2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a more traditional SUV aesthetic compared to other small luxury crossovers, featuring a tall, flat roof and an upright rear hatch. It seamlessly integrated into the Volvo family with design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with a white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and unique alloy wheels. It also featured a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a distinct rear bumper, and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic colour. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and upscale environment.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, while a minivan, offered a unique proposition with its plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Despite its minivan image, it provided practical features like sliding side doors, making it convenient for families. The Pacifica Hybrid was not particularly stylish, even with the S Appearance Package, and came with a hefty price tag. However, it offered a comfortable interior with black Nappa premium leather and a rounded design that some might find dated. The Pacifica Hybrid was a rare find as a plug-in hybrid minivan, offering a unique blend of utility and efficiency, albeit with a less exciting driving experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, producing a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft. It had a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with 75 kWh usable, and could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality and the capability for one-pedal driving. It also had a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The 16-kWh battery pack allowed for an electric-only range of 51 kilometres, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The Pacifica Hybrid could be charged using a standard household outlet, and its regenerative braking system helped extend the electric range. It offered an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres. While the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was impressive, the driving experience was less engaging, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes. However, it excelled in efficiency and practicality for family use.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered no difference in passenger or cargo space between the Recharge and gasoline models. However, it was not particularly spacious, with less legroom and headroom compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The cargo area was also smaller, and the frunk was limited in size. Despite this, Volvo provided clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and large door bins. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for extra storage space in the doors.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering 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 abundant, with extra shelves in the front door panels and a large floor tray under the centre console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n’ Go seats, although they did not collapse into the floor. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, and the Pacifica Hybrid provided 914 litres of cargo space behind it. With the third-row seats folded, the cargo area expanded to 2,477 litres, and removing the second-row seats increased it to 3,978 litres.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, offering Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. It included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with top-notch graphics and menu layouts. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Recharge model also had OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. It lacked a start button, with the car starting automatically when the driver entered with the key fob.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display with appealing graphics and a simple user interface. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices. The FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The system's voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, but the available 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system provided good audio quality. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered Amazon Fire TV for the rear-seat entertainment system, allowing passengers to stream content or download Amazon Prime Video.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors. The Recharge model featured Volvo’s latest sensor suite, allowing for future advancements in driver aids.

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 standard 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 safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.