2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that gave it a more muscular aesthetic with new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. The streamlined front end moved away from the elegance of previous models, but the sophistication remained evident along the sides and rear. The new all-LED taillamp running the width of the model and the Chrysler wing badge at its center added to its refined look. Chrysler also introduced six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents.

Inside, the Pacifica differentiated itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by balancing practicality with premium touches. The Pacifica Pinnacle trim, in particular, offered a luxurious experience with quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats. The flat dashboard, anchored by a 10.1-inch touchscreen, featured Piano Black plastic trim with wood accents and real metal surrounds, making it the poshest minivan available. The well-weighted doors and enhanced sound deadening technology further elevated the Pacifica's premium feel.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 took a different design approach, opting for smooth, sleek lines that made it look dynamic even when stationary. The base CX-5 Sport featured automatic on/off LED headlights, 17-inch gray metallic aluminum alloy wheels, a rear roof spoiler, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Higher trims like the Touring added rear privacy glass, leatherette seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and auto-leveling LED headlights, which improved visibility on winding roads at night.

The CX-5 Carbon Edition introduced a Polymetal Gray paint job, gloss black door mirrors, and 19-inch black metallic aluminum alloy wheels, with red leather seats and black honeycomb interior trim. The top-tier Signature trim offered Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, genuine wood trim, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, rivaling premium brands like Buick and Acura. The well-executed styling and high-quality materials made the CX-5 a standout in its class.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: 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, delivering 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 for 2021, activated on-demand based on various driving conditions to improve fuel efficiency and performance.

The Pacifica Hybrid had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of more than 500 miles, achieving 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica delivered 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD models slightly less efficient at 17 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. The base engine was available in the Sport and Touring trims, while the turbocharged engine powered the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with AWD available as an option.

The most fuel-efficient CX-5 model, with FWD and the base engine, achieved 25 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined. AWD models with the base engine delivered 24 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined. The turbocharged engine models were slightly less efficient, with FWD versions getting 23 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined, and AWD versions achieving 22 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined. The turbo engine provided a spirited driving experience, especially in Sport mode, but the stiff suspension could be a drawback for some drivers.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. 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 with a rubberized bin, power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seats that tumbled into the floor for easy loading. The Pacifica Pinnacle offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 provided a comfortable and stylish interior, though rear legroom was limited for taller passengers. The SUV featured two full LATCH connections on the rear outboard seats and a tether connector on the middle rear seat. The climate controls were straightforward and easy to use, but the larger shifter and infotainment system controls took up valuable passenger space. The CX-5's cargo space was below average for the segment, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was graphically appealing, responsive, and easy to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came standard, and the second-row in-seat entertainment system offered a variety of games and ports for external devices. The Pinnacle trim included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with a rear-facing child seat view, split-view display, and zoom-to-seat feature. The available 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system provided a high-quality listening experience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touch screen, but the operating system was not as user-friendly as the Pacifica's. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the lack of knobs for tuning the stereo or scrolling through favorites made the system less intuitive. The infotainment controls were positioned awkwardly for shorter drivers, and the screen's placement made it difficult to reach.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pinnacle trim added three more safety features, bringing the total to 100. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 included a long list of standard safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. Optional features included a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.