2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh, resulting in a revised exterior. The new standard LED headlights flanked a hexagonal grille, giving the Pacifica a more muscular aesthetic compared to its previous elegant design. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp running the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. Six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents, were also introduced.

Inside, the Pacifica differentiated itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by balancing practicality with premium touches. The top-tier Pinnacle trim offered a luxurious experience with features like a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted leather seats. The minivan also boasted sound-deadening technology, ensuring a quiet ride.

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, was a stylish SUV that conveyed sportiness without overpromising on performance. The A-Spec trim added subtle yet effective styling changes, avoiding the rugged off-road look. The RDX A-Spec sat in the middle of the trim hierarchy, with prices starting at $38,200 and going up to $47,625 with the SH-AWD system and additional features.

Inside, the A-Spec trim added sporty touches like front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting. However, the gauge cluster with red markings on a brushed silver background was hard to read. The RDX's interior delivered a sporty look and feel, with quality materials and a thick-rimmed steering wheel, though the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a point of contention.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine paired with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower. The base Touring and Touring L trims came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered either AWD or the hybrid powertrain.

The AWD system, reintroduced after 16 years, activated on-demand based on various conditions, improving fuel efficiency by deactivating when not needed. The Pacifica Hybrid had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of over 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD models seeing a slight decrease in fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and front-wheel drive was standard, with the SH-AWD system available for an additional cost. The SH-AWD system improved handling by delivering up to 70% of engine output to the rear wheels and 100% of that to either rear wheel.

Drivers could choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes using the Integrated Dynamics System, which adjusted powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec trim included exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, though it lacked the adaptive dampers found in the Advance Package. Despite some minor drawbacks, the RDX A-Spec was rewarding to drive, with precise steering and fade-resistant brakes.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seats provided ample space and a sense of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Storage options included an under-stack area with a rubberized bin, power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seats that tumbled into the floor for easy loading.

The second-row passengers benefited from under-console storage that slid outward, providing space for charging cords, tissues, and other items. The second and third-row seats offered plenty of legroom, though taller adults would be more comfortable in the middle row. The Pacifica's cargo area was spacious, with the Pinnacle trim offering best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2021 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, the rear seats lacked leg support and had too much recline angle, resulting in an uncomfortable seating position.

Storage space in the RDX could be improved, with a large tray under the center console panel that was not easily accessible while driving. The cargo area measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat, with a deep storage well and three separate compartments under the cargo floor. Folding the rear seats increased cargo capacity to 58.9 cubic feet, though Acura quoted a maximum value of 79.8 cubic feet based on a less practical loading method.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured Uconnect 5, a modern and customizable infotainment system that was graphically appealing and responsive. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it lacked a head-up display. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with four new games added to the existing roster.

A six-speaker sound system was standard, with three upgrades available, including a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system that delivered a high-quality listening experience. The Pinnacle trim included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with a rear-facing child seat view, split-view display, and zoom-to-seat feature.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the center console instead of a touchscreen. The TTI mirrored the screen, making it easier to use once drivers retrained their brains. However, it still required drivers to look at the screen and confirm their actions, adding to distraction.

Acura addressed driver distraction by separating stereo and climate controls from the display, offering smartphone projection, and integrating voice-recognition technology. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system that sounded terrific.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, advanced brake assist, third-row lockout, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, a collection of safety features that included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.