2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille that contributed to a more muscular aesthetic. This design shift moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained a touch of sophistication as the eye traveled from the front to the sides and rear. The rear showcased an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica distinguished itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by balancing practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim. This top-tier model boasted a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted leather seats, creating a luxurious feel. The Pacifica's doors closed with a solid thud, and its sound-deadening technology effectively minimized road noise.

The 2021 BMW X5 maintained the brand's signature design elements, from the kidney grille to the body shape, ensuring it was unmistakably a BMW. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and offered different styling options, such as the xLine with matte aluminum accents and the M Sport with body-color trim and high-gloss black details. Wheel sizes ranged from 19 to 22 inches, depending on the trim. Inside, the X5's design was consistent with other BMW models, utilizing parts from the brand's extensive catalog. While the interior featured leather and soft-touch materials, it also had an abundance of black plastic. The M Sport models added unique styling elements like an M sports steering wheel and exclusive trim strips. Despite the sameness, the X5's interior was well-crafted, offering a comfortable and upscale experience.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid version combining a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, delivering 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The base Touring and Touring L trims came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered all-wheel drive (AWD) or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, reintroduced after 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions, enhancing fuel efficiency by deactivating when not needed. The hybrid model boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, achieving 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica delivered 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD models slightly less efficient.

The 2021 BMW X5 provided a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) for the sDrive and all-wheel drive (AWD) for the xDrive. The X5 M50i came with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, delivering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M offered 600 horsepower, increasing to 617 with the Competition Package. The new X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid achieved 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, with a 30-mile all-electric range. The X5's driving dynamics were less engaging than expected, with steering issues at low and high speeds. The cabin remained quiet, and the suspension absorbed road imperfections well. Charging the X5 was convenient, with a five-hour charge time on a Level 2 charger and an EPA-estimated 400-mile range.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical features. The front seats provided ample space and a sense of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Storage was abundant, including an under-stack area for personal items. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, power windows, and Stow 'n Go seating for flexible cargo space. The second-row under-console storage was a convenient addition, and the third-row bench seat offered sufficient legroom. The Pacifica's cargo area was spacious, with best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with front cupholders positioned out of the way and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard after extended periods. Rear seats accommodated children and adults, with an optional third row available. The climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate with full power functionality facilitated loading cargo. The X5 xDrive45e offered slightly less cargo space than the traditional X5, but the difference was minimal. Moving children and cargo in and out of the second row was somewhat challenging due to the limited door opening width.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured advanced technology, including hands-free sliding doors on mid-grade and higher models. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern and customizable, with a user-friendly interface and rapid navigation rerouting. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the second-row in-seat entertainment system offered additional games. The sound system options ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system, providing a high-quality listening experience. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat functionality.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a robust set of standard features, including a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system occasionally took over musical operations unexpectedly, requiring a reset to resolve. Additional features included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, USB ports, navigation, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included remote start, a head-up display, massaging seats, and premium audio systems. The BMW iDrive system required some acclimation but was intuitive once familiar.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered 97 standard safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), though the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not yet rated it.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with numerous standard safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to seven recalls.