2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance rugged styling with the practicality expected from an SUV. Despite a refresh in 2019 and the introduction of the Black Edition in 2020, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, with all-wheel drive as standard. The Black Edition, which we tested, featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents and ambient lighting. However, the interior's resemblance to a minivan, coupled with its exterior design, did not enhance its appeal. The materials used were of high quality, but the design choices, such as the black floor mats, were not pet-friendly.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid embraced its minivan identity, offering practicality and efficiency. Despite its soft and dated styling, the Pacifica Hybrid was a unique offering with its plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The Limited trim, which we tested, included premium features like black Nappa leather and a Uconnect Theater system. The Pacifica Hybrid was not cheap, but federal and provincial EV rebates made it more affordable. While it lacked the stylish appeal of some competitors, it provided a compelling package for those prioritizing efficiency and practicality.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, provided a smooth and responsive driving experience. The Pilot offered various driving modes and fuel-saving technologies, achieving an average fuel consumption of 10.9 L/100 km during testing. Its suspension system contributed to a comfortable ride and agile handling, although its off-road capabilities were limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-litre V6 engine, combined with a dual-motor electric drive system. This setup produced 260 horsepower, with immediate torque from the electric motors. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, with an average fuel economy of 6.3 L/100 km. The transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless, and the regenerative braking system enhanced efficiency. However, the driving experience was unremarkable, with light steering and a lack of cornering grip.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, with seating for up to eight people. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped front seats with heating and ventilation, although the front passenger seat had limited adjustment. Second-row captain’s chairs were standard on the Black Edition, providing comfort and flexibility. The Pilot offered 524 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 3,092 litres with all seats folded. Storage solutions were abundant, with compartments throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, with three comfortable rows of seats and significant cargo space. The Limited trim included premium features like triple-zone climate control and quality leather upholstery. Storage options were plentiful, with innovative solutions like a large sliding bin behind the centre console. The Pacifica Hybrid offered 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 3,978 litres with the second-row seats removed. However, removing the seats was not as convenient as in some competitors.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered additional features like a navigation system, wireless phone charging, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim included a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature. However, the infotainment system's interface was not as user-friendly as some competitors, and voice recognition required specific prompts.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and the FamCam system. The system supported multiple user profiles and simultaneous Bluetooth pairing. However, voice recognition was inconsistent. The Pacifica Hybrid also featured a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an optional rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV. The surround-view camera system and parking assist features added convenience.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. This included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high scores from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" rating for front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety features than any other vehicle. It included a rear-seat reminder system and a comprehensive package of driver-assist features. However, adaptive cruise control lacked refinement, with slow response times and abrupt braking. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.