2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, introduced as part of a mid-cycle refresh, closely mirrored its gasoline counterpart in terms of dimensions and design. Measuring 182.1 inches in length, 73.0 inches in width, and 66.5 inches in height, the hybrid model featured identical 19-inch alloy wheels. The interior also remained largely unchanged, with the same dashboard, multi-function center console, 7-inch infotainment screen, and steering-wheel-mounted functions. Subtle differences included blue-outlined Honda emblems, "Hybrid" badging, a hidden exhaust in the rear bumper, and LED fog lights on EX models and above. The gear shifter was replaced with a push-button selector, and paddle shifters were repurposed to adjust brake regeneration.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior revision as part of its mid-generation refresh. New standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille gave the front end a more muscular look, while the rear featured an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle. Six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, with darkened features and black accents, were also introduced. Inside, the Pacifica offered a blend of practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which featured a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted leather seats. The minivan also boasted well-weighted doors and enhanced sound deadening technology for a quieter ride.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid came equipped with a two-motor hybrid system and all-wheel drive (AWD). It combined a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric generator/starter motor and a propulsion motor, delivering a total system power of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system used four fixed-ratio gear sets and a lock-up clutch instead of a conventional transmission. Fuel economy was impressive, with EPA ratings of 40 mpg city, 35 highway, and 38 combined. In real-world testing, the CR-V Hybrid achieved nearly 41 mpg during city driving. However, its EV mode was limited to about a mile under specific conditions. The hybrid drivetrain provided on-demand torque, making it more enjoyable to drive than the gasoline model.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a hybrid powertrain combining a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, delivering 260 horsepower. The base Touring and Touring L trims came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered AWD or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system activated on-demand based on various driving conditions and deactivated to improve fuel efficiency when not needed. The Pacifica Hybrid had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of over 500 miles, with an impressive 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg city, 28 highway, and 22 combined, with slightly lower numbers for AWD models.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid had to compromise on cargo capacity due to the battery pack located beneath the cargo floor. It offered 33.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and up to 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded flat, compared to the non-hybrid's 39.2 and 75.8 cubic feet. Despite this, it still provided more volume than the Ford Escape Hybrid. The CR-V Hybrid featured a low cargo floor for easy loading and unloading and maintained passenger comfort with more overall space than its direct competitors. The configurable center console bin added to its practicality, although the armrest's adjustability was somewhat problematic.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and ample storage. The power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, power windows, and Stow 'n Go seats were standard features. The under-console storage for second-row passengers and the Stow 'n Go third-row bench seat added to its practicality. The Pacifica's cargo area was spacious, with the Pinnacle trim offering best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters. The second- and third-row seats provided plenty of legroom, making it comfortable for both children and adults.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Bluetooth connectivity, Pandora compatibility, and a single USB connector. Higher trims offered more tech features, including a 7-inch touchscreen display, Honda Link, smartphone integration, SiriusXM, HD radio, and additional USB ports. The top-of-the-line Touring trim included navigation, wireless device charging, and a 330-watt premium audio system. However, the infotainment system's lack of haptic feedback and overly complicated procedures for adjusting settings were drawbacks.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was modern, customizable, and responsive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option. The Pinnacle trim included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with a rear-facing child seat view, split-view display, and zoom-to-seat feature. The Pacifica also offered a six-speaker sound system, with three available upgrades, including a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system for a premium listening experience.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a 5-Star Safety Rating from NHTSA. It came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies, including automatic braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a multi-angle rearview camera. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting with the EX trim.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, advanced brake assist, third-row lock out, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, although IIHS ratings were not available at the time of publication.