2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant mid-generation refresh, resulting in a more muscular aesthetic with its new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights. The rear of the Pacifica featured an all-LED taillamp that spanned the width of the vehicle, maintaining a touch of sophistication. The S Appearance Package added darkened features and black accents, enhancing its premium look. Inside, the Pacifica offered a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, complemented by upscale materials like Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted Nappa leather seats, especially in the Pinnacle trim. The Pacifica's design was practical yet luxurious, with sound-deadening technology ensuring a quiet ride.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a stylish and athletic SUV with a distinctive Mercedes-Benz design. It featured a healthy 20 centimetres of ground clearance, making it suitable for soft roads and speed humps. Inside, the GLB was a modern marvel with round shapes across the dash, polished metal HVAC vents, and a single panel housing the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The cabin boasted excellent fit and finish, with a beefy steering wheel wrapped in perforated leather. The GLB's design was both attractive and functional, offering a comfortable and well-appointed interior.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft 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. The Pacifica Hybrid had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. Fuel efficiency varied, with the traditional V6 achieving 12.4 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, while the hybrid used 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The AWD system, available for the first time in 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-4 engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GLB's 4MATIC AWD system was standard in Canada, enhancing handling in various conditions. The SUV achieved a 0-100 km/h time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h. Fuel consumption was estimated at 11.1 L/100 km in the city and 8.9 on the highway. The GLB's powertrain delivered a linear and predictable performance, suitable for family use, with the option to upgrade to the AMG line for more power.

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 flexible cargo space. The Pacifica boasted best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered the option of a third-row seat, affecting second-row and cargo space. The second row featured adjustable seatbacks and a sliding seat bottom, with an "Easy-Entry" function for the third row. Cargo space varied, with 764 litres behind the second row in the five-passenger model and 1,755 litres with the second row folded. The third row was suitable for children or short trips for smaller adults. The GLB's cabin was well-sorted, with comfortable front seats, modern amenities, and ample storage options.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable experience with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The second-row in-seat entertainment system included games and various ports for personal entertainment. Audio options ranged from a six-speaker system to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system in the Pinnacle Hybrid. The Pinnacle model also included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came equipped with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring voice control and natural language understanding. Standard technology included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen multimedia display, with options to upgrade to 10.25 inches. The Premium Package added features like keyless go and a Burmester Surround Sound System. The Navigation Package offered augmented reality navigation and traffic-sign assist. Additional options included adaptive suspension damping, ambient lighting, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, with most becoming available at the Touring-L grade. These included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning with active braking. The Pinnacle grade added features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB included standard safety features like active brake assist, crosswind assist, and attention assist. Available features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and the Advanced Driver Assistance Package with active steering assist and active lane-keeping assist. The Pre-Safe system activated safety measures in the cabin during an imminent collision. The GLB had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.