2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant mid-generation refresh, resulting in a more muscular exterior. 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 as one moved 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 distinguished itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival by balancing practicality with premium touches. The Pacifica Pinnacle trim, in particular, catered to luxury customers with features like quilted Nappa leather seats and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The interior was designed for comfort and functionality, with sound-deadening technology enhancing the driving experience. The Pacifica's doors had a well-weighted feel, and the vehicle's engineering ensured a quiet ride by minimizing road and engine noise.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a mature crossover SUV, evolved from its original "cute ute" category to become a sales leader. Its exterior design, while fitting in with current crossover trends, featured angular wheel arches and crisp lines that contrasted with the body-side bends. The RAV4's expressive headlights and grille created a playful yet aggressive look. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colours, anchored by a straightforward centre stack. The interior design included a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern that tied various cabin elements together.

The RAV4's interior was spacious, with a focus on comfort and practicality. The front seats offered ample legroom and were separated by a roomy centre console. The RAV4's design included thoughtful details like cupholders and bottle holders throughout the cabin. The vehicle's handling was car-like, with a suspension system that provided a smooth ride. The RAV4's design and engineering made it a popular choice among a wide range of drivers.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine paired with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The Pacifica Hybrid had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with a fuel efficiency of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The traditional V6 Pacifica had a fuel consumption of 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 8.4 on the highway, and 10.6 combined. The AWD option, available for the first time in 16 years, activated on-demand and improved fuel efficiency by deactivating when not needed.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains. The gasoline-only model featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4 Hybrid used a similar engine with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, producing 217 combined net horsepower. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid had a 2.5-litre engine, an 18.1-kilowatt-hour battery pack, and 302 horsepower, with an all-electric range of 68 kilometres. The RAV4's fuel economy varied by model, with the gasoline model achieving 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.8 on the highway. The RAV4 Hybrid had a fuel economy of 5.8 L/100 km city and 6.3 highway, while the RAV4 Prime achieved 5.7 L/100 km city and 6.4 highway in hybrid mode.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and a padded centre console lid. The minivan featured rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seats for flexible storage. The Pacifica's cargo area provided best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, offered up to 1,977 litres of cargo space with the second row folded flat. The RAV4 had a healthy payload capacity and towing capabilities, with different models rated for various towing weights. Inside, the RAV4 provided comfortable seating for four, with a spacious front area and a roomy centre console. The vehicle included dual-zone climate control and ample storage options throughout the cabin.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its modern design and responsiveness. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Pacifica offered an optional second-row in-seat entertainment system and a high-quality Harman Kardon sound system. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and additional technology like a digital rear-view mirror and a head-up display. The RAV4 Prime featured multiple USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, and ambient illumination.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica included up to 116 safety features, with many available at the Touring-L grade. These features included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota's Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure alert. The RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and the RAV4 Prime received a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid a five-star rating.