2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Land Rover Defender

The 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its distinctive exterior styling, reminiscent of the original version with its boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and flat hood. Despite these retro elements, the design was thoroughly modern, featuring rounded corners for improved aerodynamics and recessed LED headlights that gave it a unique personality. The modern Defender was significantly larger than its predecessor, offering more interior space and better ergonomics. The interior design emphasized the Defender’s rugged character, with a mix of leather upholstery and suede, exposed screws, and bare metal, creating a look that was both practical and stylish. The Defender’s interior was designed to handle mud and dirt, making it a suitable choice for off-road adventures without the worry of ruining the interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a minivan that didn’t shy away from its identity. It wasn’t a standout in terms of looks, even with the S Appearance Package, but it offered practicality and efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, making it a unique offering in the market. The interior was comfortable, with black Nappa premium leather and a rounded, flowing design that some might find dated. Despite its appearance, the Pacifica Hybrid was a practical choice for families, offering a spacious interior and the ability to transport up to seven people efficiently. The Pacifica Hybrid’s price was on the higher side, but federal and provincial EV rebates made it more affordable in some regions.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, including a base 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and a mid-level 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The highlight for 2022 was the introduction of a V8 engine, delivering 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, capable of propelling the Defender 90 from zero to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. All models featured a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. The Defender was praised for its on-road comfort, with a suspension that absorbed bumps effectively and minimized noise from the 22-inch tires. Off-road, the Defender lived up to Land Rover’s reputation, with features like a 4WD system with low range, good approach, departure, and breakover angles, and up to 29 centimetres of ground clearance with the optional air suspension.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total 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 regenerative braking system helped extend the electric range, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible. The Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres, outperforming its main rival, the Toyota Sienna. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and limited cornering grip. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid’s powertrain was praised for its efficiency and seamless operation.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered a range of configurations, including the two-door Defender 90 and the four-door Defender 110. The Defender 90 featured 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, which were comfortable but challenging to access due to the two-door design. The Defender 110 was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, with cargo space ranging from 160 litres to 1,875 litres, depending on the seating arrangement. The interior design emphasized functionality, with a large caged storage space below the dashboard and a spacious centre-console storage bin that could be equipped with refrigeration. Optional features included a basket-style roof rack and cargo boxes for additional storage.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seating and ample cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were plentiful, with extra shelves in the front door panels, a large floor tray under the centre console, and a long storage bin behind the centre console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica’s Stow n’ Go seats, but they required removal to maximize cargo space. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, with cupholders, USB ports, and side window shades. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 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.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring a 10-inch central touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on all trims except the base model, and an 11.4-inch touchscreen was newly available for 2022. The user interface was praised for its graphics and menu layouts, although the touchscreen required a firm touch to respond. Standard features included a surround-view camera system, with optional upgrades like a 14-speaker Meridian audio system and a head-up display.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The system offered appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and speedy response to inputs. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and Amazon Fire TV for the rear-seat entertainment system. A surround-view camera system and parking assist system were available, although the latter was considered less effective than traditional driving skills.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came with standard driver-assist features such as lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was optional. The Defender had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, which was common for luxury vehicles.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive package of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, although the adaptive cruise control required refinement. 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.