2021 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Venza, when introduced, was often compared to a Lexus due to its sleek design and premium appearance. It was shorter and closer to the ground than the Toyota RAV4, yet shared the same wheelbase. The Venza's design was reminiscent of the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, with its elongated profile and distinctive grille, setting it apart from other Toyota SUVs. Available in three trims—LE, XLE, and Limited—the Venza offered a choice of seven paint colours, though not all were available across every trim. Standard features included LED lighting, a dual chrome-tipped exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels, with higher trims adding more luxurious touches like a Star Gaze panoramic roof and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a minivan that embraced its identity, offering practicality over style. Despite the S Appearance Package, it wasn't considered a standout in terms of looks. The Pacifica Hybrid was priced starting at $55,995 for the base Touring L, with the Limited and Pinnacle trims costing more. Our test vehicle, a Limited trim with additional features, had an MSRP of $64,960. The interior was comfortable, with black Nappa leather and a flowing design, though it appeared softer and less modern compared to newer trends. The Pacifica Hybrid was unique in its class, offering a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a 51-kilometre electric range, making it an efficient choice for short trips.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery and electric motors, delivering a combined 219 horsepower. This hybrid system, coupled with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), provided smooth acceleration, though it was not particularly rapid. The Venza excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 L/100 km combined, outperforming competitors like the Murano and Passport. The Venza's handling was reliable, and its all-wheel-drive system ensured stability. Toyota backed its hybrid powertrain with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty, adding peace of mind for buyers.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing 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 helped recharge the battery, contributing to an average fuel economy of 6.3 L/100 km. While the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was impressive, the driving experience was less engaging, with light steering and unremarkable brakes. The van's handling was more akin to an appliance, though it excelled in efficiency and comfort for passengers.

Inside the 2021 Toyota Venza, the cabin offered a unique design with premium appointments, including a deep centre console and a padded upholstery. The Venza accommodated five passengers comfortably, with ample headroom and a spacious feel. However, its cargo space was limited to 816 litres, about 60% of what the RAV4 offered. Despite this, the Venza's cargo area was practical for daily use, with easy-to-use quick-flip releases for the rear seats.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, providing three rows of comfortable seating and a generous cargo area. The interior featured triple-zone climate control, quality leather upholstery, and ample storage options. The second-row seats were more comfortable than those in a standard Pacifica, though they did not fold into the floor. The Pacifica Hybrid offered 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third row folded. Removing the second-row seats increased cargo capacity to 3,978 litres, surpassing many SUVs.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came equipped with the Entune infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch screen on the LE trim and a 12.3-inch screen on the XLE and Limited trims. While the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it was not the most user-friendly, requiring multiple menu trips for simple tasks. The Venza also offered a nine-speaker JBL audio system and various connected services, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and offered features like FamCam and Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat entertainment. While the Uconnect 5 was generally user-friendly, its voice recognition technology was inconsistent. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, though its sound quality required adjustment for optimal performance.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. While it lacked adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist, it offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. The Pacifica Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.