2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Honda Pilot

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 stood out from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by balancing practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim. This top-tier model 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 excelled in sound deadening, providing a quiet ride.

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to appeal to buyers with its rugged appearance, introduced in a 2019 refresh and further enhanced by the 2020 Black Edition. Despite these efforts, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in seven trims, ranging from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices from $32,250 to $49,920. The new Special Edition trim added black 20-inch alloy wheels and other features. The Black Edition, tested with a $395 Platinum White Pearl paint job, featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents. The interior boasted quality materials, though the design resembled a minivan. The Pilot's drab exterior and minivan-like front seat experience did not enhance its appeal.

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 V6 hybrid engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, 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 AWD or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, reintroduced after 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions. The Pacifica Hybrid boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, with 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 achieved 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD reducing these figures slightly.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The available torque-vectoring AWD system could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The Pilot offered Intelligent Traction Management with Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand modes. Fuel-saving features included variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined for AWD models. The Pilot's MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension provided a comfortable ride and agile handling, aided by the torque-vectoring AWD system and 20-inch wheels. However, its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and all-season tires.

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 various items. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating. The second-row under-console storage was a convenient addition, and the third-row bench seat offered Stow 'n Go functionality. The Pacifica's cargo area was generous, with best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2021 Honda Pilot accommodated up to eight passengers, with comfortable leather-wrapped front seats offering 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain's chairs were optional on Touring trims and standard on Elite and Black Edition models, providing nearly equal comfort to the front seats. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults due to a low and flat cushion. Storage was plentiful, with compartments in door panels, the center console, and seatback pockets. The Pilot's cargo space measured 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured advanced technology, including hands-free sliding doors on mid-grade and higher trims. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern and customizable, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games available. Audio options included a six-speaker system, a 13-speaker Alpine system, and 19- and 20-speaker Harman Kardon systems. The Pinnacle model introduced FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2021 Honda Pilot's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HondaLink services. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim offered navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a 10-speaker audio system. The system was adequate but lacked a tuning knob and had limited voice-recognition capabilities. The Touring trim also featured a rear-seat entertainment system with Cabin Talk, allowing the driver to communicate with rear passengers through the speakers or headphones.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated it.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included Honda Sensing, a suite of ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The EX trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Pilot's crash-test ratings were generally favorable, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "good" ratings from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score for front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection.