2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe presented a diverse lineup with six distinct versions, each offering unique styling cues. The base LS and popular LT models featured different grille patterns, while the sporty RST boasted a slotted grille, blacked-out appearance, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 combined the LS grille with a blacked-out look, red tow hooks, and all-terrain tires on 20-inch wheels. The upscale Premier adopted the RST’s grille with chrome accents, and the luxurious High Country showcased a chrome bar grille and bright-finished 22-inch wheels. The Tahoe’s design was dominated by its grille, complemented by standard LED headlights and expressive taillights. Despite its familiar design themes, the new Tahoe appeared more slab-sided, with larger wheels enhancing its overall look. Prices ranged from $57,048 for the LS to $81,448 for the High Country, with the Z71 trim tested at $80,293, including various option packages.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh, featuring a revised exterior with new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille, giving it a more muscular aesthetic. The design retained some sophistication, with a new all-LED taillamp running the width of the model. Chrysler offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, adding darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica stood out with a flat dashboard and a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering a premium feel with quilted Nappa leather seats and wood accents in the Pinnacle trim. The Pacifica Pinnacle catered to luxury customers, providing comfort and classy finishes. The minivan’s sound deadening technology was enhanced, ensuring a quiet ride. The Pacifica’s design and features made it a solidly premium vehicle, especially in the top trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options. Most trims came with a 5.3-litre V8 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The High Country trim featured a 6.2-litre V8, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel engine, available for all trims except the Z71, offered 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, promising improved fuel efficiency. The Tahoe’s 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a 4WD system optional on base trims and standard on others. The Z71 trim included off-road enhancements like a two-speed transfer case and hill descent control. The Tahoe could tow up to 3,810 kilograms and handle an 831-kilogram payload. The major engineering change was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, improving ride quality and interior comfort. The Z71 trim impressed with its smooth ride, thanks to adaptive damping and air suspension upgrades. The 5.3-litre V8 engine and 10-speed transmission provided ample power and a satisfying V8 rumble. The Tahoe’s handling was commendable, with suspension upgrades controlling body roll and motion.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered a traditional 3.6-litre V6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Alternatively, the Pacifica Hybrid combined a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 10.6 combined, while the AWD version had slightly lower efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid used 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres and 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The AWD system, available for the first time in 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions, enhancing traction and stability.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from a new independent rear suspension, improving passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated seats available on higher trims. The power sliding storage console was a notable feature, providing additional storage and comfort. The second row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain’s chairs, with the latter proving comfortable and equipped with entertainment displays. The third-row seat room was significantly improved, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe provided 722 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,056 litres with the seat folded, and a maximum of 3,480 litres. These figures surpassed most full-size SUVs, except for longer-wheelbase models.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and ample storage options. The minivan featured rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow ’n Go seats for flexible seating and storage configurations. The second- and third-row seats provided sufficient legroom, with Stow ’n Go seats allowing for easy loading. The Pacifica’s cargo area was spacious, offering best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a new digital platform, offering enhanced computing power and cybersecurity protection. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though some controls were hard to access. The voice-recognition system was impressive, and Bluetooth pairing was quick. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system, offering versatile entertainment options. However, it lacked the available 15-inch head-up display.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica’s Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern and customizable, with a clean design and quick responsiveness. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The second row’s in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games available. The Pacifica offered a six-speaker sound system, with upgrades to a 13-speaker Alpine system or a 19-speaker Harman Kardon option. The Pinnacle model featured FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with advanced features.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward collision alert, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe’s safety features worked as expected during testing, though the pedestrian alert could be distracting. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the SUV. The Tahoe had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of publication.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, with most available at the Touring-L grade. These included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a surround-view camera. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though IIHS had not rated it at the time of publication.