2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a striking vehicle, often mistaken for a high-end model like the Lamborghini Urus due to its aggressive styling. Its exterior design featured a wedgy profile, slim-cut windows, and sawblade 20-inch wheels, all contributing to a bold and memorable appearance. The Blazer's design was a departure from Chevy's typically utilitarian SUVs, borrowing elements from the Camaro to create a more exciting and upscale look. However, the interior did not match the exterior's promise, with a low-rent feel and materials that seemed below par for its price range. The cabin was predominantly dark, with unsupportive seats and downmarket plastics, making it less appealing compared to competitors offering better quality at similar price points.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was not designed to turn heads but focused on practicality and efficiency. As a minivan, it embraced its role with a spacious and comfortable interior, offering three rows of seating and ample cargo space. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was well-appointed with quality materials, including black Nappa leather, and featured a user-friendly layout. While its styling might have appeared soft and dated compared to more modern designs, the Pacifica Hybrid excelled in functionality, providing a comfortable and efficient means of transporting up to seven people. Despite its higher price point, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a unique plug-in hybrid powertrain, making it a standout choice for those prioritizing efficiency and practicality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered a range of engine options, with the 3.6-liter V6 on the RS trim being the most desirable. This engine delivered 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, providing a strong and engaging driving experience. The Blazer's sport-tuned suspension, brakes, and steering on the RS trim contributed to its dynamic handling, making it a fun vehicle to drive. However, the transmission calibration had some issues, with slow responses and a convoluted manual mode that detracted from the overall sporty experience. Fuel economy for the AWD V6 drivetrain was average, with ratings of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.

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, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiency, offering an electric-only range of up to 32 miles, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The transition between electric and gasoline power was smooth and nearly imperceptible, providing a seamless driving experience. While the Pacifica Hybrid was not particularly exciting to drive, its powertrain was impressive in terms of efficiency, achieving an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing. The regenerative braking system further enhanced its efficiency by capturing energy and feeding it back to the battery.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, as a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers. Its low roof height was offset by seats mounted lower into the floor, making entry and exit easy. However, visibility was compromised due to poor sightlines, a trade-off for its sporty design. The Blazer offered 64 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 30 cubic feet with them raised. It could tow up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped, making it versatile for various needs. The Blazer's controls were user-friendly, with features like movable rings around air vents serving as temperature dials and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seating and significant cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and ample storage options. The second-row seats were more comfortable than those in a standard Pacifica, though they did not fold into the floor. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, with cupholders and USB ports for passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen running Chevrolet Infotainment 3, known for its simplicity and speed. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with features like wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, and a Safety Alert Seat. The infotainment system included a "Plus" version with navigation, 4G WiFi, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Driver assists were standard on most trims, including forward automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system allowed for five user profiles and included features like FamCam, a rear-seat camera system. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV. A surround-view camera system and parking assist were standard on higher trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though its headlights were rated "Marginal" and "Poor." It included a driver's knee airbag and enhanced forward emergency braking on top trims.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, its adaptive cruise control needed refinement, particularly in recognizing lane departures and moderating speed in traffic.