2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was subtly refined from its predecessor, with a few more degrees of slant on the tailgate glass and more pronounced creases on the body panels. The trapezoidal theme was evident throughout, from the tailgate's license plate cutout to the slimmer headlights and grille. The vehicle featured projector-beam LED headlights across all trims, with the higher trims, Limited and Platinum, boasting prettier LED running lamps and new 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior of the Highlander was where it truly shone, with quality fit and finish dominating the cabin. Silver-painted accents highlighted the curves and angles, and the 8-inch touchscreen appeared to float above the multi-layered dash. The colour palettes were pleasing, with the Limited trim offering a three-tone interior. The Highlander's interior was noted for its padded surfaces and rich textures, rivaling even the Kia Telluride in terms of quality.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that gave it a more muscular aesthetic, with new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. The rear featured a new all-LED taillamp that spanned the width of the model. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which was designed for luxury customers. The flat dashboard was anchored by a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and the Pinnacle trim featured quilted Nappa leather seats and other upscale finishes. The Pacifica's doors had a well-weighted feel, and the minivan's sound deadening technology was enhanced for a quieter ride.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. This engine delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration. The eight-speed automatic transmission made full use of the engine's power, though it required a heavy foot for a kickdown. The Highlander's steering was loose, and the suspension was soft, leading to a ride that was more about comfort than control. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the FWD model rated at 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 on the highway. The AWD version had slightly different figures, and the hybrid model offered even better fuel economy.

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 dual-motor electrically variable transmission. The hybrid had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. The Pacifica's AWD system was a new addition, automatically engaging when needed and deactivating for improved fuel efficiency. The traditional V6 Pacifica had fuel consumption figures of 12.4 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, while the hybrid was more efficient with 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander could seat eight or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The second row was versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The Highlander offered three-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic moonroof on higher trims, and ample cargo space with 453 litres behind the third row. The interior featured eight cupholders, four bottle holders, and two shelves integrated into the dash. The controls were simple and legible, though the wireless charging pad could be cumbersome.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, featuring spacious front seats and ample storage. Standard equipment included rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating. The Pacifica's cargo space was best-in-class, with a total storage capacity of 3,979 litres. The second- and third-row seats offered plenty of legroom, and the under-console storage for second-row passengers was a practical addition.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system was seen as outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Platinum trim was not fully utilized, and the system's interface was less intuitive compared to competitors. However, the Highlander did offer a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch display in the instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and a JBL audio system on higher trims.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was modern, customizable, and responsive. While it lacked a head-up display, the navigation was easy to use, and the system supported Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Pacifica offered a six-speaker sound system as standard, with options to upgrade to a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with advanced features.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was awarded a 2020 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, with many becoming standard at the Touring-L grade. These included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated the model at the time of publication.