2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was designed with a rugged exterior that mimicked the look of a traditional SUV, setting it apart from previous generations and other compact crossovers. Its boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and scowling front end gave it an aggressive appearance, which contributed to the perception that it was more than just an ordinary vehicle. However, beneath its bold exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with many other Toyota models, which meant its mechanical components were more akin to a Camry than a 4Runner. Despite its adventurous styling, the RAV4 remained a standard vehicle at its core.

Toyota offered several options to enhance the RAV4's appeal, such as the Trail model with a retro Ice Edge roof and orange interior accents, and the TRD Off-Road package with matte black alloy wheels, LED fog lights, and red interior accents. The interior featured rugged styling touches like large rubberized knobs and door handles, distinguishing it from other Toyota models. While material quality was decent on lower trims, it did not improve significantly with higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model featured SofTex upholstery, which was lighter and durable, but real leather was not available, even on the top-tier Limited trim.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite being a minivan, offered a unique package for efficiently transporting up to seven people. It featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total output 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 van's regenerative braking system helped extend its range, achieving an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres. While the Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was not particularly exciting, its powertrain was praised for its seamless transition between electric and gasoline modes.

The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was designed for comfort and utility, with triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were abundant, including extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin behind the centre console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than those in a standard Pacifica, and the third-row seat offered reasonable comfort for adults or children. Cargo space was impressive, with 914 litres behind the third row and up to 3,978 litres with the second-row seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats required effort, unlike the easy Stow n' Go seats in a standard Pacifica.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and delivered impressive output for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder. However, the transmission struggled to keep up, and the steering lacked feel, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4's off-road capabilities were enhanced with the Trail grade and TRD Off-Road package, which included torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, 21.7 centimetres of ground clearance, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a 3.6-litre V6 engine and a dual-motor electric drive system, producing 260 horsepower. The electric drive system provided immediate torque, and the van never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, and its regenerative braking system helped extend its range. The transition between electric and gasoline modes was nearly imperceptible, and the powertrain operated efficiently without requiring driver intervention. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and limited cornering grip.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a competitive amount of headroom and good outward visibility, but legroom in both rows was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions, making long trips less appealing. Cargo space was above average, with 1,059 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,977 litres with them folded. The oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls were easy to use, but storage space on the console was limited.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, with three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. It featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were plentiful, including extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin behind the centre console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than those in a standard Pacifica, and the third-row seat offered reasonable comfort for adults or children. Cargo space was impressive, with 914 litres behind the third row and up to 3,978 litres with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with most trims featuring a 7-inch touchscreen. Trail and Limited models had an 8-inch screen, while the RAV4 Prime offered a 9-inch screen. The infotainment system was easy to use but not particularly flashy, and the gasoline RAV4 lacked a head-up display. A JBL premium audio system and SiriusXM satellite radio were available.

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 simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the Harman Kardon premium sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The Pacifica also offered Amazon Fire TV for its rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 bundle, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was also standard.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety and security features than any other vehicle in the industry. It included a rear-seat reminder system and a complete package of driver-assist and collision-avoidance features. However, it lacked adaptive cruise control paired with lane-centring assist. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.