2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille that contributed to a more muscular aesthetic. This design shift moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained a touch of sophistication as the eye moved along the vehicle's sides and rear. The rear was updated with an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the model, complemented by the Chrysler wing badge. 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 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 with new windows, seals, and insulation, ensuring a quiet ride.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge maintained a design closely resembling its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, with subtle differences like a solid panel grille and trim-specific 19-inch alloy wheels. The XC40's exterior was marked by its Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion created by thin pillars. Inside, the XC40 embraced Scandinavian design, offering an airy and roomy cabin with harmonious dash elements. The XC40 Recharge was a genuine luxury SUV, with a focus on quality assembly and finish. The interior featured ample storage, comfortable front seats, and a slightly cramped rear middle seat, typical of compact SUVs. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was available with a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Alternatively, the hybrid version combined a V6 engine 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 fuel consumption rates of 12.4 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, with AWD models slightly less efficient.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack powering two electric motors, delivering 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. This setup enabled the XC40 Recharge to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The Recharge utilized regenerative braking and offered a one-pedal driving mode for enhanced energy recovery. The XC40 Recharge had a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge, with a fuel efficiency rating of 2.8 Le/100 km combined. The gasoline XC40 models, T4 and T5, had 0-100 km/h times of 8.5 and 6.4 seconds, respectively, with fuel efficiency ratings of 9.3 and 9.4 L/100 km combined.

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 under-stack bins and under-console storage for second-row passengers. 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 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, with clever storage solutions like a front trunk for the charging cable and ample cabin cubbies. The front seats were comfortable, while the rear seats were suitable for outboard passengers. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the second row folded and a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable interface with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The second row's in-seat entertainment system was optional, with additional games available. 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.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, running on the Android Automotive operating system. It included Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store, with Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth also available. The XC40 Recharge supported over-the-air updates for both the infotainment system and vehicle software. However, the range display showed a percentage of charge rather than remaining kilometres, which could cause range anxiety for some drivers.

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

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, with standard safety features including collision warning, blind-spot information, and lane keep assist. The XC40 Recharge's top speed was electronically capped at 180 km/h. It featured a new sensor platform for enhanced active safety and Volvo’s Connected Safety system for sharing road condition data with other Volvo vehicles.