2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, giving it a more robust appearance with new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. This update shifted the Pacifica's aesthetic from elegance to a more muscular look. Despite these changes, the van retained some of its original sophistication, particularly noticeable as one moves 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 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 balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which boasted premium materials like quilted Nappa leather seats and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The minivan's sound-deadening technology was also enhanced, providing a quieter ride.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner maintained its design from over a decade ago, with only minor updates. Its rugged, utilitarian look, characterized by a two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches, remained largely unchanged. The 4Runner's design was more about function than form, with a focus on durability and utility. The interior was simple, with hard plastic materials and a straightforward dashboard featuring large knobs and buttons. Despite its age, the 4Runner's design was appreciated for its timelessness and practicality, appealing to those who valued a reliable and straightforward SUV.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid version with a V6 engine, dual-motor electrically variable transmission, and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. The Pacifica's AWD system, available for the first time in 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions, enhancing traction without compromising fuel efficiency. The traditional V6 Pacifica had fuel consumption ratings of 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 2021 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. It featured a part-time 4WD system with options for 4-Hi and 4-Lo. The 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to its A-Trac traction control system and available TRD Off-Road, Venture, and TRD Pro packages, which added features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with the SUV feeling slow and cumbersome. Fuel consumption was high, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing, with a range of about 620 kilometres from its 87-litre fuel tank.

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 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 interior was thoughtfully designed, with under-console storage for second-row passengers and a flat dashboard with a large touchscreen.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, with its high ground clearance, provided a comfortable ride for both front and rear passengers. The back seat offered good legroom, visibility, and amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The 4Runner's cargo space was substantial, with up to 1,337 litres behind the back seat and 2,540 litres with the rear seat folded. The SUV's interior storage was decent, and the back bumper served as a convenient seating area for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its modern design and responsiveness. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard, 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 second-row entertainment system remained an option, with additional games available for 2021.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's entry-level Trail grade had limited technology, but it included a windshield wiper de-icer and a 120-volt AC power outlet. The standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims added dynamic navigation and Destination Assist services. The system's physical buttons and knobs were user-friendly, even with gloves, and the navigation included off-road trails.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica boasted 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 rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated it.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" roof crush strength rating from the IIHS. However, its protection in frontal-impact collisions was rated lower, reflecting its older design.