2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights flanking a hexagonal grille, which contributed to a more muscular appearance compared to its previous elegant design. The rear of the Pacifica showcased an all-LED taillamp spanning the vehicle's width, 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 distinguished itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by balancing practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim. The interior boasted a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted leather seats, creating a luxurious atmosphere. The Pacifica also excelled in sound deadening, providing a quiet ride.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, fit between the GLA and GLC in the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup. Despite its unique measurements, the GLB shared the brand's DNA, resulting in a stylish and athletic SUV with 7.9 inches of ground clearance. Inside, the GLB impressed with its modern design, featuring round shapes across the dash and polished metal HVAC vents. The single panel housing the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen added elegance. The cabin's fit and finish were top-notch, with a beefy steering wheel and perforated leather grips enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 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, delivering 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The Pacifica Touring and Touring L came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered all-wheel drive (AWD) or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, reintroduced after 16 years, activated on-demand based on various conditions, enhancing fuel efficiency when not needed. The Pacifica Hybrid boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, achieving 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD models slightly reducing these figures.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a single engine choice: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) available for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was estimated at 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined for FWD models, and 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined for AWD models. The GLB's curb weight ranged from 3,638 to 3,891 pounds, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version offered better handling and agility, making it a wise choice for drivers seeking improved performance and off-road capabilities.

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 options included an under-stack area with a rubberized bin for various items. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, power windows, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, Stow 'n Go bucket seats with in-floor storage bins, and a Stow 'n Go third-row bench seat. The Pacifica's second-row under-console storage was a convenient addition, and the Stow 'n Go seats allowed for easy loading. The cargo area was spacious, with the Pacifica Pinnacle offering best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a choice between a two-row or three-row configuration, with the third-row option affecting the second row and cargo space. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback with adjustable recline angles and a 40:60 split seat bottom with six inches of slide. The third row was retractable, folding flat when not in use. Cargo space varied depending on the configuration, with the five-passenger GLB offering 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. The seven-passenger GLB provided 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with the first row folded. The GLB's cabin was well-sorted, with comfortable front seats, eight-way power adjustment, and available heated and ventilated seats.

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 Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. 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 included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat functionality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came equipped with the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring voice control, natural language understanding, and keyword activation. Standard technology included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, smartphone integration, keyless start, and a power liftgate. The Premium Package upgraded the displays to 10.25 inches and added keyless go and a Burmester Surround Sound System. The Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality and traffic-sign assist. Additional options included adaptive damping, ambient lighting, wireless charging, parking assistance, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered 97 standard 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 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured standard safety technology such as active brake assist, adaptive braking, crosswind assist, attention assist, and emergency call service. Available features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like active distance assist, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. The GLB had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).