2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a testament to GMC's "premium grade" positioning, offering a rugged yet refined aesthetic that set it apart from its Chevrolet and Cadillac siblings. The redesigned Yukon, available in various trims including the new AT4 for off-road enthusiasts, was priced from an MSRP of $58,548. The Denali trim, known for its upscale features, boasted a unique dashboard design, real wood trim, and leather-wrapped panels, making it a luxurious choice for those who valued substance over a flashy badge. The Yukon Denali Ultimate, with its Midnight Blue paint and 22-inch wheels, exuded a more upscale vibe than its Chevrolet counterpart, the Tahoe High Country.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that gave it a more muscular aesthetic with new LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. The Pacifica's interior was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The Pinnacle trim, aimed at premium and luxury customers, featured quilted Nappa leather seats, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and a posh interior with wood accents and real metal surrounds. The Pacifica's design balanced practicality with luxury, making it a solid choice for families seeking a premium minivan experience.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options, with the Denali trim featuring a 420-horsepower 6.2-litre V8 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided robust acceleration, though it was not particularly fuel-efficient, averaging 16.3 litres per 100 kilometres on a testing loop. The Yukon also featured an independent rear suspension and an available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension, improving ride quality and handling. The Active Response 4WD system, with its Autotrac two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, enhanced cornering performance and traction. The Yukon Denali could tow up to 3,629 kilograms, though this was less than some competitors.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered a traditional 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower or a hybrid powertrain with a combined 260 horsepower. The hybrid model 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 Pacifica's AWD system, available for the first time in 16 years, activated on-demand to improve traction and deactivated to enhance fuel efficiency. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 8.4 on the highway, with slightly higher consumption when AWD was added.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The Denali trim featured leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sliding console. The second-row seats slid and folded flat, while the third-row seat offered improved comfort and thigh support. Cargo volume was impressive, with up to 3,480 litres available in the standard Yukon and 4,097 litres in the Yukon XL.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed for family life, with spacious front seats and practical storage solutions. The minivan featured power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for the second and third rows. The Pacifica's cargo area was generous, offering best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres. The interior was thoughtfully designed, with under-console storage for second-row passengers and a sliding bin for additional convenience.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali, especially with the Ultimate Package, offered a comprehensive infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bose audio system. The Rear Seat Media system featured dual 12.6-inch displays, though it required some trial and error to stream content. The Yukon also included a 15-inch head-up display and multiple camera views for enhanced maneuverability.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern and customizable, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. The second-row entertainment system offered a variety of games and ports for personal entertainment. The Pinnacle model featured FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view. The Pacifica's sound system options included a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system, providing a high-quality listening experience.

The 2021 GMC Yukon was equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim offered adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. The Yukon’s ADAS operated smoothly, providing a reassuring driving experience.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica boasted up to 116 safety features, with many standard on the Touring-L grade and above. These included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated the model.