2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant mid-generation refresh, showcasing a revised exterior that included new standard LED headlights flanking a hexagonal grille. This update gave the Pacifica a more muscular appearance, moving away from the elegance of previous models. Despite these changes, the Pacifica retained elements of its original sophisticated design, particularly noticeable as one moved 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 a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted Nappa leather seats. The Pacifica's sound-deadening technology was also enhanced, providing a quieter ride.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a successful design evolution for Volvo, maintaining its traditional styling while adding character. The XC90 featured a boxy profile and a blunt front end with a rectangular grille, complemented by softer lines, increased chrome, and distinctive LED headlights with “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design offered a sportier look. The XC90's interior embodied Swedish minimalism, with thoughtfully arranged, high-quality materials. Matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery added to the luxury feel, while an Orrefors crystal shifter provided a high-end touch. The XC90's interior was designed for comfort, with a focus on natural materials and a restrained aesthetic.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine paired with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. In Canada, all-wheel drive (AWD) was an extra-cost option for internal combustion engine models, while hybrid models were front-wheel drive only. The AWD system activated on-demand, enhancing traction in various conditions, and deactivated automatically to improve fuel efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid boasted an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with fuel consumption of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The traditional V6 Pacifica had fuel consumption rates of 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 8.4 on the highway, and 10.6 combined, with AWD models slightly less efficient.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 engine was both turbo- and supercharged, increasing output to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, or Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. In Canada, AWD was standard on all models. Despite the power, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 engines. The XC90 offered three drive modes—Pure, Hybrid, and Power—but Pure mode was limited to low speeds. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, with an optional air-suspension system and a quiet cabin. It had a towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms, suitable for moderate loads.

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 for personal items. Standard features included rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and Stow ’n Go seating for second and third rows. The Pacifica's second-row under-console storage was practical for passengers, and the seats provided adequate legroom for children and adults. The Pacifica's cargo area was spacious, offering best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with headroom and legroom about average for the segment. The third row was tight for adults, and seats in the second and third rows lacked support. An optional power sunroof and upright roof profile enhanced the interior's spacious feel. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but storage space was limited. Cargo space was 317 litres with all seats in place, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded, placing it near the bottom of the segment.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its modern, customizable interface. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with an optional second-row in-seat entertainment system. The sound system options ranged from a standard six-speaker setup to a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2021 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system emphasized simplicity, with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though some menu text was difficult to read while driving. The XC90 offered a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display. However, the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and only second-row USB-C ports were available.

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. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated it.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded all XC90 models a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered extensive standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.