2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

As part of its mid-generation refresh, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica had its exterior thoroughly revised. It boasted new standard LED headlights flanking a new hexagonal grille, which contributed to the Pacifica’s streamlined and more muscular front end. This shift moved away from the elegance of previous models and introduced a robust aesthetic. However, the original design’s sophistication remained evident as one moved from the front to the van's sides and rear.

At the back, the Pacifica sported a new all-LED taillamp that spanned the model's width, with a Chrysler wing badge at its center. The 2021 model offered six new wheel designs, along with the S Appearance Package that debuted in 2017. This package added darkened features and black accents where chrome was typically found, enhancing its exterior appeal.

Inside, the Pacifica separated itself from its competitors, the redesigned 2021 Toyota Sienna and 2022 Kia Sedona. While the Sienna emphasized spaciousness with a hardy, less sophisticated dashboard design, and the Sedona leaned towards a utility-vehicle-like flat dashboard, the Pacifica walked a delicate line between functionality and premium quality. Especially in higher trims, it presented itself as a solidly premium vehicle aimed at the luxury customer without sacrificing practicality.

The new Pinnacle trim underscored this approach, offering comfort with soft-touch materials and classy finishes. The Pinnacle trim featured a flat dashboard anchored by a largest-in-class 10.1-inch touchscreen and an abundant use of Piano Black plastic trim with wood accents and real metal surrounds. Quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and plush Berber floor mats completed the upscale look. Unlike others in its class, the Pacifica maintained a substantial feel without appearing cheap, with well-weighted doors that closed with a commanding thud. Enhanced sound deadening technology further improved tranquility with superior insulation and seals.

In contrast, Ford adopted a family resemblance across all its SUVs, including the 2021 Ford Explorer. The Explorer’s exterior design mirrored other Ford SUVs but remained distinctive from other brands with its sporty, raked belt lines and assertive front visage. Depending on the trim, variations included black, chrome, or black grilles with red stripes. The Explorer offered six separate trim levels, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets from the base to the luxurious Platinum.

Inside, the Explorer aimed to balance comfort and functionality. It came with three-row seating standard across all trims, with the base models featuring cloth upholstery and higher trims adding more luxurious finishes. The dashboard featured familiar gauges and a clean center stack with an 8-inch LCD touchscreen as standard. The center console housed a practical rotary gearshift, freeing up space for storage with a covered bin and multiple cup holders. Despite the diverse trims and features, even the base model offered comfort suitable for daily use.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came with two powertrain options. A traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission produced 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Alternatively, a hybrid version combined a V6 engine with a dual-motor electronically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery to achieve 260 horsepower. The hybrid model featured an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a combined total range of more than 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined.

All-wheel drive (AWD) became an option for the first time in 16 years, with the AWD system engaging automatically based on driving conditions and deactivating to improve fuel efficiency when not needed. The Pacifica's hybrid models, known as the Pacifica Hybrid, utilized both on-road driving and wall charging to power the battery.

Fuel economy for the V6 models stood at 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. With AWD, these figures slightly dropped to 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.

Ford's Explorer featured a broad range of engines across its trims. The base 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered a surprising 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer Limited Hybrid offered a V6 hybrid drivetrain pushing 310 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims featured a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine, varying in output from 365 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque to an impressive 400 hp and 415 lb-ft in the sport-oriented ST variant.

Despite its various engine options, all Explorers came with a 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift capability. The Explorer emphasized towing power, with capacities ranging from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds depending on the configurations. This capacity, though respectable, was not exceptional in its class, coming up short against models like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica prioritized the everyday needs of a family, from its powertrain to its thoughtfully designed interior. The front seating was spacious yet allowed a sense of unity due to the removal of large center console armrests, replaced by a padded center console lid. Between the driver and front passenger, ample storage was available, including a handy under-stack area with a rubberized bin ideal for purses or small items.

Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, power-adjustable driver’s seat, Stow ‘n Go bucket seats with in-floor storage bins, driver’s side Stow ‘n Assist, and a Stow ‘n Go third-row bench seat. An added advantage was under-console storage for second-row passengers, which slid out from the front into the second row, providing additional storage and cup holders.

Second- and third-row seats offered sufficient legroom for both children and adults, though taller adults might prefer the middle seats. The Pacifica’s Stow ‘n Go seats could tumble into the floor for loading flexibility. Even AWD models featured this convenient option.

The Pacifica's cargo area was notably spacious, offering best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making it perfect for family travel.

In comparison, the 2021 Ford Explorer began with a default seating capacity of seven, reduced to six with captain’s chairs in the second row as standard in most trims. The Explorer provided a commendable 39 inches of legroom for second-row passengers, slightly behind leading models like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade but ahead of others like the Nissan Murano and Buick Enclave.

What set the Explorer apart was its 21 cubic feet of cargo space even with the third row deployed. However, its overall cargo volume with the rear seats folded was 81 cubic feet, putting it on par with smaller SUVs rather than full-sized competitors.

The Pacifica’s technology package enhanced the minivan’s appeal with features like hands-free operation for sliding doors in mid-grade and above models. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern, responsive, and user-friendly, offering a visually appealing interface and quick navigation rerouting. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came standard. The backseat entertainment system, retained from previous models, was upgraded with additional games, including Connect Four.

Audio options started with a standard six-speaker system, progressing to a 13-speaker Alpine system, and peaking with 19- and 20-speaker Harman Kardon setups. The Pinnacle trim introduced FamCam, an interior monitoring camera allowing views of rear-facing child seats, split-view display, and zoom-to-seat features.

In the Explorer, even the base trim came well-equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, supporting AM/FM radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G WiFi hotspot, and Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system. The Limited trim added a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, and higher trims offered upgrades to a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a 14-speaker B&O sound system.

Charging options included two USB ports in the center console and five 12-volt power points, with the ST trim replacing one power point with a 110-volt AC power outlet.