2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Honda Pilot

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. This change moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained sophistication as seen in the streamlined sides and rear, featuring a new all-LED taillamp. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica stood out with its premium feel, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which boasted comfort and luxury with features like quilted Nappa leather seats and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Pacifica was designed to be a solidly premium vehicle, with sound deadening technology enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, and performance. Despite a rugged appearance from a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, its exterior design was not universally appealing. The Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, all with standard AWD. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, offered a comfortable and supportive interior. However, the Pilot's design, with its flat dashboard and minivan-like front seat feel, did not favour its overall appeal. The Pilot's interior was practical, with quality materials and ample storage, but its exterior design remained an acquired taste.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. AWD was an extra-cost option for the V6 models, while the hybrid was FWD only. The AWD system activated on-demand, enhancing traction without compromising fuel efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid boasted an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with impressive fuel efficiency figures. The traditional V6 Pacifica had a combined fuel consumption of 10.6 L/100 km, which increased with AWD.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring AWD system. This system could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing traction and handling. The Pilot's fuel-saving measures included variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, achieving a combined fuel consumption of 11.0 L/100 km. The Pilot's suspension provided a comfortable ride and athletic handling, with the torque-vectoring AWD system contributing to its performance. However, its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and a practical cabin layout. The minivan featured power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for flexible cargo and passenger arrangements. The Pacifica's cargo area was generous, with best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres. The interior included thoughtful storage solutions, such as under-console storage for second-row passengers and a handy under-stack area for front passengers.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample room for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The test vehicle's front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain's chairs were optional, offering comfort and sliding forward for third-row access. The Pilot's storage solutions were abundant, with a large centre console and door panel storage. The power tailgate revealed 524 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,583 litres with the seats folded. Maximum cargo volume was 3,092 litres, competitive for its class.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable experience with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was responsive and easy to use, though it lacked a head-up display. The Pacifica offered a second-row in-seat entertainment system with games and multiple ports for personal entertainment. Audio options included a six-speaker system, a 13-speaker Alpine system, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with advanced features.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included a basic version of HondaLink connected services, with navigation available from the EX-L Navi trim. The Touring trim added wireless phone charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium audio system. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 115-volt power outlet and HDMI port. The Cabin Talk feature allowed the driver to communicate with rear-seat passengers through the stereo speakers or headphones.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, with most becoming standard at the Touring-L grade. These included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, and a surround-view camera. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated it.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included Honda Sensing as standard, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Touring trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Pilot's crash-test ratings were favourable, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "good" ratings from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score for front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection.