2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille that contributed to a more muscular aesthetic. This design shift moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained some sophistication as the eye moved towards the sides and rear. The rear was marked by an all-LED taillamp running 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 balanced practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which featured a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted Nappa leather seats. The Pacifica was noted for its sound deadening technology, providing a quiet ride.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was designed with a rugged exterior, featuring boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end, setting it apart from previous generations and other compact crossovers. Despite its aggressive styling, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models. The RAV4 offered options like the Trail model with an Ice Edge roof and the TRD Off-Road package with matte black wheels and red interior accents. Inside, the RAV4 had rugged styling touches, such as large rubberized knobs and door handles. Material quality was good on lower trims, but higher trims did not see a significant upgrade. The TRD Off-Road model featured SofTex upholstery, which was durable but not as luxurious as leather.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a V6 hybrid engine with a 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, with fuel efficiency 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 and 8.4 on the highway. All-wheel drive was available for the first time in 16 years, automatically activating when needed to improve traction.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime offered more power, with 219 and 302 horsepower, respectively. The four-cylinder engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, but the transmission was noted for its hesitancy to shift. The RAV4 had a "Sport" driving mode, but it only added weight to the steering. The RAV4 Trail and TRD Off-Road models featured torque-vectoring all-wheel drive and 21.7 centimetres of ground clearance, with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. However, the RAV4's off-road capabilities were limited by its suspension articulation and approach angles.

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 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 seats. The Pacifica's cargo area offered best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 provided competitive headroom and outward visibility, but legroom was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions. Cargo space was above average at 1,059 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,977 litres with them folded. The RAV4's oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls were user-friendly, but the centre-console storage was limited. The cargo area had a wide aperture, but the lip was higher than some competitors.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was modern, responsive, and customizable. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. The second row's in-seat entertainment system was optional, with games and ports for personal entertainment. The Pinnacle model offered FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features. Audio options included a six-speaker system, a 13-speaker Alpine system, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims had larger screens. The infotainment system was easy to use, with shortcut buttons for navigation and audio. However, it lacked flashiness and a head-up display. The RAV4 offered a JBL premium audio system and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered 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, but the IIHS had not yet rated it.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. A 360-degree camera system was available in certain packages.