2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was a nostalgic nod to the classic Land Rover design, reminiscent of the beloved LR4. Its squared-off edges, rising roofline, and round headlights evoked a sense of rugged adventure. The Defender's design was both familiar and functional, with features like step plates and a ladder for roof access, though some elements were more for show than utility. The taillights, with their rounded rectangles, paid homage to the old Defender, while the external spare tire and tailgate design added to its robust appearance. Inside, the Defender's interior was industrial and basic, with cloth seats and exposed screws, emphasizing durability over luxury. Despite its high price, the Defender's interior felt more like a commercial vehicle than a luxury SUV, lacking the refinement found in competitors like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh, giving it a more muscular aesthetic with new LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. The Pacifica retained some of its original sophistication, especially in its side and rear design, with a new all-LED taillamp and Chrysler wing badge. The interior of the Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spaciousness and practicality. The Pinnacle trim level elevated the Pacifica to a premium level, with quilted Nappa leather seats, wood accents, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Pacifica's interior was both comfortable and functional, with features like Stow 'n Go seats and ample storage space, making it a top choice for families seeking a luxurious yet practical minivan.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a choice between a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine with 296 horsepower and a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower. The latter was a mild hybrid, providing smooth power delivery and eliminating turbo lag. The Defender excelled off-road, with features like Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension, allowing it to tackle challenging terrains with ease. Its off-road capabilities were complemented by a comfortable on-road experience, thanks to its air suspension and quiet cabin. However, the Defender's handling was reminiscent of older SUVs, with slow steering and noticeable body lean.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower and a hybrid version with a combined 260 horsepower. The hybrid model provided an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. The Pacifica's AWD system, available for the first time in 16 years, activated on-demand, enhancing traction in various conditions. The Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only, focusing on efficiency with a fuel consumption of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The traditional V6 model offered respectable fuel economy, with AWD models consuming slightly more.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was designed for versatility and durability, with a minimalist interior that prioritized functionality. The Defender 90, a two-door model, offered an optional jump seat, allowing it to accommodate up to six passengers. The four-door Defender 110 could seat up to seven with an optional third row. Cargo space varied depending on the model, with the Defender 110 offering up to 1,875 litres with the seats folded. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive, at 3,719 litres (8,200 pounds), showcasing its capability as a rugged utility vehicle.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was tailored for family life, with a spacious and practical interior. The front seats offered ample space, while the second and third rows provided generous legroom. The Pacifica's Stow 'n Go seats allowed for easy reconfiguration, maximizing cargo space when needed. The minivan's total storage capacity was best-in-class, at 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family trips. The Pacifica's interior was designed for convenience, with features like under-console storage and power-sliding doors, enhancing its functionality for everyday use.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous JLR systems. It offered dual SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates, enhancing its functionality. The system's interface was more user-friendly, though some elements, like map zoom icons, were still challenging to use. The Defender's off-road capabilities were supported by features like front cameras and a rearview mirror that doubled as a screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system, with additional options available on higher trims.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable experience. The system was responsive and easy to use, with standard features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Pacifica's Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view. The minivan offered a range of audio options, from a standard six-speaker system to a premium 20-speaker Harman Kardon system, providing a high-quality listening experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies, and it lacked some airbags found in other vehicles. However, it offered a range of safety features, including forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree cameras, providing a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica boasted up to 116 safety features, with many standard on higher trims. These included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with active braking. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its commitment to safety.