2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant mid-generation refresh, resulting in a more muscular aesthetic with its new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights. The rear of the Pacifica featured an all-LED taillamp that spanned the width of the vehicle, maintaining a touch of the original design's sophistication. The S Appearance Package added darkened features and black accents, enhancing its premium look. Inside, the Pacifica offered a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, complemented by upscale materials like Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted Nappa leather seats, especially in the Pinnacle trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its familiar exterior design with subtle updates, including new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, and a redesigned grille. The Signature trim featured body-colour lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda's premium aspirations. Inside, the CX-5's interior remained unchanged, with the Signature trim offering luxurious Nappa leather upholstery and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort and support, enhancing the driving experience. However, the control layout and infotainment system remained a source of frustration due to the lack of a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a hybrid variant with a V6 engine and dual-motor electrically variable transmission, delivering 260 horsepower. The hybrid model boasted an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved fuel consumption figures of 12.4 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, while the AWD version saw a slight increase in consumption. The AWD system, newly available after 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission. All CX-5 models came standard with AWD, offering a combined fuel consumption of 9.3 L/100 km. The turbocharged engine option provided 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, with a combined consumption of 9.8 L/100 km. The CX-5's driving dynamics improved with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension, delivering a quieter and smoother ride with reduced body roll and enhanced grip.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and a practical cabin layout. The minivan featured power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for versatile cargo space. The Pacifica boasted best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel. The under-console storage and in-floor bins provided additional convenience for passengers.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints with new, more comfortable seats and a sportier driving position. The back seat remained snug, but heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout, however, continued to frustrate due to the lack of a touchscreen display. Cargo space was adequate, with 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded, comparing favourably to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering 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 sound system options ranged from a standard six-speaker setup to a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system, providing a high-quality listening experience.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, lacking touchscreen capability and natural voice recognition. Users had to rely on centre console controls and steering wheel buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system on higher trims. Mazda Connected Services offered a complimentary two-year trial subscription for new owners.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, including automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a surround-view camera. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with the i-Activsense package, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.