2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that included a revised exterior. The new standard LED headlights flanked a hexagonal grille, giving the Pacifica a more muscular aesthetic compared to its previous elegant design. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp running the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. Six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which added darkened features and black accents, were also introduced. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which featured 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 for a quieter ride.

The 2021 Kia Sorento marked a significant departure from its previous jelly-bean-inspired styling, adopting a more athletic and muscular silhouette. The SX Prestige trim with the X-Line package included roof rails and a shark fin antenna. The front featured a more expansive tiger-nose grille and squinting headlights accented by running lights. The rear had vertical rectangle taillights, and the interior was filled with high-value features like heated outside mirrors, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and keyless entry. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, and the panoramic sunroof provided ample light. However, the third row was tight for adults, and the cargo space behind it was limited.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine paired with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower. 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 various driving conditions and deactivated to improve fuel efficiency when not needed. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of over 500 miles, delivering 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 AWD models seeing a slight decrease in fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Kia Sorento came with a range of small powertrains. The base LX and S trims featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, the test car was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with AWD. The AWD system included torque vectoring and a center-locking differential for better traction. The Sorento also offered a hybrid version with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and electric motor, available only with FWD. The suspension setup provided a smooth ride, and the various drive modes significantly impacted performance, with Sport mode offering improved throttle response.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and ample storage. The front seats were comfortable, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, power-adjustable driver's seat, and Stow 'n Go seats. The second-row under-console storage and Stow 'n Go third-row bench seat added to the practicality. The cargo area was spacious, with the Pinnacle trim offering best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2021 Kia Sorento, while practical, was best suited as a four-seater in its top trims due to the tight third row. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, and the front and rear seats provided ample legroom. Cargo space behind the third row was limited to 12.6 cubic feet, but folding the seats increased the total cargo volume to 75.5 cubic feet. The interior featured convenient storage options, including a phone spot with a wireless charger, cupholders, and a center console bucket. The door pockets and second-row cupholders added to the practicality.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was modern, customizable, and responsive. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with navigation that rerouted quickly. The second-row in-seat entertainment system offered games and various ports for external devices. Audio options ranged from a standard six-speaker system to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system. The Pinnacle trim included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat.

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered an 8-inch touchscreen on the LX, S, and EX trims, with hard buttons and knobs, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SX and SX Prestige trims featured a 10.25-inch screen with haptic touch buttons and knobs, but required a physical connection for smartphone projection. The Sorento had plenty of USB ports but lacked USB-C ports. The optional Bose stereo was decent but not exceptional. The navigation system needed improvement, particularly in voice search and Point-of-Interest functions.

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, lane-departure warning, 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 NHTSA.

The 2021 Kia Sorento was equipped with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, driver-attention warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, lane-following assist, and auto high beams. The test car also had a surround-view camera and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA awarded the Sorento four out of five stars overall, with a perfect five-star rating in side-impact crash tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick designation, with the SX trims receiving top marks for their LED headlights.