest differences in the nuclear structure of Cr and Fe isotopical chains. Furthermore, a prediction for the shape transition from a spherical vibrator to $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-soft rotor with nucleus ${}^{58}$Cr standing at the critical point is discussed.