2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights flanking a hexagonal grille, which contributed to a more muscular aesthetic. This design shift moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained a touch of sophistication as the eye moved along the vehicle's sides and rear. The rear was marked by an 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 stood out from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival by balancing practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim. The interior boasted a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted Nappa leather seats, creating a luxurious feel. The Pacifica also excelled in sound deadening, providing a quiet ride.

The 2022 Ford Bronco was celebrated for its retro styling and off-road prowess, with a lineup that included the Everglades and Bronco Raptor models. The Everglades was designed for swamp trekking, featuring an intake snorkel, Warn winch, and 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires. The Bronco's design was utilitarian, with short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height enhancing its off-road capabilities. The interior continued this theme with marine-grade vinyl upholstery, sealed switches, and drain plugs for easy cleaning. The Bronco's technology, including G.O.A.T. modes and a digital instrument panel, complemented its rugged nature. Despite its off-road focus, the Bronco offered a smooth ride on pavement, outperforming rivals like the Jeep Wrangler. The Bronco's only drawback was its limited availability due to high demand.

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, delivering 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The hybrid model had 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 traditional V6 achieved 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 8.4 on the highway, with AWD models seeing slightly reduced efficiency. The AWD system was a new addition, automatically engaging when needed to enhance traction.

The 2022 Ford Bronco featured a base turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, with an optional 2.7-litre V6 engine delivering 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed manual transmission was available for the two-door model with the four-cylinder engine, while a 10-speed automatic was standard for the V6 and four-door models. All Broncos came with four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case. The Bronco excelled in off-road conditions, with models like the Everglades handling challenging terrain with ease. On-road, the Bronco offered a smoother ride than competitors, with precise steering and reduced driver fatigue.

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 solutions included 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 seating for flexible cargo space. The Pacifica boasted best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design provided ample interior space, with generous headroom and legroom. Accessing the rear seats in the two-door model required some effort, but grab handles and side steps aided entry. Cargo capacity varied by model and roof type, with the two-door hard top offering up to 1,481 litres with seats folded. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including netted door pockets and accessory rails. Removable fender flares and stowable doors added to its utility, while external mounting points enhanced its versatility.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its modern design and responsiveness. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with optional in-seat entertainment for the second row. The Pinnacle model offered FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view. The sound system options ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system in the Pinnacle Hybrid.

The 2022 Ford Bronco balanced technology with off-road capability, featuring G.O.A.T. modes for terrain-specific settings. A forward-looking trail camera provided confidence on challenging trails, while Trail Turn Assist enhanced manoeuvrability. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and off-road apps, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. A wireless charging pad was also available.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, with many standard on the Touring-L grade and above. These included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. The Pinnacle grade added features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Ford Bronco included standard safety features like hill-start assist and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features like frontal collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The Bronco received a four-star frontal crash rating from the NHTSA and a three-star rollover rating. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in several categories.