2021 Hyundai Tucson vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant mid-generation refresh, resulting in a more muscular exterior design. The new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights contributed to a streamlined front end, moving away from the elegance of previous models. Despite these changes, the Pacifica retained some of its original sophistication, particularly noticeable along its sides and rear. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. Chrysler introduced six new wheel designs and continued offering 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 offering a premium feel, especially in the top trims. The Pacifica Pinnacle trim stood out with its luxurious design, featuring a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted leather seats. The minivan also boasted sound-deadening technology, providing a quiet ride.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered a more conventional design compared to its futuristic successor. The Tucson's upright layout provided a commanding view of the road, while the interior featured a modern and attractive dash design. The tech features were seamlessly integrated, with buttons and dials easily accessible. The Tucson was available in several trims, including SE, Value, SEL, Sport, Limited, and Ultimate, each offering a range of features. The base SE trim included 17-inch alloy wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like LED headlights, power-adjustable seats, and premium audio systems. The Tucson's interior was comfortable, with supportive seats and adequate space for passengers. While the cargo space was on the lower side for its segment, it still provided enough room for everyday needs.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine and a hybrid variant. The V6 engine delivered 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid powertrain combined 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 Pacifica 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 was a new addition, automatically activating when needed and deactivating for improved fuel efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, with fuel efficiency ratings of 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with slightly lower numbers for AWD models.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson featured two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option. The base engine felt underwhelming, especially at higher speeds, while the 2.4-liter engine provided a livelier performance around town. The Tucson offered a comfortable and refined ride, striking a balance between softness and athleticism. The base engine allowed for a towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds, while the 2.4-liter engine increased the capacity to 2,000 pounds.

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 traditional armrests. Storage options included an under-stack area for items like purses or muddy shoes. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating with in-floor storage bins. The second-row passengers benefited from under-console storage, while the third-row seats offered sufficient legroom. The Pacifica's cargo area was spacious, with best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters in the Pinnacle trim.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson provided 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 61.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. While this was on the lower side for its segment, it offered adequate space for everyday needs. The Tucson's compact layout provided solid front-seat headroom and legroom, with comfortable and supportive seats. The rear seats were accommodating enough for adults on road trips. The Tucson featured numerous cubbies and compartments, with helpful trays for the driver to store essentials.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured advanced technology, including hands-free sliding doors on mid-grade and above models. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered a modern and customizable experience, with a clean design and quick responsiveness. While a head-up display was not available, the navigation system was easy to use and rerouted quickly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option. The Pacifica offered a range of audio systems, including a 20-speaker Harman Kardon option. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 8-inch screen on higher trims. The system was user-friendly, with logical menu layouts and hard buttons for convenience. Available features included navigation, satellite radio, and wireless device charging. The Ultimate trim offered the upgraded 8-inch touchscreen as standard.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came equipped with 97 standard safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, 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 Hyundai Tucson offered a solid list of standard driver-assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims included features like adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. The Tucson earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS.