2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, despite its lineage, did not quite capture the visual allure expected from a luxury SUV. Its exterior design, reminiscent of a hurried project, lacked the refined proportions seen in competitors like the BMW X5. The aggressive front nose promised a bold statement, but the design seemed to falter past the A-pillar, blending into the older GLE's silhouette. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to counteract its minivan-like tendencies, but the overall aesthetic did not match the elegance of Mercedes' sedans and sports cars. However, the interior was a different story. The 2021 redesign brought a more cohesive and streamlined look, with a luxurious interior that boasted high-quality materials and a striking red and black colour scheme. The cabin was a sensory delight, with wood, metal, leather, and suede elements, although some controls felt flimsy. The GLE's interior exuded a sense of opulence, but achieving that level of luxury required significant optional upgrades.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that enhanced its exterior with a more muscular aesthetic. The new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights gave the Pacifica a robust front-end appearance, while the all-LED taillamp at the rear maintained a touch of sophistication. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which added darkened features and black accents for a more aggressive look. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim. The interior featured a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, quilted Nappa leather seats, and upscale finishes. The Pacifica's design catered to families, with thoughtful storage solutions and a spacious cabin that accommodated both children and adults comfortably. The Pacifica Pinnacle stood out with its premium materials and attention to detail, making it a top choice for those seeking a luxurious minivan experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance, offering a range of powertrains and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine with 273 lb-ft of torque, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine producing 362 hp and 369 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 hp and 384 lb-ft, thanks to an electric supercharger. The AMG GLE 63 S topped the range with a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 delivering 450 hp and 568 lb-ft. The GLE's hybrid system, EQ Boost, provided additional power and improved efficiency, although it didn't significantly enhance fuel economy. The GLE's air suspension systems, including AIRMATIC and E-Active Body Control, offered exceptional ride quality and handling, allowing the SUV to perform like a smaller sedan. The GLE's towing capacity of 3,500 kg was impressive, and its driving experience was characterized by precise steering and remarkable agility.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid version with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kWh battery, achieving 260 hp. The Pacifica Hybrid provided an all-electric range of over 50 km and a total range of 784 km, with a fuel consumption of 2.9 L/100 km equivalent. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 12.4 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, while the AWD version had slightly higher consumption. The Pacifica's AWD system, available for the first time in 16 years, activated on-demand and deactivated for efficiency when not needed. The Pacifica Hybrid, however, was only available with front-wheel drive. The Pacifica's performance was tailored for family use, offering a smooth and comfortable ride with the practicality of a minivan.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior with optional third-row seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The second-row seats featured power controls for added comfort, and the third-row access was made easier with a button-activated sliding mechanism. The GLE Coupe, however, was limited to five passengers, with a sloping roofline that reduced rear headroom. Cargo capacity in the SUV was 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe offered 655 litres behind the second row and 1,790 litres with the seats down. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and offered intuitive features. The interior was well-appointed, but the Coupe's design limited rear passenger space and ease of access.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering a spacious and versatile interior. The front seats provided ample space and storage, with a practical under-stack area for personal items. The Pacifica featured power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for the second and third rows, allowing for easy conversion between passenger and cargo space. The Pacifica's cargo area was generous, with a best-in-class total storage capacity 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 Pacifica's seats offered comfort and flexibility, making it an ideal choice for families on the go.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen display featuring Interior Assistant, which responded to hand gestures for added convenience. The system included a Track Pace app for AMG models, offering virtual pit crew functionality and GPS lap timing. The GLE's infotainment system was user-friendly, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The vehicle offered a range of luxury features, including seat kinetics, ambient lighting with 64 colours, and a natural voice assistant. The GLE's technology package was extensive, providing a high level of customization and comfort for drivers and passengers alike.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its modern design and responsiveness. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard, with an optional second-row entertainment system offering games and media playback. The Pacifica's sound system options ranged from a standard six-speaker setup to a premium 20-speaker Harman Kardon system in the Pinnacle Hybrid. The Pinnacle model also included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with advanced features for family use. The Pacifica's technology offerings were designed to enhance the driving experience and provide entertainment for all passengers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The GLE was equipped with a range of safety and driver assistance features, such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The vehicle also offered advanced systems like Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side for added protection in the event of a collision. The GLE's safety package was comprehensive, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, with many standard on higher trims. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although the IIHS had not yet rated the model. Safety features included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Pacifica's safety systems were designed to provide a secure driving experience, with advanced technology to assist in various driving conditions.