2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as a new entrant in the SUV market, had the advantage of not being constrained by a long legacy of design language. This allowed Genesis to innovate and create a fresh design while still incorporating signature styling cues from its sedan lineup. The GV80 featured an elegant two-box design with a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive trapezoidal grille with a diamond mesh pattern. The SUV's exterior was further enhanced by Quad Lamp LED headlights and taillights, large aluminum-alloy wheels, and high-quality paint and trim. Inside, the GV80 boasted a luxurious and uncluttered interior with a sleek dashboard, real wood and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

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. While it retained some of its original sophistication, the Pacifica's design was more focused on practicality and family-friendly features. The interior was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating, ample storage, and premium materials in higher trims. The Pacifica Pinnacle trim, in particular, catered to luxury customers with quilted Nappa leather seats, a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and a focus on comfort and practicality. The Pacifica's design was both functional and stylish, making it a strong contender in the minivan market.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive was standard in Canada. The GV80's suspension system included independent multi-link suspension and electronically controlled suspension with road preview on 3.5T models. The 2.5T engine provided sufficient power for most driving situations, while the 3.5T offered a smoother and more powerful experience. Fuel consumption for the 2.5T was rated at 11.3 L/100 km city and 9.5 highway, while the 3.5T was rated at 12.9 L/100 km city and 10.4 highway.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came with a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid version was also available, combining a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower. The Pacifica offered all-wheel drive as an option for the first time in 16 years, with the system activating on-demand based on driving conditions. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. Fuel consumption for the traditional V6 was 12.4 L/100 km city and 8.4 highway, while the hybrid used 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was a sophisticated vehicle with a focus on technology and luxury. Its interior featured a rotary gear selector, a circular multimedia controller, and capacitive touch buttons for the HVAC system. The second row offered comfortable seating for two adults, with power-adjustable seats and window shades available. A third row was standard on 3.5T models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The GV80's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like a sunroof and three-row climate control.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and ample storage. The front seats were spacious, with a padded centre console lid replacing armrests. The Pacifica featured power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for the second and third rows. The minivan's cargo area was spacious, with best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres. The Pacifica's interior was practical and comfortable, making it an ideal choice for families.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered cloud connectivity, over-the-air updates, and user-configurable split-screen displays. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims. The GV80 also came with a Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers and 1050 watts of amplification, providing a premium audio experience.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern and customizable, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included a second-row in-seat entertainment system with games and ports for external devices. The Pacifica offered a six-speaker sound system as standard, with options for a 13-speaker Alpine system or a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system. The Pinnacle model featured FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with a rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat feature.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with 10 airbags, electronic stability control, and a range of driver assistance features, including blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80 also offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, with many available on higher trims. Standard features included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS had not yet rated the model at the time of publication.