2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was more about subtlety than making a bold statement. Its exterior featured a trapezoidal theme that was consistent across various elements, including the tailgate's license plate cutout and the slimmer headlights. The body panels had more pronounced creases, and the tailgate glass was slightly more slanted compared to previous models. While the Highlander didn't stand out dramatically, it was never considered unattractive—just a bit mundane. Inside, Toyota focused on quality fit and finish, with silver-painted accents and a multi-layered dash that gave the cabin a refined feel. The interior color palettes were well-chosen, and the Limited trim offered a three-tone interior that was both inviting and luxurious. The Highlander's interior was often compared favorably to competitors like the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot, with only the Kia Telluride matching its level of detail and quality.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that gave it a more muscular aesthetic, moving away from the elegance of previous years. The new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights contributed to a streamlined front end, while the rear featured an all-LED taillamp that spanned the width of the vehicle. The Pacifica's design retained some of its original sophistication, especially when viewed from the sides and rear. Inside, the Pacifica offered a premium feel, particularly in the Pinnacle trim, which was designed with luxury in mind. The interior featured quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats, making it one of the poshest minivans available. The Pacifica's flat dashboard, anchored by a 10.1-inch touchscreen, was complemented by wood accents and real metal surrounds, providing a high-end experience that was both practical and comfortable.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), the Highlander offered brisk acceleration and a smooth, quiet ride, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission. However, its steering was criticized for being loose, requiring frequent adjustments at highway speeds, and its suspension was considered too soft, leading to a floaty ride. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander provided a calming driving experience, especially on long road trips. Fuel economy was commendable, with the FWD model achieving 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined, while the AWD version offered slightly lower figures. The Highlander hybrid variant, reviewed separately, boasted an impressive 36 mpg combined.

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, delivering 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The Pacifica's AWD system, available for the first time in 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions, enhancing traction and stability. The hybrid model provided an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, with an impressive 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, with slightly lower figures for the AWD version. The Pacifica's powertrain options and AWD system offered versatility and efficiency, catering to a range of driving needs.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight, or seven with the second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims. The second-row seats were versatile, with generous adjustments for legroom and reclining, though access to the third row was easier for those under six feet tall. The Highlander's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with three-zone climate control, a 120-volt outlet, and ample cargo space. It provided 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second, and 84 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Highlander's ergonomic design made ingress and egress easy, and its interior storage solutions, including eight cupholders and two dash shelves, were practical for family use.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and thoughtful storage solutions. The front seats provided a sense of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing traditional armrests. The Pacifica's power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating system added to its family-friendly appeal. The second- and third-row seats offered ample legroom, and the Stow 'n Go feature allowed for easy conversion of the interior for cargo loading. The Pacifica's cargo area was generous, with best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters in the Pinnacle trim, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system was considered outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen, optional on the Limited and standard on the Platinum, was criticized for its limited usable area. However, the Highlander offered standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The vehicle's technology was bolstered by a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display, providing useful information. The semi-automated driving system, adaptive cruise control, and other safety features were well-received, though the JBL audio system was deemed decent but not exceptional.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, praised for its modern design, responsiveness, and ease of use. While it lacked a head-up display, the system's navigation was user-friendly and quick to reroute. The Pacifica offered an optional second-row in-seat entertainment system with a variety of games and ports for personal entertainment. The sound system options ranged from a standard six-speaker setup to a premium 20-speaker Harman Kardon system, providing a high-quality listening experience. The Pinnacle trim included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with advanced features, enhancing the Pacifica's family-friendly technology offerings.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and rear emergency braking. The Highlander received a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for its top ratings in crash tests and emergency braking performance. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not yet rated the 2020 model.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered an extensive array of safety features, with 97 standard features and 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key 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, though the IIHS had not yet rated the model at the time of publication.