2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a striking vehicle that often drew comparisons to high-end models like the Lamborghini Urus. Its aggressive styling, characterized by a wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and a bold front end with thin lights and a tall, black grille, made it stand out. The Blazer's design was a departure from the typical dowdy and utilitarian look of Chevy's other SUVs, borrowing elements from the Camaro to create a more exciting and memorable appearance. However, the interior did not match the exterior's flair, with a low-rent feel and materials that seemed below par for its price range. The cabin was predominantly dark, with unsupportive seats and downmarket plastic, which detracted from the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was not designed to be a head-turner, even with the S Appearance Package. Its styling was more rounded and flowing, which some might find dated compared to the more architectural designs gaining popularity. However, the Pacifica Hybrid excelled in practicality and comfort, offering a spacious and well-appointed interior. The black Nappa premium leather upholstery added a touch of quality, and the vehicle's focus was on functionality rather than aesthetics. While it may not have been the most stylish option, the Pacifica Hybrid was designed to meet the needs of families looking for an efficient and versatile vehicle.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options in Canada, with the base engine being a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder producing 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The preferred engine was the 3.6-litre V6, delivering 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, providing a strong and agile driving experience. The Blazer's sport-tuned suspension, brakes, and steering contributed to its dynamic handling, making it a standout in its segment. However, the transmission calibration had some issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode that detracted from the overall sporty experience. Fuel consumption ratings for the AWD V6 drivetrain were average, at 12.0 L/100 km city, 8.7 highway, and 10.5 combined.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiency, offering an electric-only range of up to 51 kilometres, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped capture energy and feed it back to the battery, contributing to an average fuel economy of 6.3 L/100 km. While the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was impressive, the driving experience was less engaging, with light and uncommunicative steering and a ride quality that sometimes felt unnatural due to the weight distribution.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers. Its low roof height was not an issue inside, thanks to seats mounted lower into the floor, making entry and exit easy. However, sightlines were poor, a trade-off for its Lamborghini-like design. The Blazer offered 1,818 litres of cargo space with the rear seat folded and 864 litres when raised. It had a maximum towing capacity of 2,041 kg with the right configuration. The Blazer's controls were user-friendly, and features like the hands-free power tailgate and automatic climate controls added convenience.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seating and ample cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were abundant, with various bins and trays throughout the cabin. The second-row seats were more comfortable than those in a standard Pacifica, and the third-row seat provided reasonable comfort for passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid offered 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third-row seats folded. Removing the second-row seats created a massive 3,978-litre cargo area, surpassing the capacity of many SUVs.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, known for its simplicity and speed. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a subscription-based 4G WiFi hotspot. The RS trim added features like wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system offered navigation, onboard apps, and the ability to upload settings to a GM cloud account. Privacy settings for apps were a thoughtful addition, allowing users to manage data collection.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and fast response times. Uconnect 5 supported simultaneous Bluetooth pairing, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The FamCam overhead camera system was a useful feature for parents. However, the voice recognition technology had room for improvement. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV. The surround-view camera system and parking assist features added convenience, though the latter was not a substitute for driving skills.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came with a range of standard driver assist and safety features, including forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Blazer received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though its headlights were rated "Marginal" and "Poor." A driver's knee airbag was standard, but rear emergency braking and an inboard side airbag were not offered.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted an extensive list of standard safety and security features, including a rear-seat reminder system. While adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist were standard on the Pinnacle trim, the adaptive cruise control needed refinement. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.