2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant mid-generation refresh, showcasing a revised exterior that included new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille, giving it a more muscular appearance compared to its previous elegant design. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge at its centre. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which added darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which boasted a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted Nappa leather seats. The minivan's sound deadening technology was enhanced, providing a quieter ride.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder embraced a new era of SUV design with a bold aesthetic. It featured a V-motion grille, LED headlights, and a bulky C-pillar reminiscent of the original Pathfinder. The SUV was available in 11 paint jobs and colour combinations, with a black roof option. The Pathfinder's design was more robust, with a wider track and a planted look. It came in four trim levels, each with body-colour door handles and chrome accents. The interior offered eight-passenger seating, with the Platinum trim featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The Pathfinder's interior was upscale, with semi-aniline leather-appointed seats and a focus on flexibility, including the innovative EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid version combined a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower. The Pacifica offered an all-wheel-drive option for the first time in 16 years, which activated on-demand based on driving conditions. The hybrid model had 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. The traditional V6 model had a combined fuel consumption of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres, increasing to 12.0 litres with AWD.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission. The SUV offered standard all-wheel-drive in Canada, with hill descent control and seven drive modes. The Pathfinder had a 6,000-pound towing capacity and featured stabilizing trailer sway control technology. The suspension provided a stable ride, and the steering was responsive, making it easy to manoeuvre. The Pathfinder's tight turning radius was superior to its competitors, enhancing its city and off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed for family life, with spacious front seats and ample storage, including an under-stack area and under-console storage for second-row passengers. Standard features included rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow ’n Go seats. The Pacifica offered best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, with a spacious cargo area for family travel.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder focused on interior comfort and flexibility, with improved insulation and sound reduction. It featured wide-opening doors, optional second-row captain’s chairs, and the ability to fit five car seats. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide technology allowed easy third-row access. The Pathfinder offered 470 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,421 litres with seats folded. The interior was spacious, with heated front and second-row seats and tri-zone climate control.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional upgrades included a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and FamCam interior monitoring. The system was user-friendly, though it lacked a head-up display.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 7-inch digital driver-information display. Upper trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. The Pathfinder Platinum featured a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and a head-up display.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, with key features available from the Touring-L grade, including automatic pedestrian emergency braking and blind spot monitoring. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. It featured ten airbags, with an additional airbag in the Platinum trim. Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA had crash-tested the 2022 Pathfinder.