2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2020 Ford Expedition

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, was a full-size SUV known for its clean styling, which some might have considered boring. However, this simplicity was expected to age well, making it a practical choice for long-term ownership. The King Ranch model stood out with its 22-inch aluminum wheels, mesh grille insert, LED headlights, and exclusive gray-painted lower exterior trim. The Star White metallic paint added to its appeal, although some design elements like the taillights and roof C-pillar could have been improved. Inside, the King Ranch featured Del Rio leather in Mesa over Ebony, with King Ranch logos throughout. Despite its luxurious touches, the presence of hard plastic, especially in lower trims, was a drawback for a vehicle in this price range.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh, resulting in a more muscular aesthetic with new LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. The design retained some sophistication, especially towards the rear, with an all-LED taillamp and Chrysler wing badge. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, adding darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, particularly in the Pinnacle trim, which featured quilted Nappa leather seats, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and premium materials. The Pacifica's interior was designed for family life, with features like Stow 'n Go seating and ample storage, making it a solid choice for those seeking a premium minivan experience.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided ample power and a pleasant exhaust note. The Expedition's 4WD system was standard in Canada, offering a towing capacity of up to 4,173 kilograms for the standard model and 4,082 kilograms for the MAX version. Despite its size, the Expedition handled well in urban environments, thanks to its tight turning radius and adaptive damping suspension. However, the ride could be busy on imperfect roads, partly due to the large wheels and tires. Fuel consumption was rated at 14.1 L/100 km city, 10.6 highway, and 12.5 combined for the standard model.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a hybrid version with a combined 260 horsepower. The Pacifica introduced AWD as an option for the first time in 16 years, providing on-demand activation for improved traction. The hybrid model, however, was FWD only, offering an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 12.4 L/100 km city, 8.4 highway, and 10.6 combined, with slightly higher figures for the AWD version. The Pacifica Hybrid boasted impressive efficiency, using 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres and 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres combined.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo, and passenger capacity. The King Ranch model featured power running boards for easy access, with comfortable heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs provided first-class accommodations, and the third-row seat was genuinely comfortable for adults, thanks to the independent rear suspension. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row in the standard model and 971 litres in the MAX version. Folding the seats expanded the cargo area to 2,962 litres (3,440 litres with the MAX).

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and ample storage, including an under-stack area for personal items. Standard features included power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for the second and third rows. The Pacifica's cargo area was spacious, with best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel. The Stow 'n Go seats allowed for easy loading and were available even on AWD models.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured the Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While easy to use, the system could be slow to respond. Other highlights included FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, a navigation system, and an available Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Expedition also offered a rear-seat entertainment system and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which simplified trailer maneuvering.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern and customizable, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was responsive and easy to navigate, though a head-up display was absent. The Pacifica offered an optional second-row entertainment system with games and multiple ports for personal devices. Audio options included a standard six-speaker system, a 13-speaker Alpine system, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system. The Pinnacle model featured FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with advanced features.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of safety features including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Adaptive cruise control was optional. The Expedition received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not tested the model at the time of publication.

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. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera were available on higher trims. The Pacifica received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, while the IIHS had not yet rated the model.