2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights flanking a hexagonal grille, which contributed to a more muscular appearance compared to its previous elegance. The rear showcased 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 included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which boasted premium materials like quilted Nappa leather seats and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The minivan's sound-deadening technology was enhanced with new windows, seals, and insulation, ensuring a quiet ride.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced on the TGNA-K platform, presented a modern design with excellent proportions, reminiscent of a Lexus. Its exterior featured a deeply scalloped body side and a distinctive tailgate with LED lighting. The Venza's interior was elegant, with high-quality materials and a layered dash that utilized the steep windshield. The front seats were supportive, and the rear seats comfortably accommodated three adults. The Venza's design was more suited for urban environments than off-road adventures, with standard 18-inch alloy wheels and a focus on a quiet, serene cabin experience.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 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 from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. The traditional V6 Pacifica had fuel consumption rates of 12.4 L/100 km in the city, 8.4 on the highway, and 10.6 combined, while the AWD version had slightly higher rates.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The Venza's hybrid system balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency, with electric motors at the rear axle providing AWD. Drivers could choose from EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport modes, with regenerative braking recharging the lithium-ion battery. The Venza offered a smooth and agile driving experience, with a focus on comfort and efficiency rather than aggressive performance.

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. It featured rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for flexible storage. The Pacifica boasted best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, with ample legroom for second- and third-row passengers. The minivan's cargo area was spacious, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with good headroom and legroom in both. The second row had 114.8 cm of hip room, suitable for three adults. The cabin felt roomy, especially with the available Star Gaze panoramic sunroof. The Venza offered numerous convenience features, including an electric parking brake, sliding sun visors, and a large glove compartment. The lithium-ion battery pack under the second-row seats had minimal impact on cargo capacity, with 816 litres of luggage space behind the second row and up to 1,560 litres with the seats folded flat.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its modern design and responsiveness. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with optional in-seat entertainment for the second row. The Pinnacle model offered FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like rear-facing child seat view. The Pacifica's sound system options ranged from a standard six-speaker setup to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system in the Pinnacle Hybrid.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain required no special attention, offering a seamless driving experience without the need for charging infrastructure. The Venza's infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen, AM/FM/HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Higher trims added features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio system, and a head-up display. Toyota Connected Services provided additional safety and convenience features.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, with many standard on higher trims. These included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, featuring stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. It also included eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, with features like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.