2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant mid-generation refresh, showcasing a more muscular aesthetic with its new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights. This design shift moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained a touch of sophistication as the eye moved along the van's sides and rear. The rear featured a new all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, 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, creating a luxurious feel. The Pacifica's sound deadening technology further enhanced the driving experience by minimizing road and engine noise.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 took a different design approach, emphasizing smooth, sleek lines that gave it a slippery appearance even when stationary. The base CX-5 GX featured automatic LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, and rain-sensing wipers, while the GS trim added leatherette seats, a power liftgate, and auto-leveling LED headlights. The Kuro Edition introduced unique styling elements like Polymetal Gray paint and red leather seats. The GT trim offered leather upholstery, a Bose audio system, and optional paddle shifters. The Signature model, which was tested, included Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, genuine wood trim, and 19-inch gunmetal wheels, rivaling premium brands. The CX-5's interior materials were of high quality, with a well-executed design and good fit and finish, although the infotainment system's layout and functionality left room for improvement.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid version combining a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kWh battery, delivering 260 horsepower. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with fuel consumption rated at 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The V6 model achieved 12.4 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, with AWD models seeing slightly higher consumption. The AWD system, available for the first time in 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions, enhancing traction without compromising fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine, standard on the Signature trim, provided spirited performance, especially in Sport mode. The CX-5's fuel efficiency varied, with the non-turbo FWD model achieving 9.7 L/100 km in the city and 7.8 on the highway, while the turbo AWD model used 10.8 L/100 km in the city and 8.7 on the highway. The CX-5's sporty driving style was complemented by its engaging handling, though the stiff suspension could be a drawback for some drivers.

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 options included an under-stack area and under-console storage for second-row passengers. Standard features included rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for the second and third rows. The Pacifica's cargo area provided best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered a comfortable seating position and good headroom, though rear legroom was limited. The SUV featured two full LATCH connections and a tether connector for child seats. Climate controls were straightforward and easy to use, while the larger shifter took up passenger space. The CX-5's cargo space was below average for the segment, with 875 litres behind the second row and 1,687 litres with the seats folded. A power liftgate was available.

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 in-seat entertainment for the second row. The Pinnacle model offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment touch screen, though its operating system was less intuitive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the screen's positioning made it difficult to use. The lack of knobs for tuning the stereo or scrolling through favourites was a drawback, though volume control was accessible via the steering wheel or centre console.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, with many standard on the Touring-L grade, including automatic pedestrian emergency braking and blind spot monitoring. The Pinnacle grade added adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera, and lane departure warning. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 included a comprehensive list of standard safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. Optional features included a head-up display and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.