2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2020 Audi Q7

The 2020 Audi Q7 presented a refined and modern aesthetic, with its updated front and rear styling aligning it with the flagship Q8 model. The Q7 55 TFSI, priced from $60,800, featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and was available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims. The test vehicle, equipped with the Prestige package, Navarra Blue metallic paint, and additional packages, totaled $74,290. Inside, the Q7 adopted the high-tech dashboard and instrumentation from the Q8, replacing most physical controls with digital displays. The cabin, adorned in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded an upscale and high-tech vibe, enhanced by multi-color ambient lighting.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh, showcasing a revised exterior with new LED headlights and a hexagonal grille, giving it a more muscular look. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the model. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, adding darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which boasted quilted leather seats, suede pillows, and Beber floor mats. The flat dashboard housed a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and the cabin featured abundant Piano Black plastic trim with wood accents and real metal surrounds, making it one of the poshest minivans available.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI introduced a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to enhance fuel efficiency, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive. Audi Drive Select offered various driving modes, and the SUV accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, with a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The Q7 averaged 21 mpg on a road trip and 18.1 mpg locally. The Prestige trim included an adaptive air suspension, and the SUV excelled in both on-road and off-road conditions, with a quiet cabin thanks to dual-pane acoustic glass.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, or a hybrid powertrain with a total of 260 horsepower. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, achieving 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica delivered 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD reducing these figures slightly. The AWD system activated on-demand, enhancing traction in various conditions, while the hybrid model utilized both on-road driving and wall charging to power its battery.

The 2020 Audi Q7, though a seven-passenger vehicle, was best suited for five passengers, as the third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space to 14.2 cubic feet. Folding the third row expanded cargo capacity to 35.7 cubic feet, and folding both rows offered 69.6 cubic feet. The Prestige trim provided comfortable seating with heated and ventilated front chairs, ample second-row legroom, and a panoramic sunroof. However, interior storage was limited, with minimal space in the center console and door-panel bins.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica catered to family life, with spacious seating and ample storage. The front seats offered a sense of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow ’n Go seating. The second-row under-console storage was practical, and the third-row seats provided sufficient legroom. The Pacifica's cargo area was generous, with the Pinnacle trim offering best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured the new MMI Touch Response technology, combining a 10.1-inch and an 8.6-inch touchscreen for system access. It included voice and handwriting recognition, wireless smartphone integration, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Prestige trim added a head-up display and a Bose sound system. While the interface was generally intuitive, dry fingertips occasionally caused unresponsiveness, and some functions were unavailable while driving.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern and customizable, with hands-free sliding doors in mid-grade models. It included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional in-seat entertainment for the second row. The Pinnacle model featured FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique functionalities. Sound system options ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system, providing a high-quality listening experience.

The 2020 Audi Q7 boasted HD Matrix LED headlights, though rated "poor" by the IIHS for glare. It included numerous advanced driving-assistance systems, with upgrades available in higher trims. However, the adaptive cruise control and Active Lane Assist technologies were not always reliable. The Q7 received top safety ratings from the IIHS, except for the headlight assessment.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated it.