2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

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 compared to its predecessors. Despite this shift, the Pacifica retained elements of its original sophistication, particularly noticeable as one moved from the front to the sides and rear of the vehicle. The rear was adorned with an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge prominently displayed at its centre. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents, enhancing its visual appeal.

Inside, the Pacifica distinguished itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival by balancing practicality with premium touches. The Pacifica Pinnacle trim exemplified this with its luxurious features, including quilted Nappa leather seats, suede centre row pillows, and Beber floor mats. The interior boasted a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, complemented by Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and real metal surrounds. The Pacifica's doors closed with a reassuring thud, and its sound-deadening technology ensured a quiet ride, making it a standout in the minivan segment.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between two-door and four-door body styles, with various engine options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline-powered V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, and the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain. The standard six-speed manual transmission could be upgraded to an eight-speed automatic, and multiple 4WD systems were available depending on the trim level. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions like the Willys and Willys Sport, Sahara High Altitude, and Wrangler Rubicon 392.

Our test vehicle, the High Tide model, was based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S trim and featured options like LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade. The Wrangler's interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and plastic and rubber materials. Despite its simplicity, the Wrangler provided a unique and immersive driving experience, characterized by its rough-and-tumble nature and open-air capabilities. The Wrangler's design encouraged exploration and adventure, making it a favourite among off-road enthusiasts.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-litre V6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft 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. The Pacifica Hybrid boasted an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with a fuel consumption of 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 seeing a slight increase in consumption.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. Equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system, the Wrangler was well-suited for challenging weather conditions. Natural Resources Canada estimated a combined fuel consumption of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres for the Wrangler Unlimited with the eTorque V6, but our test vehicle averaged 14.0 L/100 km over 700 kilometres of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was characterized by its unique and immersive nature, appealing to those seeking adventure and exploration.

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. The minivan featured rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for versatile cargo and passenger configurations. The Pacifica's cargo area provided best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler posed challenges for entry and exit, especially with a raised suspension. The interior featured comfortable seats with durable cloth upholstery, but the driving position required acclimation. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views and others being compromised. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry difficulties but enjoyed agreeable accommodations once inside. The Wrangler's cargo space measured 898 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern and customizable, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view. The Pacifica offered a range of audio systems, including a 19-speaker Harman Kardon option for a premium listening experience.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's infotainment system was basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio and a premium audio system. Our test vehicle included features like remote engine starting, satellite radio, and heated front seats, enhancing the Wrangler's open-air driving experience.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, with many standard on higher trims. These included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated the model.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. Safety features were optional, and the Wrangler required careful driving.