2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried the Audi design language well while maintaining its individual character within the lineup. It had an expressive face with LED headlights beside the big Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The body featured crisp character lines, and the rear had bold, large taillights. The plug-in Q5 wore some S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, including standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels, giving it an even better look. Inside, the Q5 was classy and modern, packed with technology but maintaining an uncluttered appearance. The 10.1-inch touchscreen floated at the top of the center stack, and the second row was nicely appointed with standard leather seating surfaces throughout.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite being a minivan, offered a perfect package for efficiently transporting up to seven people. It featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on Chrysler’s 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system. The total system output was 260 horsepower, and the electric drive system’s torque was available immediately. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The interior was nice, with black Nappa premium leather and a rounded, flowing design. However, it appeared soft and dated compared to more modern designs. The Pacifica Hybrid was not cheap, with the base Touring L starting at $49,095 and the Pinnacle version costing $57,645.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took the already fun-to-drive Q5 and made it better by adding an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque with a 14.1-kWh battery. The total combined output was 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque, matching well with the crossover’s 4,665-lb curb weight. The Q5 PHEV could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds and achieved impressive fuel-economy figures of 65 MPGe combined. In gasoline-only mode, it was rated at 27 mpg combined. The battery pack could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service. The Q5 PHEV used a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive and offered various driving modes for battery power management. Handling was good, with a slightly stiff, sporty setting that balanced comfort with road feel.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system. The total system output was 260 horsepower, and the electric drive system’s torque was available immediately. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system captured energy and fed it back to the battery, resulting in an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg on a test loop. The Pacifica Hybrid’s powertrain was impressive, with a nearly imperceptible switch from electric to gasoline power. However, the driving experience was dull, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and an unnatural ride quality due to the weight mounted low in the platform.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV managed to carry its battery pack under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It offered 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row and up to 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded down. The second row provided reasonable legroom (37.8 inches), headroom (37.7 inches), and shoulder room (56.5 inches). The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments, heating, and ventilation on the Prestige trim. The interior featured smartly laid-out storage options, including cupholders, cubbies, and a small storage bin in the center console.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. It featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were impressive, with extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin behind the center console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica’s Stow n’ Go chairs, but they did not collapse into the floor. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, with cupholders, USB ports, and side window shades. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which was impressive and easy to use. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered three views and elevated the cabin’s tech level. The Prestige Package included the Navigation Package, which optimized fuel consumption and battery usage based on route data. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) was standard on all Q5 models, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers was available on Premium Plus models and standard on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay was included and worked seamlessly.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display with appealing graphics and a simple user interface. It supported simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to check on rear-seat passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and an Amazon Fire TV-enabled rear-seat entertainment system. The surround-view camera system and parking assist system were standard starting with Touring L trim.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 Q5 received top “good” ratings in every category except headlights, which received a “marginal” rating. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Audi Q5 gasoline model five stars but had not yet rated the PHEV. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system with brake assist, Audi Pre Sense basic preventative occupant protection, low-speed collision assist, power child safety locks, electronic stability control, and more. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Advanced Key, Audi Pre Sense rear, Audi Side Assist with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a top-view camera system.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety and security features than any other vehicle in the industry. It included a rear-seat reminder system to prevent accidentally leaving a child or pet inside the vehicle. The Pacifica Hybrid had a complete package of standard driver-assist and collision-avoidance features, but it did not offer adaptive cruise control paired with lane-centering assist. The adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist needed refinement, as it was slow to recognize lane departures and inept at moderating speed when other motorists cut in. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.