2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that gave it a more muscular aesthetic. The new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights contributed to a streamlined front end, moving away from the elegance of previous models. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp running the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. The S Appearance Package added darkened features and black accents, enhancing the van's overall look. Inside, the Pacifica offered a premium feel, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which included quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats. The 10.1-inch touchscreen, wood accents, and real metal surrounds made it the poshest minivan available.

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried the Audi design language well. It had an expressive face with LED headlights and a big Audi Singleframe grille. The body featured crisp character lines, and the rear had bold, large taillights. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version included S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, making it look even better with standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern appearance with an uncluttered design. 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.

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 V6 hybrid engine paired with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower. The base Touring and Touring L trims came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered either all-wheel drive (AWD) or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system was new for 2021 and activated on-demand based on various driving conditions. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of more than 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with slightly lower numbers for the AWD version.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the Q5 PHEV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds and achieve 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 to optimize battery usage and fuel consumption. The handling was good, with a slightly stiff, sporty setting that balanced comfort with road feel.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and ample storage. The front seats were comfortable, and the center console provided sufficient storage space. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow ’n Go seats. The second- and third-row seats had plenty of legroom, and the Stow ’n Go seats tumbled into the floor for easy loading. The Pacifica Pinnacle offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making family travel a breeze.

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 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded down. The second row provided 37.8 inches of legroom, 37.7 inches of headroom, and 56.5 inches of shoulder room. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments, heating, and ventilation on the Prestige trim. The interior featured several storage cubbies and a center-console armrest with a small storage bin.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was graphically appealing and responsive. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The second row's in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games available. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with a rear-facing child seat view, split-view display, and zoom-to-seat feature. The sound system options ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV came with Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. 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. 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 also included.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, advanced brake assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) at the time of publication, but the 2020 Q5 received top “good” ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Q5 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, Audi Pre Sense basic, low-speed collision assist, power child safety locks, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Advanced Key, Audi Pre Sense rear, Audi Side Assist, adaptive cruise control, and a top-view camera system.