2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 marked a significant step in Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a leader in luxury vehicles. With updates carried over from the 2020 model, the XT5 showcased a refined exterior with a more distinct front end and trim differentiation. The SUV's design featured standard LED lights and a choice of 18-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels, contributing to its sophisticated appearance. Inside, the XT5 offered a more upscale interior than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, with a focus on straightforward materials and thoughtful design. The Premium Luxury trim level, in particular, exuded elegance with its cut-and-sewn leather and natural wood accents, reminiscent of the finery Cadillac had been known for.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, while not a visual standout, offered a unique proposition as a plug-in hybrid minivan. Despite its minivan image, the Pacifica Hybrid provided practicality with its sliding side doors and spacious interior. The Limited trim, tested with the S Appearance Package, featured black Nappa leather and a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system. However, the Pacifica's rounded styling appeared dated compared to more modern designs. While not cheap, the Pacifica Hybrid's price was offset by federal and provincial EV rebates, making it a more attractive option for those seeking efficiency and practicality in a family vehicle.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a choice of engines across its Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims. The base engine was a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the Premium Luxury trim could be upgraded to a 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, which came standard on the Sport trim. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which was smooth when upshifting but less refined when downshifting. The XT5's fuel efficiency was commendable, with the V6 achieving 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, better than the expected 11.2 L/100 km. The base engine offered 9.5 L/100 km with FWD and 10.1 with AWD, comparable to rivals like the Infiniti QX50 and Acura RDX.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, on the other hand, combined a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The electric drive system provided immediate torque, ensuring the Pacifica never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded. The van could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped achieve an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres. While the Pacifica Hybrid lacked the driving excitement of a traditional SUV, its powertrain seamlessly transitioned between electric and gasoline modes, offering a smooth and efficient driving experience.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided ample space for four adults across two rows, though the rear seat's headroom was limited for taller passengers. The SUV offered 850 litres of cargo space, which, while less than some competitors, benefited from a deep rear cargo area. The XT5's cargo-management system allowed for secure storage of loose items, and a hands-free programmable height power liftgate was available. However, small-item storage was limited, with no ideal spot for a smartphone and small map pockets.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and up to 3,978 litres of cargo space with the second-row seats removed. The Pacifica Hybrid Limited featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were plentiful, with extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin behind the centre console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go chairs, though they required removal to maximize cargo space. The third-row seat offered reasonable comfort and additional storage features, making the Pacifica Hybrid a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen housed in Piano Black plastic, offering haptic feedback. The system included a rotary controller for navigation, though it crowded the screen's aesthetics. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, and a subscription-based 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. A rear camera mirror and head-up display were available, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering appealing graphics and a user-friendly interface. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. While the voice recognition technology had limitations, the optional 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system provided a premium audio experience. The Pacifica also offered Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat entertainment, though personal devices often sufficed for passengers.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of safety features, including front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert. While not all features were standard across trims, the XT5 provided a sufficient level of safety without being overly intrusive. The available Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, and General Motors' Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor and limit vehicle features for young drivers.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety and security features than any other vehicle in the industry. It included a rear-seat reminder system and a comprehensive package of driver-assist and collision-avoidance features. However, adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist was not available. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection received four stars.