2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a noticeable mid-generation refresh that redefined its overall aesthetic. The front end was revamped with a new hexagonal grille flanked by standard LED headlights, which gave the minivan a more assertive and muscular appearance compared to the elegance of its previous iterations. Chrysler maintained a level of sophistication toward the rear, featuring a new all-LED taillamp spanning the model's width, crowned by the Chrysler wing badge. Buyers could choose from six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which added darkened and black exterior accents. Inside, the Pacifica separated itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by balancing rugged practicality and luxurious sophistication. The interior was particularly well-appointed in the Pinnacle trim, blending practicality with luxury through features like Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, real metal surrounds, and premium quilted leather seats. The 10.1-inch touchscreen, the largest in its class, was angled toward the center console, offering both tactile elegance and user-friendly design. Sound insulation was significantly improved, providing a notably quiet cabin experience compared to the industry standard. In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Armada also received a significant facelift that aligned its appearance more closely with Nissan's updated design language. The SUV’s new grille, updated front fenders, redesigned bumpers, and LED headlights and taillights gave it a modern look while retaining its iconic beefy and athletic form. Notably, Nissan offered trim options from S to Platinum, with varying aesthetics like the Midnight Edition Package available exclusively on the SL trim. Despite these updates, some elements of the Armada’s design remained dated. Body-color over fenders, dark-painted roof rails, and a new Nissan logo were standard, while the choice of 18-, 20-, or 22-inch wheels added a level of customization. The Armada’s changes were most noticeable from the A-pillar forward, where a skid plate covered the radiator and improved off-road capability, albeit at the expense of a modern rear look when compared to redesigned rivals like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.

The performance of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was defined by two distinct powertrains. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, produced 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Alternatively, the hybrid model combined a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, netting 260 horsepower from the engine and an additional 198 horsepower from the motors. Base models like the Pacifica Touring and Touring L came standard with the V6 engine, while upper trims like the Limited and Pinnacle could be equipped with either the all-wheel-drive or hybrid powertrain. A new addition to the Pacifica lineup in 2021 was the automatic all-wheel-drive system, a feature not seen in the model for 16 years. This system operated on demand, engaging when necessary based on several factors such as road conditions and driver inputs to enhance traction while preserving fuel efficiency. The hybrid variant offered an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a combined range of more than 500 miles, achieving 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. In contrast, traditional V6 models boasted 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, with AWD models at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The 2021 Nissan Armada continued to be powered by its robust Endurance 5.6-liter V8 engine, capable of 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque when using premium fuel, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivered significant towing capability of up to 8,500 pounds, leading its class. Available with rear-wheel drive or automatic four-wheel drive, the Armada also featured strong off-road credentials, including a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, Hitachi shock absorbers, and up to 9.2 inches of ground clearance. However, the Armada did not fare well in terms of fuel efficiency compared to newer competitors. The RWD model achieved 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, while the 4WD variant rated at 13 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. Despite the fuel economy limitations, the Armada's driving experience improved with every iteration, particularly on highways, though its sheer size continued to pose challenges in tight spaces like parking lots.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was meticulously designed to accommodate family life. One of the standout features was the Stow ‘n Go seating system, allowing second-row and third-row seats to fold flat into the floor, providing ample flexibility for cargo and passenger arrangements. Front passengers benefited from an open, spacious feeling due to the removal of traditional armrests in favor of a padded center console lid, complemented by abundant storage options, including an under-stack storage bin. Standard features for second-row passengers included a sliding under-console storage bin and power-sliding rear doors, enhancing convenience for family use. The third-row bench seat folded flat, and the Pacifica boasted best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, catering excellently to travel and cargo needs. The Nissan Armada offered an equally family-friendly, albeit more traditional, full-size SUV experience. Rear passengers also faced some compromise, with the third row providing less legroom than optimal. Still, first and second rows offered commendable comfort, with power-adjustable seating and available captain's chairs. Cargo capacity was decent, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 49.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 95.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. These figures, though sufficient for most users, lagged behind the expanded capacities recently introduced in competing large SUVs. The high-load floor of the Armada's cargo area posed an obstacle for straightforward loading and unloading, limiting its practicality for smaller adults or children. On the bright side, a power liftgate and power-folding third-row seats were available to mitigate this issue.

Chrysler’s 2021 Pacifica packed an impressive array of technology. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was a highlight, known for its responsiveness and user-friendly interface complemented by standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered hands-free sliding doors, a rear seat entertainment system with new games, and an advanced 20-speaker Harman Kardon audio system for premium sound. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior camera system providing unique rear-facing views and zoom features to keep an eye on passengers. Alternatively, the 2021 Nissan Armada's tech upgrades were led by a 12.3-inch touchscreen, setting the bar for size in the segment. Standard tech features covered navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay, with further options like a 13-speaker Bose audio system and rear-view camera mirror available. Nissan focused on integrating practical technology while ensuring robust multimedia connectivity, though the design preferences for controls and interface weren’t as sleek or modern as some competitors.

The safety suite of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was comprehensive, including 97 standard safety features which increased to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Notable systems like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection were all standard. The Pacifica's safety was validated by a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though at publication, IIHS had not completed their assessments. The 2021 Nissan Armada featured Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, encompassing automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert among its standard features. Advanced systems like adaptive cruise control and rear automatic braking were also included. Despite these inclusions, the Armada's safety ratings were less conclusive, with the NHTSA providing only a three-star rollover rating. Additionally, it lacked advanced semi-autonomous driving aids available in other models within the Nissan portfolio.