2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade

In 2021, Cadillac's latest Escalade drew numerous design cues from the notable Escala concept, particularly evident in the vehicle's front styling. Cadillac preserved traditional attributes from the rear, incorporating essential elements like vertical OLED taillights that seamlessly blend into the roof. The SUV boasted standard 22-inch wheels, accentuating its formidable presence with sharply defined creases along its sides. The base model of the Escalade was attractively priced at $76,195, fitted with leatherette upholstery, a standard wheelbase, and rear-wheel drive (RWD). Premium Luxury and Sport trims, priced at $82,995 and $85,995 respectively, offered enhanced features with an option for a Platinum trim at $99,995. The extended-length Escalade ESV, costing an additional $3,000, provided substantially more cargo space.

The test model, priced at $102,310 including destination charges, featured a plethora of luxurious additions like the four-wheel drive (FWD), a 36-speaker AKG sound system, and a Driver Assist Tech Package. Critics noted the Escalade's superiority over the Chevrolet Tahoe High Country and GMC Yukon Denali, attributes worth the premium price. While the standard Luxury trim was limited to black leatherette and a single wood trim, other variants came standard with leather upholstery offering various patterns. Platinum models stood out with semi-aniline leather and a simulated suede headliner.

In our test vehicle equipped with Parchment leather and Tamo Ash wood trim, the interior appeared immaculate, although light-colored carpets showed early signs of wear. Moreover, for a vehicle with a six-figure price, the presence of plastic components on the lower dashboard and doors was somewhat disappointing, despite Cadillac’s attempts to reduce gloss and hollowness.

Conversely, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, although categorized as a minivan, faced an image issue among potential buyers who preferred the rugged, active lifestyle appeal of an SUV. However, it offered practicality unmatched by SUVs, including convenient sliding side doors. Despite its minivan appearance, the Pacifica Hybrid, a unique plug-in hybrid vehicle, underlined its niche. The entry-level Touring L had a base price of $49,095 including the destination charge, escalating to $54,095 for the Limited trim and $57,645 for the Pinnacle version.

The Limited test vehicle, adding up to $57,680, featured extras like the S Appearance Package and a rear entertainment system. Even with a substantial federal tax credit, the van’s price tag hovered over $50,000. The interior delivered with high-quality black Nappa leather and a clean design, although not as cutting-edge as competitors like the Kia Carnival. The absence of pretentious styling effectively underlined the Pacifica Hybrid’s identity.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered an intriguing choice between its robust 6.2-liter V8 engine and a more efficient 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six. While many favored the V8 for its distinctive growl and performance, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, the turbo-diesel, with 277 horsepower, provided an enticing alternative with similar torque and potentially better fuel economy. Our 4WD test model averaged 15.9 mpg on a 140-mile loop, a respectable figure for a vehicle of its size. Enhanced features like Dynamic Fuel Management and Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) 4.0 adaptive dampers significantly improved ride and handling, rivaling luxury sedans despite its considerable size. Coupled with an independent rear suspension and available 4-Corner Air Ride, the Escalade managed various terrains with remarkable smoothness. Criticisms were few but included slight imperfections in brake pedal modulation.

On the tech front, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a unique plug-in hybrid drivetrain combining a 3.6-liter V6 with a dual-motor electric system, delivering a combined 260 horsepower. The electric motors provided immediate torque, ensuring the vehicle never felt underpowered, even fully loaded. The Pacifica’s standout feature was its ability to travel up to 32 miles purely on electric power, perfect for daily commutes and errands. Regenerative braking and a seamless transition between gas and electric power impressed, achieving an average of 37.1 mpg on a mixed terrain test loop. However, the driving dynamics were criticized for their overall dullness, light and uncommunicative steering, and a ride quality affected by the low battery placement. Essentially, while efficient, the drive was unexciting, contrasting with the engaging experience of the Escalade.

The Escalade’s independent rear suspension and expanded dimensions translated to a noticeably larger and more functional interior. Front seat occupants enjoyed standard heated seats, with ventilated and massaging options available in higher trims. Second-row captain’s chairs could slide for improved legroom, along with a power-release function for easier third-row access. Remarkable improvements were evident in the third-row space, now comfortable for adults with impressive legroom. Standard cargo capacity measured at 25.5 cubic feet, expandable to 63 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and a generous 109.1 cubic feet with second-row seats flat. The extended-length ESV model further increased storage to 42.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second, and a cavernous 126.6 cubic feet overall.

The Pacifica Hybrid exemplified minivan comfort and utility, offering three adjustable rows and vast cargo space, enhanced by triple-zone automatic climate control and premium leather seats. Storage solutions were plentiful, from door shelves to a large bin under the center console. The second-row captain’s chairs, although comfortable, lacked the collapsibility found in standard models, necessitating manual removal for maximum cargo space. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 87.5 cubic feet with it stowed, and a total of 140.5 cubic feet with the second row removed. Despite increased space, the effort required was greater than the Escalade’s electric folding seats.

Cadillac’s Escalade was a tech powerhouse, with an OLED screen array spanning 38 inches across the dashboard, offering unmatched clarity and pixel density. Standard features included Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, AR navigation with turn-by-turn overlays in the gauge cluster, a heads-up display, and available AKG premium audio systems. The 36-speaker AKG Reference system, though optional, delivered an immersive audio experience with individualized volume control for different seating areas. Despite advanced offerings, certain functionalities, like the multi-step process to switch drive views, and less intuitive voice recognition, hindered usability.

The Pacifica Hybrid’s Uconnect 5 system was equally intuitive, sporting a 10.1-inch touchscreen with appealing graphics and rapid response times. It supported up to five user profiles, Bluetooth pairing for two devices, wireless smartphone integration, and services like Amazon Alexa compatibility and FamCam. While versatile, the system struggled with accurate voice recognition, similar to the Escalade. The available Harman Kardon 20-speaker system, despite its promise, required manual tone adjustments for optimal sound quality. Additional tech features like Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat entertainment added a modern touch, though actual usage among passengers varied.

Cadillac emphasized safety in the 2021 Escalade, integrating forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and more. Unique features like the Safety Alert Seat and Teen Driver technology added layers of protection. Additional packages improved safety capabilities with adaptive cruise control, rear emergency braking, and automatic seatbelt tightening. Notably, Super Cruise technology promised hands-free driving on select highways, though its imperfections warranted attention.

Chrysler marketed the Pacifica Hybrid as an industry leader in standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keeping assist, and a newly added rear-seat reminder system. The Pacifica earned high safety ratings, including IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star NHTSA rating. However, adaptive cruise control performance was inconsistent, reacting too slowly or sharply under various conditions.