2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

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 the design flowed from the front to the sides and rear. The back featured a new all-LED taillamp running the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its centre. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included 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. This top-tier model boasted a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted Nappa leather seats, making it the poshest minivan available. The Pacifica also excelled in sound deadening, providing a quiet ride.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its timeless style, combining rugged utility with upscale sophistication. Its design, with big wheels and flared fenders, contributed to its success and versatility as a mainstream, luxury, and performance SUV. The lineup included affordable trims like Laredo and Limited, upscale models like Overland and Summit, and high-performance versions like SRT and Trackhawk. The Summit trim, tested with a 5.7-litre V8 engine and 4WD, featured a Premium Plus Appearance Group that enhanced its premium look. Inside, the Summit's cabin was luxurious with premium leather, genuine wood, and real aluminum, though the interior design showed signs of aging. Despite its timeless exterior, the Grand Cherokee's interior needed a redesign, with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits.

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. In Canada, AWD was an extra-cost option for internal combustion engine models, while hybrid models were FWD only. The AWD system activated on-demand based on various conditions and deactivated for improved fuel efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with fuel consumption of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The traditional V6 Pacifica had fuel consumption of 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 8.4 on the highway, and 10.6 combined, with AWD models consuming slightly more.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,818 kilograms. An optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque offered a towing capacity of 3,300 kilograms. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved efficiency, though it still consumed 14.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system included a two-speed transfer case, hill-descent control, and Selec-Terrain traction management. The Summit trim featured a Quadra-Lift air suspension with 10.4 cm of variability, enhancing off-road capabilities. Despite its off-road prowess, the Grand Cherokee's V8 engine was fuel-hungry, and the ride could be bouncy on uneven surfaces.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and a padded centre console lid for a sense of togetherness. Storage space was ample, with an under-stack area for personal items. Standard features included rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, power windows, a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and Stow 'n Go seating. The Pacifica's second- and third-row seats provided ample legroom, and the Stow 'n Go feature allowed for easy loading. The cargo area offered best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making family travel convenient.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with quilted and perforated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and a Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package. Both front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though controls were embedded in the infotainment system. The rear seat was comfortable but had limited legroom for taller adults. Interior storage was adequate, but the optional rear-seat entertainment system took up space in the centre console bin. The Grand Cherokee provided 1,028 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, with a maximum cargo space of 1,934 litres. Folding the second-row seats was easy, and the power liftgate made loading convenient.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable experience. It included navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The second-row in-seat entertainment system was optional, 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 included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system provided a nearly flawless user experience, with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. SiriusXM services were included, with a free year of satellite radio and subscription-based services. The infotainment system's voice recognition technology worked well, and the Summit trim featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Grand Cherokee offered essential technology features, with a focus on its sophisticated 4WD systems and advanced driving assistance systems.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 standard or available safety features, with most becoming available at the Touring-L grade. These included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with active braking. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated the model.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, but 2WD models received a four-star rating due to a three-star rollover resistance rating. The Grand Cherokee's performance in IIHS testing was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact collisions. The Summit trim included numerous safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Grand Cherokee also offered parking assistance technologies.