2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB had a boxy and tall design compared to other small Mercedes SUVs. It sat on a front-wheel-drive platform with an optional 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. The vehicle featured a long, flat hood leading to an upright windshield, large side windows, and a nearly vertical rear liftgate. The front and rear overhangs were symmetrical, emphasizing its functional design over aesthetics. The GLB prioritized interior volume, highlighted by robust standard roof rails.

Our test vehicle, painted in Mountain Gray metallic and equipped with the AMG Line design package and 20-inch AMG wheels, offered a stylish contrast to the base GLB 250. Prices started at $36,600, but our loaded GLB 250 4Matic had a sticker price of $55,890. The interior featured dual 10.25-inch screens, ambient lighting, and a mix of MB-Tex leatherette and Dinamica suede seats. The design blended high style with simplicity, though some metallic trim pieces revealed its more affordable nature. Overall, the GLB’s interior was a pleasant place to spend time.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille, giving it a more muscular look. The rear had an all-LED taillamp running the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. Six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, with darkened features and black accents, were available.

Inside, the Pacifica differed from other minivans like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona. The Pacifica offered a premium feel, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which featured quilted leather seats, suede pillows, and Beber floor mats. The dashboard had a flat design with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and the interior materials included Piano Black plastic trim with wood accents and real metal surrounds. The Pacifica’s doors felt well-weighted, and the minivan had enhanced sound deadening technology for a quieter ride.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB came in GLB 250 and GLB 250 4Matic specifications, both powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque between 1,800 and 4,000 rpm. Mercedes claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, though it felt faster due to the engine’s wide torque band and the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The DCT powered the front wheels unless the 4Matic AWD was optioned, which optimized grip and performance.

The GLB test vehicle, equipped with an adaptive damping suspension and 20-inch AMG wheels, offered a soft ride in Comfort mode and a more responsive drive in Sport mode. Despite its modest engine specifications, the GLB provided a fun driving experience, though the brakes faded prematurely during enthusiastic driving. The fuel economy was 21.4 mpg, below the EPA’s 26-mpg estimate.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, producing 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid version combined a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower. The base Touring and Touring L trims came with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered AWD or the hybrid powertrain.

AWD was a new addition, automatically activating when needed and deactivating to improve fuel efficiency. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of over 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD models slightly lower at 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB offered more interior space than the larger GLC, with an optional third row of seats. The GLB comfortably accommodated four adults, with ample headroom, tall seating positions, and large windows. The second-row seat slid forward and back, providing flexibility for passengers or cargo. The front seats had power adjustments but lacked heating and ventilation unless upgraded.

The second-row seat could fit three people, though two was more comfortable due to the vehicle’s narrow width. The third-row seat was an $850 option not included in the test vehicle. Cargo space measured 22 cubic feet behind the second row and 62 cubic feet with the seats folded down, offering more space than the GLA and GLC.

The Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, featuring spacious seating and ample storage. The front seats allowed for a feeling of togetherness, with storage space between the driver and front passenger. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, power windows, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and Stow ’n Go seats with in-floor storage bins.

The second-row storage console slid outward, providing additional storage for passengers. The second and third rows offered plenty of legroom, though taller adults were more comfortable in the middle. The Pacifica’s seats could tumble into the floor for easy loading, even in AWD models. The cargo area was spacious, with the Pinnacle trim offering best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured the MBUX infotainment system, with the Premium Package upgrading to twin 10.25-inch displays. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and natural voice recognition technology. The Multimedia Package added a navigation system with augmented video, using the forward-facing camera for turn-by-turn directions. The Parking Assistance Package included a high-definition surround-view camera system and semi-autonomous active parking assistance. The 12-speaker Burmester premium sound system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica’s Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern and customizable, with a clean design and quick response. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The second-row in-seat entertainment system offered games and ports for external devices. The sound system options ranged from a six-speaker system to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system. 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 Mercedes-Benz GLB came standard with several safety features, including a driver monitoring system, backup camera, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and Pre-Safe front collision preparation. Optional features included second-row side-impact airbags and blind-spot monitoring with Exit Warning Assist. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assistance, and automatic emergency stop assistance. The GLB had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of publication.

The Chrysler Pacifica offered 97 standard safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, advanced brake assist, third-row lock out, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The 2021 Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though IIHS had not yet rated the model.