2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2020 Audi Q7

The 2020 Audi Q7 presented a refreshed exterior with updated front and rear styling, new wheels, and lighting elements that aligned it with the flagship Q8 model. The test vehicle, a Q7 55 TFSI Technik, featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine and started at $86,100 Canadian. Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with three digital displays, including Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. The cabin, adorned in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded an upscale and high-tech vibe, enhanced by multi-colour ambient lighting.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh, showcasing a more muscular aesthetic with a new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the model. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package with darkened features. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which boasted quilted Nappa leather seats and a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Pacifica’s interior was designed for family life, with features like Stow ’n Go seating and ample storage, making it a premium choice in the minivan segment.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI was powered by a new 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to enhance fuel efficiency, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive. Audi Drive Select offered various driving modes, and the SUV accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The Q7 had a maximum tow rating of nearly 3,500 kilograms and averaged 11.2 L/100 km during testing. The Technik trim included an adaptive air suspension, providing a smooth ride on various terrains. The Q7 excelled in agility and quietness, thanks to its dual-pane acoustic side window glass.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered a choice between a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower and a hybrid powertrain with a total of 260 horsepower. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with a fuel efficiency of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 10.6 L/100 km combined, with AWD models slightly less efficient. The AWD system, new to the Pacifica lineup, activated on-demand based on driving conditions, enhancing traction without compromising fuel efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only, focusing on efficiency and electric range.

The 2020 Audi Q7, while offering three rows of seats, was best suited for five passengers due to the cramped third row. With the third row folded, cargo capacity expanded from 402 litres to 1,010 litres, and up to 1,970 litres with both rows down. The Q7 provided comfort for a family of four, with features like heated and ventilated front seats, four-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. However, interior storage was limited, with minimal space in the centre console and door-panel bins.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed for family life, featuring spacious front seats and ample storage, including an under-stack area and under-console storage for second-row passengers. Standard features included power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow ’n Go seating, allowing for flexible cargo space. The Pacifica offered best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel. The second and third rows provided sufficient legroom, with Stow ’n Go seats available even on AWD models.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced MMI Touch Response technology, combining a 10.1-inch and an 8.6-inch touchscreen for system access. It included features like natural voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, and navigation. While the interface was generally intuitive, dry fingertips occasionally caused unresponsiveness. The Technik trim featured a head-up display and a Bose premium sound system, though Audi planned to upgrade to a Bang & Olufsen system in 2021.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica ran on Uconnect 5, a modern and customizable infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was responsive and easy to use, though it lacked a head-up display. The Pacifica offered an optional in-seat entertainment system with games and multiple ports for personal entertainment. Sound system options included a 13-speaker Alpine system and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system, with the Pinnacle Hybrid featuring a 20-speaker setup. The Pinnacle model also included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured HD Matrix LED headlights, rated "poor" by the IIHS due to glare but praised for their illumination. It included advanced driving-assistance systems like Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign-recognition system occasionally misread signs, leading to unexpected braking. The Q7 received high collision protection ratings from the IIHS, except for the headlight assessment.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, with many standard on the Touring-L grade and above. These included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. The Pinnacle grade added features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated it.