2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, showcasing a more muscular aesthetic with its new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights. This design shift moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained a touch of sophistication as the eye transitioned 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 at its centre. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which boasted quilted Nappa leather seats, suede centre row pillows, and Beber floor mats. The flat dashboard, anchored by a 10.1-inch touchscreen, added to the premium feel, while sound deadening technology ensured a quiet ride.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid drew styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, with a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia lending a rugged appearance. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line swooping over the rear wheel arch, which added unnecessary visual weight. The rear echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall design felt disjointed compared to more cohesive competitors. Inside, the asymmetrical dash featured a metallic styling element that broke up monotony and provided storage. The Bronze Edition introduced 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric seat upholstery, which, while unique, attracted dirt and stains. The Softex synthetic leather substitute was less convincing than alternatives, and genuine leather was only available in higher trims. The third row had more hard plastics, making it less comfortable for longer journeys.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid version with a V6 engine, dual-motor electrically variable transmission, and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower. 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 Pacifica had fuel consumption figures of 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 8.4 on the highway. The AWD option, available for the first time in 16 years, activated on-demand and deactivated for efficiency when not needed.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission and standard AWD, with an electric motor powering the rear axle. The Highlander Hybrid reached 100 kilometres per hour in just over eight seconds. The electric motors provided initial acceleration, with the gasoline engine supplying additional power. The CVT resulted in a droning engine sound under heavy acceleration, particularly when climbing hills. Braking was smooth, with regenerative braking seamlessly transitioning to physical brakes. The ride quality was soft, with the suspension effectively smoothing over bumps, and the cabin remained quiet on the highway.

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. Storage was ample, with an under-stack area for personal items. Standard features included rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for flexible cargo space. The Pacifica boasted best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid provided well-cushioned front seats with plenty of adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage options included a deep tray under the infotainment screen and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats offered ample head- and legroom, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs for versatility. The third row was less accommodating, with limited headroom and legroom. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its modern, customizable interface and quick responsiveness. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Pinnacle model offered 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.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option available on top trims. The system was quick to respond, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging available on higher trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system were standard on the Limited and Platinum trims.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, with many standard on 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 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The systems generally worked well, though some, like adaptive cruise control, could be abrupt.