2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Kia Telluride

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels in Canada, all equipped with standard all-wheel drive: EX, SX, SX Limited, and SX Limited Nightsky Edition. Pricing ranged from $46,195 to $55,695, excluding a $1,895 destination charge. The Telluride EX was noted for its value, but many opted for the SX Limited trim, which offered a luxurious feel with features like premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats. The SX Limited Nightsky Edition introduced a blacked-out aesthetic with gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert. The Telluride's design was praised for its exterior styling and contemporary interior, though it had some glossy hard plastic elements. The transmission shifter was strategically placed to preserve storage space, and the interior offered a sense of quality. However, the only interior colour option other than black was available in the SX Limited trim.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, while a minivan, offered a unique plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system. It provided a total system output of 260 horsepower and an electric-only range of 51 kilometres. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior featured black Nappa premium leather, but its styling was considered soft and dated compared to more modern designs. The base model started at $55,995, with the Limited trim at $58,995 and the Pinnacle model at $60,995. Our test vehicle, equipped with extra-cost paint, the S Appearance Package, and a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system, had an MSRP of $64,960, including the destination charge. Despite the federal EV rebate, the Pacifica Hybrid remained a costly option. The minivan's electric drive system was smooth, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a 3.8-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It offered various driving modes, including Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart, through Kia's Drive Mode Select technology. The Telluride's AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, complemented by 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance. During testing, the Telluride demonstrated its capability in challenging conditions, such as snow and mud. The SUV's suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a smooth ride over uneven surfaces. The Telluride's MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, along with a self-leveling rear suspension in higher trims, ensured proper ride and handling. The SUV's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our testing loop averaging 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, offering 260 horsepower. The electric drive system provided immediate torque, and the van could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone. The Pacifica Hybrid's regenerative braking system captured energy to recharge the battery, contributing to an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was praised for its smooth operation, with the transition between electric and gasoline power being nearly imperceptible. However, the driving experience was described as uninspiring, with light steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and limited cornering grip. The Pacifica Hybrid's performance was rated highly for its powertrain efficiency, but the overall driving dynamics were considered dull.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a driver’s seat offering 12-way power adjustment and a heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The front seats featured heating and ventilation, and the interior was designed with quality materials. The second-row captain’s chairs were heated and ventilated, with side-window sunshades and an overhead climate control panel. The third-row seat was accessible via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat, and the Telluride offered ample storage solutions for modern families. The smart hands-free power liftgate provided easy access to the cargo area, which offered 601 litres of space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 2,455 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered three comfortable rows of seats and significant cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage solutions included extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin behind the centre console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n’ Go chairs, but they required removal to maximize cargo space. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, with cupholders, USB ports, and side window shades. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 914 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expanding to 3,978 litres with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system allowed for simultaneous Bluetooth pairing of two devices and included wireless smartphone charging. The system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive touchscreen operation. The SX trim featured a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, while Limited grades added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the FamCam overhead camera system. The system allowed for five user profiles and included a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered Amazon Fire TV for its rear-seat entertainment system, allowing for streaming and gaming. The surround-view camera system and parking assist system were useful features, though the voice recognition technology was inconsistent.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim offered front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact results.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a complete package of standard driver-assist and collision-avoidance features. It included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control required refinement, as it was slow to resume travel speed and braked too hard in moderate traffic. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact protection.