2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that gave it a more muscular aesthetic, moving away from the elegance of previous years. The new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights contributed to a streamlined front end, while the all-LED taillamp at the rear added a modern touch. Despite these changes, the Pacifica retained some of its original sophistication, especially noticeable as one moved from the front to the sides and rear. The S Appearance Package, with its darkened features and black accents, further enhanced the van's exterior appeal.

Inside, the Pacifica offered a premium feel, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which was designed for luxury customers. The interior featured a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and real metal surrounds. Quilted Nappa leather seats, suede centre row pillows, and Beber floor mats added to the upscale look. The Pacifica's sound-deadening technology, including fresh windows, seals, and insulation, ensured a quiet ride, making it a standout in its class.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh entry into the EV market, representing Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-brand. Its exterior design was a mix of minimal character lines and intricate Parametric Pixel design elements, giving it a concept car-like appearance. The extensive use of LED pixels in the lighting casings, including headlights and taillights, was both fascinating and overwhelming. The aerodynamic alloy wheels and silver-contrast plastic bits added to its unique look.

Inside, the Ioniq 5's "Living Space" design theme created a relaxing environment with a mellow black and gray interior. The cabin featured sustainable materials, including recycled fibres and bio-materials, and offered a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat. The interior was spacious, thanks to the Electric Global Modular Platform, which provided a longer wheelbase. The Ioniq 5's cabin was quiet, with features like acoustic tires and sound-deadening materials reducing noise, vibration, and harshness.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine paired with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 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. 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. The AWD option, available for the first time in 16 years, automatically activated when needed and deactivated to improve fuel efficiency.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came in two drive configurations, two trims, and three powertrains. The base model featured a single 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor with 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant had a 168-kW rear motor producing 225 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD option included a dual-motor system with a total power of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, but the range dropped to 414 km. The Ioniq 5 offered four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle's regenerative braking properties could be adjusted using paddle shifters, and the cabin was quiet due to noise-reducing features.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and a feeling of togetherness. The cabin featured a padded centre console lid, under-stack storage, and rear power-sliding doors. Standard equipment included three-zone climate control, power windows, a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, 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 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 sat on the Electric Global Modular Platform, providing a longer wheelbase and maximizing interior space. The five-passenger Ioniq 5 had a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, exceeding its competitors. The cabin featured soft touch points and a moveable centre armrest, creating a comfortable and spacious environment. The leatherette seats were supportive and comfortable, and the flat floor allowed for easy entry and exit from either front door.

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

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. The Ioniq 5 could charge quickly, reaching 80 percent battery capacity in 18 minutes, and offered a redesigned Blue Link connected car app. The vehicle featured Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, digital key, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for easy readability.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 standard or available safety features, including automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Pinnacle grade included adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, and a surround-view camera. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. The vehicle also included Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, although it could be distracting. Safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available, but Hyundai was expected to earn high marks.