2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

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 lent 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 centrally mounted. The 2021 model also introduced six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which added darkened features and black accents to the exterior.

Inside, the Pacifica distinguished itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival by balancing practicality with premium touches. The Pacifica Pinnacle trim, in particular, catered to luxury customers with features like a flat dashboard anchored by a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted Nappa leather seats. The minivan's doors closed with a reassuring thud, and its sound-deadening technology effectively minimized road and engine noise, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended length to accommodate third-row seating, presented a seamless blend of elegance and Jeep's signature ruggedness. The L model's design made the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated, thanks to its elongated body and wheelbase. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's recognizable features, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing its lighting and improving paint finish and panel fit. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims added black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome, enhancing the vehicle's impressive appearance.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee L offered a luxurious experience with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and Palermo leather seating. The interior layout exuded a sense of premium quality, reminiscent of a Mercedes, without sharing any parts. The spacious cabin accommodated passengers comfortably, with captain's chairs standard in the second row and an optional 60/40 split bench rear seat. However, the air vents were criticized for insufficient airflow, necessitating a higher fan setting, which could be noisy.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine 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 based on various conditions, enhancing traction and stability without compromising fuel efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid boasted an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with fuel consumption rated at 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres and 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 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 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, four-wheel drive (4WD) was standard, with three different systems available. The V6 engine produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, but it struggled to provide sufficient power for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8 engine, available on higher trims, delivered 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, offering a more satisfying performance. The V6 achieved a fuel efficiency rating of 13.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.4 on the highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 16.7 L/100 km city, 10.9 highway, and 14.1 combined. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension providing adjustable ride height settings for various driving conditions.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and a practical cabin layout. The removal of armrests in favour of a padded centre console lid allowed for a sense of togetherness, while still providing ample storage space. Standard features included rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, power-adjustable driver's seat, and Stow 'n Go seating for the second and third rows. The Pacifica's cargo area offered best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system with physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space for passengers in all rows, with captain's chairs standard in the second row and an optional 60/40 split bench rear seat. However, the air vents were criticized for insufficient airflow, necessitating a higher fan setting, which could be noisy.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was praised for its modern design and responsiveness. It offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard, with an optional second-row in-seat entertainment system. The Pinnacle model featured FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with a rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat feature. The Pacifica also offered a range of audio system upgrades, including a 19-speaker Harman Kardon option.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of premium features on upper trims, including massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids standard. The Summit Reserve trim featured a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system, while lower trims had nine-speaker or six-speaker systems.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 standard or available safety features, including automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning with active braking. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.