2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant mid-generation refresh, resulting in a more muscular aesthetic. The new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights contributed to a streamlined front end, while the all-LED taillamp at the rear added a touch of sophistication. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica stood out with its premium materials and practical design, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which featured quilted Nappa leather seats and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Pacifica's doors had a well-weighted feel, and its sound-deadening technology ensured a quiet ride.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox featured a new grille, LED headlights, and subtle changes to the rear fascia, giving it a chunkier appearance. The Equinox maintained a car-based crossover look, with a tall roofline and puffed-up front fascia. Inside, the dashboard design was creative, with a touchscreen and large air vents at the centre. The RS model added black exterior trim and darkened wheels, but the interior felt subdued. The Equinox's materials and fit and finish were decent, with cloth seats standard and perforated leather available.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. The traditional V6 Pacifica had fuel consumption rates of 12.4 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, while the AWD version had slightly higher rates. The AWD system activated on-demand, enhancing traction in various conditions.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission with standard FWD and optional AWD. The Equinox's torque was beneficial in city driving, but the engine felt coarse at higher speeds. The automatic transmission's shifts were somewhat rough, and the Equinox lacked sporty handling. Despite this, it offered decent comfort on poorly maintained roads.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and a padded centre console lid. It featured rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seats for flexible cargo space. The Pacifica's second- and third-row seats provided ample legroom, and the cargo area offered best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox had seating for five across two rows, with decent headroom and second-row legroom. However, front seat legroom was limited, and the lack of a telescoping steering wheel made finding a comfortable driving position challenging. The Equinox offered a tall seating position and unobstructed forward view, but rear visibility was hampered by the small rear window. Cargo space was near the bottom of the segment, with 847 litres with the rear seats up and 1,809 litres with them folded.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable experience. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard, with optional in-seat entertainment for the second row. The Pinnacle model added FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features. The sound system options ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen and a Bose 7-speaker audio system. The MyLink infotainment system was user-friendly, with large menu icons and good screen graphics. The Equinox provided multiple USB ports and power outlets, but the centre-console slot for phones was too small.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica boasted up to 116 standard or available safety features, including 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 2022 Chevrolet Equinox received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, with a "Marginal" rating in the updated side crash test. It earned a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle situations and an "Advanced" rating for vehicle-to-pedestrian scenarios. The NHTSA awarded the Equinox a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist, with optional features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system.