2021 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica had undergone a significant mid-generation refresh that altered its exterior aesthetic. Boasting new standard LED headlights on either side of a revamped hexagonal grille, the Pacifica's front end took on a more muscular and refined appearance than its predecessors. While some of the sophisticated traits from models of the previous years remained, especially noticeable along its sides and rear, the added ruggedness appealed to a broader audience. The rear of the Pacifica featured an all-LED taillamp spanning the model's width, with the Chrysler wing badge prominently displayed at its center, conveying a touch of elegance and modernity.

For those looking to distinguish their Pacifica further, Chrysler offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which introduced darkened features and black accents in place of the traditional chrome, enhancing the van's sporty appeal.

Inside, the Pacifica diverged notably from its competitors, such as the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona. While the Sienna emphasized robustness with hardy materials and the Sedona adopted a utility vehicle-like flat design, the Pacifica struck a balance between the two. The lower-cost Voyager variant catered to utilitarian needs, whereas the upmarket Pacifica, especially the Pinnacle trim, epitomized premium comfort with sophisticated materials, including Piano Black plastic trim with wood accents, real metal surrounds, quilted leather seats, suede pillows, and Beber floor mats.

Where the Pacifica excelled was in its attention to soundproofing. Enhanced windows, seals, and insulation worked wonders in keeping road, engine, and surrounding noise at bay, ensuring a serene driving experience. Moreover, the well-weighted doors closed with a satisfying thud, indicating the vehicle's robust build quality.

Conversely, the 2021 Ford Expedition, particularly the Platinum trim, presented itself as an SUV with a considerable presence. Starting from the base XL STX, moving through the XLT, Limited, and King Ranch, and culminating in the Platinum trim, the Expedition's price scaled from $50,595 all the way to $74,375 MSRP. The tested Platinum model, decked out in Magnetic gray paint, equipped with 4WD, a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package, and other premium features, topped out at $80,510.

Upon accessing the vehicle, power-deploying running boards and an electronic limited-slip differential impressed, though storage limitations soon became evident. The expected ample space fell short when trying to accommodate the luggage of six passengers, emphasizing the utility of minivans like the Dodge Grand Caravan over large SUVs in such scenarios.

Aesthetically, the Expedition Platinum stood out with its intricately detailed chrome grille, massive 22-inch machined-face aluminum wheels, and judiciously applied brightwork, making it one of the most striking full-size SUVs on the market.

Inside, while largely derived from the same parts bin as the previous generation F-150, the interior materials on the Platinum trim attempted to justify its price, with an abundance of leather and some high-end fittings. However, the presence of vast stretches of hard plastic was a stark reminder of its truck-based origins. Comfort levels were high for passengers, with wide, accommodating seats and ample storage solutions.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica provided consumers with a choice between a traditional internal combustion engine and a hybrid setup. The 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission delivered 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Alternatively, the hybrid model combined a V6 engine 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 higher trims like the Limited and Pinnacle offered options for either AWD or the hybrid powertrain. Notably, the new AWD system could automatically activate based on various conditions to ensure optimal traction and then deactivate to enhance fuel efficiency when appropriate.

For the hybrid version, the Pacifica boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, achieving impressive ratings of 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 with front-wheel drive offered fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, which slightly dropped with AWD.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Expedition relied on a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine produced 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque in most models, while the Platinum trim saw a boost to 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque.

The Expedition showcased an impressive towing capacity ranging from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, supported by Ford's Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology for superior towing ease. Acceleration was commendable, even with a fully loaded cabin, thanks to the transmission's seamless performance and the engine's throaty, satisfying growl.

Ford also offered an FX4 Off-Road Package for the XLT and Limited models, equipping them with off-road enhancements including all-terrain tires, improved cooling, and various protective elements. Unluckily, the tested Platinum model lacked this option but still delivered a respectable fuel economy of around 17.1 mpg.

The practicality of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica particularly shone through its family-friendly design. Up front, the removal of the traditional armrests in favor of a padded center console lid fostered a feeling of togetherness without compromising storage space, thanks to the under-stack area.

With its power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and various other comfort and convenience features, the Pacifica was built with families in mind. Second-row passengers benefited from under-console storage that slid into their space, accommodating items like charging cords and art supplies. Notably, the Pacifica boasted abundant legroom for both second and third-row occupants, with middle seats providing the most comfort for taller passengers. The Stow 'n Go seating system further enhanced versatility, allowing seats to fold into the floor for ample cargo space. Specifically, the Pacifica Pinnacle offered an impressive total storage volume of 227.6 liters.

On the other hand, the 2021 Ford Expedition, while luxurious, had its limitations in standard length. It struggled to transport six people and luggage simultaneously, making the long-wheelbase Expedition MAX a more practical alternative. This model expanded cargo volume to 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 121.5 cubic feet with all seats folded, compared to 19.3 cubic feet to 104.6 cubic feet in the standard wheelbase Expedition.

Inside, the Expedition provided wide and comfortable seats in all rows, and the independent rear suspension ensured a smooth ride. However, the natural high liftover height of the cargo floor could be cumbersome for loading heavy items.

In terms of infotainment, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was ahead of the curve with its Uconnect 5 system, a modern platform that brought unparalleled responsiveness and customization to the driver. Though lacking a head-up display, the system's navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration were major positives. The inclusion of a familiar array of ports allowed the second-row entertainment system to shine with childhood favorite games like Connect Four.

Sound systems varied from a standard six-speaker setup to options like a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system, providing an immersive audio experience. Features like the FamCam interior monitoring system in the Pinnacle trim added to the Pacifica's appeal, offering unique functionalities for in-cabin observation.

In contrast, the Ford Sync 3 infotainment system in the 2021 Expedition, despite being user-friendly, suffered from an aging interface and a modest 8-inch touchscreen. While still packing essential features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, it sometimes lagged in responsiveness.

The integration with Amazon Alexa and enhanced voice recognition was helpful, but the overall experience lagged behind more advanced systems. The Platinum trim's 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system offered a high-quality audio experience, though the optional rear-seat entertainment system was absent from the test vehicle.

In the realm of safety, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica excelled with its 97 standard safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. These included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and many more, all contributing to the model's five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

Similarly, the 2021 Ford Expedition received a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. With standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring, the Expedition ensured a secure driving experience. Although optional advanced systems like adaptive cruise control and semi-autonomous parking aids were available, the Expedition still awaited the integration of Ford’s upcoming BlueCruise technology for more advanced driving assistance.