2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a unique blend of style, sitting comfortably between the sleek Evoque and the boxy Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a distinct profile, setting it apart from the traditional upright Range Rover design. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end, while its short overhangs hinted at performance capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier touches, including larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar boasted high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a luxurious, cockpit-like feel that was more suited to urban environments than rugged terrains.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that introduced a more muscular aesthetic with new LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, maintaining a touch of sophistication. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which added darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which featured quilted leather seats and upscale finishes. The flat dashboard housed a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and the interior was designed to provide a premium feel without compromising on practicality.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar saw a significant performance boost with the introduction of the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, which featured a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite its impressive power, the Velar's performance was not class-leading, as competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S were quicker. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, but its size made it less agile on tight roads. The Velar also retained its off-road capabilities with features like the Terrain Response system and All-Terrain Progress Control.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and a hybrid powertrain with a combined output of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica introduced all-wheel drive (AWD) for the first time in 16 years, with an on-demand system that activated based on driving conditions. The hybrid model provided an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of more than 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The V6 model achieved 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, with slightly lower figures for the AWD version. The Pacifica's performance was tailored for efficiency and practicality, making it a suitable choice for family use.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in terms of size, being larger than compact luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. Despite its size, the Velar did not offer more interior space, with competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class providing more legroom. The Velar's avant-garde styling contributed to a claustrophobic interior feel, with limited headroom and visibility. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats in place and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's towing capacity was respectable, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The interior featured power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating, allowing for flexible cargo configurations. The Pacifica's second- and third-row seats provided ample legroom, and the Stow 'n Go feature was available even on AWD models. The cargo area was spacious, with the Pinnacle trim offering best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters. The Pacifica's design prioritized comfort and convenience, making it an ideal choice for families.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens handling various functions. The system included a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. While the graphics and menu layout were praised, the system's slow response times were a drawback. Additional tech features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls, which added to the minimalist cabin design.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable experience. The system was responsive and easy to use, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Pacifica also offered an optional in-seat entertainment system for the second row, with a variety of games and ports for external devices. Audio options included a standard six-speaker system and upgraded Alpine and Harman Kardon systems. The Pinnacle model featured FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with advanced features, enhancing the Pacifica's family-friendly appeal.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar did not have safety ratings from the IIHS or NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and front and rear parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as part of an option package. However, Land Rover's driver-assist offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors, with only basic lane-keep assist available.

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 with stop and go, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.