2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant mid-generation refresh, showcasing a revised exterior that included new standard LED headlights flanking a hexagonal grille. This update gave the Pacifica a more robust appearance, moving away from the elegance of previous models. Despite these changes, the Pacifica retained elements of its original sophisticated design, particularly noticeable as one moved from the front to the sides and rear. The rear featured a new all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge prominently displayed at its centre. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which added darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica stood out from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival by balancing practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which boasted luxurious features such as quilted Nappa leather seats and a 10.1-inch touchscreen.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 combined elements from the Nissan Armada and Infiniti's design language. While the body shell was reminiscent of the Armada, the QX80's front end was distinctly Infiniti, featuring a grille and headlight design consistent with other Infiniti SUVs. This gave the QX80 an assertive yet not overly aggressive look. The vehicle came with standard LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights, with additional features like automatic high beams and auto-leveling headlights on higher trims. The interior, while luxurious with wood trim and leather upholstery, closely resembled the Armada's design. The QX80 offered a comfortable ride thanks to its independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control, although it was less composed in corners. The vehicle's size and body-on-frame construction provided excellent towing and off-road capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid version combining a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. In Canada, all-wheel drive was an optional feature for models with the internal combustion engine, marking its return after 16 years. The AWD system activated on-demand based on various conditions, enhancing traction without compromising fuel efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid, with front-wheel drive only, boasted an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, using 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The traditional V6 Pacifica had fuel consumption rates of 12.4 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, with AWD models slightly less efficient.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a 5.6-litre V8 engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, producing 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. In Canada, four-wheel drive was standard. The V8 engine provided ample power for highway overtaking, although the transmission shifts were not as smooth as expected. The QX80's body-on-frame construction, combined with independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control, offered a comfortable ride, though it was less agile in corners. The vehicle's 4WD system included a low range and a forward skid plate, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The QX80's towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms was impressive, surpassing competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator.

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 rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for the second and third rows, providing ample legroom and storage options. The Pacifica's cargo area was generous, with a best-in-class total storage capacity of 3,979 litres. The under-console storage for second-row passengers and the flat-folding seats added to its practicality.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an eight-seat option available on higher trims. The vehicle offered competitive passenger space, though not class-leading, with standard features like a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and an eight-way front passenger's seat. The QX80's cargo space was less than some competitors, with 470 litres behind the third row and 2,694 litres with the second and third rows folded. The power liftgate and power-folding third row made it easy to switch between passenger and cargo configurations.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its modern design and responsiveness. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with optional upgrades to a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The Pinnacle model offered FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system, featuring 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker Bose audio system. The system included a rear-seat entertainment setup and a Smart Rearview Mirror, which could switch to a streaming-video display. However, the user interface was not intuitive, requiring multiple inputs for simple tasks.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, with many standard on higher trims. These included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. The Pacifica received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The ProACTIVE grade included additional features like Backup Collision Intervention.