2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax, based on the model introduced in 2015, carried over the design updates from 2017, which included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In 2020, the infotainment system was updated, and by 2021, the Premier trim was dropped, leaving only the LS and LT trims. The LS trim featured 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, dual front USB ports, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The LT trim added heated, power-adjustable side mirrors, rear window tint, roof rails, LED head- and taillights, remote start, cruise control, chrome belt-line moldings, and silver-painted skid plates. It also included upgraded cloth and leatherette seats, a cargo security cover, and a 120-volt AC power outlet.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan image, offered a unique plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system. This setup provided a total system output of 260 horsepower and an electric-only range of up to 32 miles. The interior featured black Nappa premium leather, triple-zone automatic climate control, and a new clean air filtration system. The Pacifica Hybrid Limited trim included heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system. Despite its higher price, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a blend of efficiency and practicality unmatched by other vehicles in its class.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. While the engine was adequate for city driving, it struggled to provide sufficient power for highway speeds and passing maneuvers. The Trax had a firm ride, which could be harsh over potholes and bumps, but its tight turning radius made it maneuverable in tight spaces. Rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 offered more comfortable rides and better driving dynamics.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a combined 260 horsepower. The 16-kWh battery pack allowed for up to 32 miles of electric-only driving. The Pacifica Hybrid never felt underpowered, even with a full load of passengers. It could travel 39 miles on electric power and 29.9 miles on gasoline, achieving an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was unremarkable, with light steering, uncommunicative brakes, and a lack of cornering grip.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax offered respectable headroom and legroom in both rows, with supportive front seats but less comfortable rear seats. The Trax had multiple storage trays in each door and low cupholder placement for large water bottles. It provided 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat could fold flat for larger items, but there was no option for a power liftgate.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, with three rows of comfortable seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options included extra shelves in the front door panels, a large floor tray under the center console, and a long storage bin behind the center console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, and the third-row seat offered reasonable comfort for adults. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 87.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, featuring easy-to-follow menus, vivid graphics, and hard buttons and dials. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, appealing graphics, and a simple user interface. It supported five user profiles, 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 monitor rear-seat passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and an Amazon Fire TV rear-seat entertainment system. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the sound quality of the Harman Kardon system required adjustment for optimal performance.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but did not earn a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included an array of airbags and a backup camera. The LT Convenience Package added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors, but the Trax lacked advanced driver assistance features like forward-collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking.

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. The Pacifica Hybrid included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, but the adaptive cruise control system needed refinement. The Pacifica Hybrid's safety features and driving-assistance systems were extensive, but adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist was not available.