2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe maintained the classic Wrangler aesthetic, with its rugged exterior features like the exterior-mounted spare tire, removable doors, rounded headlights, and the iconic seven-slot grille. The only noticeable differences were the blue decals, badging, and the charger port on the driver’s side front quarter panel, which subtly indicated its plug-in hybrid nature. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe offered a mix of Dark Saddle brown leather seats, black leather inserts with contrast stitching, and a lot of black plastic, staying true to its utilitarian roots. The interior quality varied across the three available grades, with the Unlimited Sahara and Unlimited Sahara High Altitude offering leather-faced seats and power-adjustable driver’s seats, while the top-tier Unlimited Rubicon came with standard unheated cloth seats, though leather seats could be added for an extra cost.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a minivan that embraced its identity without trying to disguise itself as something else. Its exterior and interior styling were rounded and flowing, which some might find dated compared to the more angular designs gaining popularity. The Pacifica Hybrid Limited test vehicle featured black Nappa premium leather, which felt and smelled luxurious, and the interior was equipped with a range of comfort features like triple-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Despite its higher price point, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a practical and comfortable environment for families, with ample storage solutions and thoughtful design elements that catered to both driver and passengers.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total system output of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. This power was managed through an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a robust and trail-ready experience. The Wrangler 4xe was equipped with a Selec-trac or Rock-trac transfer case, depending on the model, offering various drive settings and impressive off-road capabilities, including up to 27.4 cm of ground clearance and 76 cm of water fording capability. The plug-in hybrid system allowed for an electric-only range of 35 kilometres, with options to manage battery usage through hybrid, electric, and e-save modes, as well as a Max Regen feature for enhanced regenerative braking.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped extend the range, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was smooth and nearly imperceptible. While the Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiency, it offered a less engaging driving experience, with light steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and a ride quality that could feel unnatural due to the low-mounted weight of the battery.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe was designed to accommodate its battery pack under the rear seats, resulting in minimal loss of space for second-row occupants. Headroom and legroom were comparable to standard Wrangler models, with slight variations depending on the roof type. Cargo capacity was slightly reduced compared to non-hybrid Wranglers, with 784 litres available with the second-row seats upright and 1,908 litres with them folded. The Wrangler 4xe was easy to manage in urban settings, and the optional power-retracting roof added convenience for open-air driving.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seating and ample cargo space. The interior featured quality materials and thoughtful design elements, such as triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Storage solutions were abundant, with various compartments and bins throughout the cabin. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica’s Stow n’ Go seats, though they required removal to maximize cargo space. The Pacifica Hybrid offered 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third row folded, and up to 3,978 litres with the second row removed.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe was equipped with the Uconnect 4C infotainment system, featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The system was intuitive, with a combination of touch controls and physical buttons for essential functions. The Wrangler 4xe also included off-road pages and Hybrid Electric Pages for monitoring vehicle performance and efficiency. However, it lacked some modern tech features, such as a fully digital instrument cluster and wireless phone charging.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering a user-friendly interface, customizable profiles, and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included features like FamCam, a rear-seat camera system, and optional Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat entertainment. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, though its default settings required adjustment for optimal sound quality. The surround-view camera system and parking assist features added convenience, though the adaptive cruise control system needed refinement.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe shared its safety ratings with the standard Wrangler, receiving a Good rating in most IIHS crashworthiness tests but a Marginal rating in the driver’s side small overlap front test due to a tip-over incident. The NHTSA rated the Wrangler with four stars for front crash tests and three stars for rollover resistance. Safety features were limited, with options for blind spot monitoring, rear park assist, and advanced safety features available in packages.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The Pacifica Hybrid included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, though the adaptive cruise system required improvement in certain situations.