2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2020 Hyundai Palisade

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade was a standout in terms of styling, with a design that could easily be mistaken for a luxury brand. Its bold appearance was marked by a massive grille and sleek, thin headlights, complemented by a unique LED character line. The use of chrome was distinctive, with a large strip running from the A-pillar over the side windows, adding a touch of elegance while breaking up the vehicle's length. Inside, the Palisade offered an upscale cabin with a digital instrument panel and a large touchscreen, creating a luxurious feel. The Limited trim, in particular, impressed with its high-quality leather upholstery and ambient lighting, making it a top choice for those seeking a premium experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that gave it a more muscular aesthetic with new LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp that spanned the width of the vehicle, maintaining a touch of sophistication. The Pacifica's interior was designed with family life in mind, offering a premium feel in the top trims like the Pinnacle, which boasted quilted leather seats and a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Pacifica also excelled in sound insulation, providing a quiet ride, and its doors closed with a satisfying thud, adding to the overall sense of quality.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, offering both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. The Palisade's drive mode dial allowed drivers to switch between Sport, Comfort, Eco, Snow, and Smart modes, with Smart mode adapting to driving habits. The Limited trim featured a self-leveling rear suspension, enhancing driving dynamics. Fuel economy for the Palisade was 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined for FWD, and 19/24/21 for AWD.

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 version with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The Pacifica's AWD system was a new addition, automatically engaging when needed. The hybrid model boasted 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 AWD models slightly lower at 17/25/20.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade offered impressive versatility with 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row down and 86.4 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The third row was spacious enough for adults on longer trips, and the second-row captain's chairs provided comfort and convenience. The Palisade's interior was well-equipped for family needs, with multiple cup holders and seatback pockets for storage.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family functionality in mind, featuring power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for easy cargo loading. The Pacifica's interior offered ample legroom for both second and third-row passengers, with under-console storage for second-row occupants. The Pinnacle trim provided best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. The SEL trim offered an optional Driver Guidance package with a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen and navigation. The Limited trim featured a Harman Kardon premium audio system and advanced tech like a surround-view monitor and head-up display.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable experience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the second-row entertainment system included games and multiple ports for connectivity. The Pinnacle trim introduced FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, featuring a range of driver-assistance technologies such as forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and a unique blind-spot camera system. The digital instrument panel provided clear safety information to the driver.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came with 97 standard safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.