2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant mid-generation refresh, resulting in a more muscular exterior design. The new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights contributed to a streamlined front end, moving away from the elegance of previous models. Despite these changes, the Pacifica retained some of its original sophistication, particularly noticeable along its sides and rear. The all-LED taillamp, which spanned the width of the vehicle and featured the Chrysler wing badge, added a modern touch. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

Inside, the Pacifica distinguished itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival by offering a premium feel, especially in the Pinnacle trim. 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 doors had a well-weighted feel, and the vehicle boasted advanced sound-deadening technology, ensuring a quiet ride. The Pinnacle trim catered to luxury customers, offering comfort and classy finishes.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, presented a stylish and rugged appearance. The X-Line package added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, and robust roof rails, enhancing the SUV's presence. In the U.S., the X-Line was a package applied to the top trim, while in Canada, it was a standalone mid-grade package. The Sorento's cabin exuded quality, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim. The vehicle's construction was rock-solid, and the interior design was impressive even in the most affordable models. The Sorento's cabin offered a sense of luxury, with features like heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and second-row captain's chairs.

However, the Sorento's third-row seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and head restraints flush against the rear window. The cargo space was expandable, with the third-row seat folded down, offering up to 2,139 litres of cargo capacity. The Sorento's "smart" power tailgate added convenience, opening when the key fob was nearby. Overall, the Sorento provided a luxurious feel, but its third-row seating was best suited for occasional use.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-litre V6 engine and a V6 hybrid engine. The V6 engine produced 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid engine, combined with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieved 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 (FWD) only. The AWD system activated on-demand, improving fuel efficiency when not needed. The Pacifica Hybrid offered an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with fuel consumption of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres and 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica had fuel consumption figures of 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 8.4 on the highway, and 10.6 combined, with AWD models consuming slightly more.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's standard engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder, which took nearly 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. However, the Sorento offered more powerful engine options, including a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder, a turbocharged hybrid powertrain, and a turbocharged plug-in hybrid powertrain. The turbo 2.5-litre engine generated 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, providing a more enjoyable driving experience. The Sorento's turbo engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, offering a 0-60 mph time of about 7.5 seconds. The Sorento's suspension provided a blend of compliance and composure, making it feel more like a sports sedan. Fuel consumption for the base engine was 9.7 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, while the turbo engine averaged 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

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, power windows, a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and Stow 'n Go seats for flexible storage. The second-row seats had under-console storage, and the third-row bench seat could be stowed for additional cargo space. The Pacifica offered best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with Burgundy leather seats and a range of comfort features. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the second-row captain's chairs were heated in higher trims. The Sorento's second-row was designed for kids, with cupholders, USB ports, and rear climate control vents. However, the third-row seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and head restraints. The Sorento's cargo space expanded to 1,274 litres with the third-row seat folded and 2,139 litres with the second-row seats down. The "smart" power tailgate added convenience for loading cargo.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable interface. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with navigation that rerouted quickly. The second-row in-seat entertainment system was optional, with games and ports for personal entertainment. The Pacifica offered a range of sound system upgrades, including a 19-speaker Harman Kardon option. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's infotainment system varied by trim, with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The system included navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and smartphone integration. The interface was intuitive, though the graphics and colours might not appeal to everyone. The Sorento shared its infotainment technology with Hyundai models, but voice recognition was less effective. A 12-speaker Bose premium sound system was reserved for the SX trim, and a wireless phone charger was standard on higher trims.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, including automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning. Adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, and lane departure warning were available on higher trims. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated the model.

The 2022 Kia Sorento included a range of safety features, such as a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, and a Blind View Monitor. The Highway Driving Assist technology provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The SUV's LED headlights received a Poor rating in Canada.