2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, presenting a more muscular aesthetic with its new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights. This change marked a departure from the elegance of previous models, while still retaining 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 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 balanced practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which boasted quilted Nappa leather seats, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and sound-deadening technology for a quieter ride.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a bold design with its blunt and bulbous nose, creating a distinctive look that required an acclimation period. The SUV's styling included black windshield pillars for a floating roof effect and swollen haunches for balance. Despite its polarizing appearance, the Highlander Hybrid offered a range of specifications, from LE to Platinum, with the latter featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a surround-view camera. The interior provided a two-tone look with leather upholstery in higher trims, though the dashboard's asymmetrical design and reflective screen posed challenges. The Highlander Hybrid's cabin was comfortable but narrow, with limited third-row space and storage compared to its predecessor.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a hybrid version combining a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower. The hybrid model boasted an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with a fuel efficiency of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The V6 Pacifica had a fuel consumption of 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 8.4 on the highway, with AWD models consuming slightly more. The AWD system, newly available after 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions, enhancing traction without compromising fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, reducing total output to 243 horsepower but improving fuel efficiency to 6.7 L/100 km combined. Despite the efficiency gains, the Highlander Hybrid's performance was less engaging, with adequate power for climbing hills and reaching freeway speeds, but a strained engine sound during acceleration. The steering was lifeless, and the ride exhibited unwanted body movement, though regenerative brakes performed well. The Highlander Hybrid excelled in urban settings with its immediate electric motor torque and quiet freeway cruising, but it lacked the driving enjoyment of its predecessor.

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 was ample, with under-stack and under-console bins for convenience. Standard features included rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for flexible cargo space. The Pacifica's second- and third-row seats provided sufficient legroom, and the cargo area offered best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum provided roomy accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with power-adjustable seats and leather upholstery. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight but felt narrow, with overhead air vents causing irritation. The third-row seat was uncomfortable, with limited legroom and headroom. Storage was less generous than before, with a smaller dashboard shelf and a wireless charger blocking access to the centre storage bin. Cargo space measured 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with seats folded, though lacking secure storage wells.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable interface with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system lacked a head-up display but provided easy navigation and rapid rerouting. Optional second-row entertainment included games and ports for personal devices. Audio options ranged from a standard six-speaker system to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon setup 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 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Platinum trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and connected services trials. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons, though the voice recognition system did not control climate settings. The JBL sound system offered powerful audio but varied in quality depending on music type. Additional features included Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror for improved visibility.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, with most becoming standard at the Touring-L grade. These included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning with active braking. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera, and lane departure warning with lane keep assist. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated it.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure with steering assist. New for 2021 were intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Standard safety features included a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, with a surround-view camera on the Platinum trim. The Highlander received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars in frontal-impact tests.