2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Honda HR-V

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. The interior featured 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 also emphasized sound deadening technology, ensuring a quiet ride.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda HR-V presented a softer, friendlier appearance compared to Honda's larger SUVs. Its styling was distinctive, with converging window lines near the taillights housing the rear door handles. Most trims featured 17-inch alloy wheels, with the Sport model boasting matte-black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. The interior was plain but functional, with good material quality and fit. Higher trims offered push-button start, automatic climate control, a moonroof, and heated front seats. While not luxurious, the HR-V's interior was solid and practical, with a focus on functionality over opulence.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid powertrain combining a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 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 either all-wheel drive (AWD) or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, new to the Pacifica lineup, 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, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 achieved 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD models slightly lower at 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.

The 2021 Honda HR-V was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, connected to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters on higher trims. While AWD was available across all trims, front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard. The HR-V's powertrain remained unchanged, resulting in underwhelming highway performance. However, the HR-V's chassis compensated for its engine, offering a rewarding driving experience on twisty roads and decent ride quality. Despite its limitations, the HR-V maintained Honda's reputation for fun-to-drive vehicles, though its AWD system was not designed for rough terrain, and it lacked towing capability.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and a sense of togetherness. The refresh included a padded center console lid, providing ample storage space between the driver and front passenger. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, power windows, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and Stow 'n Go seating with in-floor storage bins. The Pacifica's second-row under-console storage was a practical addition, and the third-row bench seat offered Stow 'n Go functionality. The cargo area was spacious, with the Pinnacle trim offering best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2021 Honda HR-V excelled in cargo space for its size, thanks to the "Magic Seat" 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat. Folding the seat down provided 58.8 cubic feet of cargo space (57.6 for AWD models), while leaving it up retained 24.3 cubic feet (23.2 with AWD). These figures surpassed many competitors, though the Kia Seltos and Toyota Corolla Cross offered more. The HR-V also ranked second in overall passenger space, with ample rear-seat legroom. While interior storage solutions were limited, the HR-V featured sensibly-designed controls, including large climate control knobs and an audio volume knob. The narrow center console was dominated by a large shift lever, and a standard tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel facilitated finding the perfect driving position.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured advanced technology, including hands-free sliding doors on mid-grade and above models. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern and customizable, with a clean design and quick responsiveness. While lacking a head-up display, the navigation system was user-friendly, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games available. Audio options included a standard six-speaker system, with upgrades to a 13-speaker Alpine system or 19- and 20-speaker Harman Kardon systems. The Pinnacle model introduced FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat functionality.

The 2021 Honda HR-V's base LX trim offered standard Bluetooth, a 5-inch display screen, and a four-speaker audio system. The Sport trim and higher levels featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while EX and EX-L models added SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was straightforward and functional, with two USB ports located conveniently ahead of the shifter. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was relatively small, and competitors often provided Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features across all trims.

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 with stop and go, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, 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), though the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not yet rated the model.

The 2021 Honda HR-V earned top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests and a "Superior" rating for its optional front-crash prevention tech. However, it received "Marginal" and "Poor" headlight ratings and an "Acceptable" rating for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA awarded the HR-V a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover crash testing. Honda Sensing safety features were available only on the EX and EX-L trims, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The HR-V also featured Honda's LaneWatch, providing a camera view when the turn signal was activated.