2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a smoother and less sculpted design compared to its predecessors, with softened lines and removed edges and scalloping. This redesign contributed to a reduced drag coefficient from .32 to .29, making it a class leader according to Mercedes. The most noticeable change was the front end, which gave the vehicle a handsome, albeit unoffensive, appearance. Inside, the GLE offered extra headroom and legroom due to a 3.1-inch extended wheelbase, and for the first time, an optional third row was available. However, the $720 Emerald Green Metallic paint on the test model showed a surprising amount of orange-peel effect, which was disappointing for a premium vehicle.

The GLE 350 started at $53,700, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Adding the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system cost an additional $2,500. The test model included various options like black leather upholstery, a cabin air purifier, and fragrance system, multi-contour front seats with a massage feature, and a Burmester stereo. However, some features like heated and ventilated seats, power and memory for the passenger seat, and heated rear seats required additional costs. The total price of the test model reached $78,370, including a $995 Delivery & Destination fee.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille, giving it a more muscular aesthetic. The rear showcased 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, which included darkened features and black accents, were also available.

Inside, the Pacifica offered a premium feel, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which featured quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats. The dashboard housed a largest-in-class 10.1-inch touchscreen, and the cabin included Piano Black plastic trim with wood accents and real metal surrounds. The Pacifica's doors had a well-weighted feel, and the minivan's sound deadening technology kept road and engine noise at bay. The Pinnacle trim also offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While the engine provided ample power at speed, it felt sluggish from a stop due to turbo lag and the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound weight. The 9-speed automatic transmission was decent but not as smooth as the 8-speed in the BMW X5. The GLE 350 4Matic's fuel economy was impressive, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined, but the BMW X5 offered better performance with its standard turbocharged inline-6 engine.

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 with a V6 engine, dual-motor electrically variable transmission, and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower. The base Pacifica Touring and Touring L came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered AWD or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system activated on-demand and deactivated automatically to improve fuel efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid 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 highway, and 22 combined, with AWD models slightly lower at 17 mpg city, 25 highway, and 20 combined.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE's extended wheelbase provided significant interior space, especially in the second row. The GLE offered between 33.3 and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, with a total of 79.4 cubic feet with the seats lowered. The interior featured dual 12.3-inch screens, a comprehensive HUD, and comfortable seats with a "Seat Kinetics" system to prevent cramping. However, the steering wheel often blocked part of the screen, and the upgraded Burmester stereo caused vibrations through the brake pedal.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and ample storage. The front seats allowed for a feeling of togetherness, with a handy under-stack area for storage. 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. The second- and third-row seats provided plenty of legroom, and the Stow 'n Go feature allowed for easy loading. The Pacifica Pinnacle offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the new MBUX infotainment system, with dual 12.3-inch screens and a comprehensive HUD. The system included augmented reality for directions and traffic signals, but it could be distracting. The natural voice control system was less effective in the GLE compared to the A-Class, possibly due to the pre-production status of the test vehicle. The driver-assistance tech was better than BMW's but still had issues at high speeds.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern and customizable, with a clean design and quick responsiveness. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but no head-up display. The second-row in-seat entertainment system offered games and various ports for external devices. The Pinnacle trim featured FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with rear-facing child seat view, split-view display, and zoom-to-seat feature. The sound system options included a six-speaker standard system, a 13-speaker Alpine system, and 19- and 20-speaker Harman Kardon options.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE had no current testing data from NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a suite of autonomous safety systems, including Attention Assist and Seat Kinetics. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist systems were less effective at high speeds, causing the vehicle to bounce around the lane and get fooled by shadows and unexpected lines.

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, 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, but IIHS had not yet rated the model.