2021 Land Rover Defender vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that gave it a more muscular aesthetic. New standard LED headlights flanked a hexagonal grille, creating a streamlined front end. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp running the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. The S Appearance Package added darkened features and black accents, enhancing the van's bold look. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality with luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which boasted quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats. The flat dashboard, anchored by a 10.1-inch touchscreen, combined with Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and real metal surrounds, made it the poshest minivan on the market.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender echoed the vibe of its predecessors while embracing modernity. It featured half-round LED headlights, a structural-looking grille, and flat-topped fenders with diamond-plate patterns. The spare tire was mounted on the side-hinged tailgate, and short overhangs gave it a capable, planted look. Inside, the Defender showcased exposed structure with horizontal beams, Allen-head bolts, and beefy controls. The leather-upholstered seating was both tough and luxurious, and the digital instrument panel and center touchscreen interface were crisp and clean. The interior felt authentic, high-quality, and thoughtfully designed, with real metal and leather surfaces.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrains: a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine paired 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 either all-wheel drive (AWD) or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, new to the Pacifica lineup, activated on-demand based on various 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 slightly lower at 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S.: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid setup with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. All models used an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with low range and Terrain Response. The Defender's off-road capabilities were impressive, with a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and a maximum ascent/descent gradient of 45 degrees. On-road, the Defender was quick, with the 2.0-liter model reaching 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds and the 3.0-liter model in 5.8 seconds. It also had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds. The Defender excelled in both highway and city driving, offering a comfortable and commanding ride.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and ample storage. The front seats were comfortable and allowed for a feeling of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seats were standard, providing convenience and flexibility. The second-row under-console storage was a handy feature, and the third-row seats offered plenty of legroom. The Pacifica's cargo area was spacious, with best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making family travel a breeze.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender, built on a unibody platform, featured four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension for enhanced on-road and off-road performance. The Defender offered flexible seating configurations, including an optional jump seat between the front seats and a third-row seat in the long-wheelbase 110 model. The second row was roomy, and the 110 model provided 34-34.6 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and 78.8 cubic feet behind the first row. The three-door 90 model had 58.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats, making it versatile for various needs.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured Uconnect 5, a modern and customizable infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the second-row in-seat entertainment system offered additional games. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with a rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat feature. The sound system options ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system, providing a high-quality listening experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender used Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing for remote software updates. The Pivi Pro infotainment system featured a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. Multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view, were available for off-roading. The audio system could be upgraded to a Meridian sound system with up to 14 speakers and a subwoofer. A full-color head-up display and ClearSight rear-view mirror were also available, enhancing convenience and safety.

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, 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).

The 2021 Land Rover Defender had an extensive list of standard safety features, including a perimeter alarm, front airbags, tire pressure monitoring, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, emergency braking, anti-lock braking, emergency brake assist, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, driver condition monitor, traffic sign recognition, rear traffic monitor, clear exit monitor, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing, ensuring its safety and reliability in various conditions.