2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged and utilitarian charm. Its design, with a two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches, exuded timeless styling and balanced proportions. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's appearance was functional, akin to a reliable tool that didn't require frequent updates. The interior, though dominated by hard plastic, was practical and easy to clean, aligning with the SUV's mission. The dashboard featured large knobs and buttons, emphasizing simplicity and durability, which endeared the 4Runner to its owners.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, though a minivan, offered a unique proposition with its plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Its exterior and interior styling appeared soft and somewhat dated, lacking the harder-edged motifs popular in contemporary designs. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid provided a comfortable and efficient package for transporting up to seven people. The interior boasted quality materials, such as black Nappa leather, and a range of features, including a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's appearance and price point might not appeal to those seeking a more rugged or stylish vehicle.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to its A-Trac off-road traction control system, which allowed it to tackle challenging terrains with ease. Equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, the 4Runner was capable but felt slow and heavy on paved roads. Its truck-like driving characteristics, including a five-speed automatic transmission and a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, contributed to its charm but also made it less suitable for daily urban driving. Fuel consumption was high, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing, with a range of about 620 kilometres on a full tank.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, on the other hand, offered a more efficient and versatile driving experience. Its plug-in hybrid drivetrain combined a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless, and the regenerative braking system helped improve efficiency. Despite its impressive powertrain, the Pacifica Hybrid's driving dynamics were unremarkable, with light steering and a somewhat dull driving experience. However, its average fuel economy of 6.3 L/100 km was commendable.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample legroom and supportive seats in both the front and rear. The high ground clearance could pose a challenge for shorter passengers, but once inside, the 4Runner provided a pleasant experience. Cargo space was generous, with up to 1,337 litres behind the rear seats and 2,540 litres with the seats folded down. The 4Runner's interior storage was decent, and the back bumper served as a convenient seating area for outdoor activities.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, with three rows of comfortable seating and a vast cargo capacity. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and a range of storage solutions. The second-row seats were more comfortable than those in a standard Pacifica, 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 seats folded and up to 3,978 litres with the second-row seats removed. This made it a practical choice for families and those needing ample storage.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's technology offerings were basic, especially in the entry-level Trail grade. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation, even while wearing gloves. However, the 4Runner lacked advanced features like a dynamic navigation system, which was available in higher trims.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a more advanced Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the FamCam overhead camera system. The system allowed for multiple user profiles and simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices. While the voice recognition technology had room for improvement, the overall functionality was impressive. The Pacifica Hybrid also featured a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an optional rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV, though the latter might be unnecessary for families with personal devices.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning, which were notable omissions. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision from the IIHS.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It featured adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, though the adaptive cruise control required refinement. The Pacifica Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.