2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Subaru Forester

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille that contributed to a more muscular aesthetic. This design shift moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained some sophistication as the eye traveled from the front to the sides and rear. The rear showcased a new all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, 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. This top-tier model featured a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted leather seats, creating a luxurious feel. The Pacifica also emphasized sound deadening, providing a quiet ride.

The 2021 Subaru Forester, despite a redesign in 2019, maintained a styling that appeared older due to its resemblance to previous generations. Its boxy, upright shape appealed to SUV shoppers, offering a clean and unpretentious look. The Forester Sport model added orange striping, a rear spoiler, and black 18-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the Forester shared underpinnings with other Subaru models, maintaining its rugged SUV image. Inside, the Forester featured a no-nonsense mix of materials designed for durability. The Sport trim added orange accents, while higher trims offered leather upholstery and an All-Weather Package. The Forester's interior was practical, with a focus on functionality over luxury.

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 hybrid powertrain combining a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, delivering 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The hybrid model 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 in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD models slightly reducing these figures. The AWD system, newly reintroduced, activated on-demand based on driving conditions, enhancing traction without compromising fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Subaru Forester featured a single powertrain: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, connected to a CVT with manual mode and paddle shifters on certain trims. The engine's boxer configuration provided a lower center of gravity. The Forester's towing capacity was 1,500 pounds, with Trailer Stability Assist as standard. While adequate for most situations, the engine lacked power for highway merging and overtaking. The Forester's suspension was tuned for comfort, resulting in a soft ride with noticeable body roll and bounce. AWD was standard, with X-Mode enhancing traction on various surfaces. The Forester offered 8.7 inches of ground clearance, suitable for light off-roading.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seating area provided a sense of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Storage included an under-stack area for personal items. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for flexible cargo space. The Pacifica's cargo area was generous, with best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2021 Subaru Forester provided above-average headroom and legroom, thanks to its tall roofline, which also enhanced visibility. Cargo space was generous, with 35.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.1 cubic feet with them folded. While lacking a sliding second-row bench, the Forester offered a power liftgate on higher trims. Interior storage was practical, though the phone cubby was small, and wireless charging was unavailable. The Forester's controls were user-friendly, but the steering wheel had numerous buttons, causing some confusion.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured advanced technology, including hands-free sliding doors on mid-grade models and above. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern and customizable, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. An optional second-row entertainment system offered games and media connectivity. Audio options ranged from a six-speaker system to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon setup. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features.

The 2021 Subaru Forester's Starlink infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added an 8-inch touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio, and navigation. The system was user-friendly, but the screen was slow to boot. Additional displays showed secondary information, though the setup felt complex. The Forester lacked wireless charging and a standard power-adjustable driver's seat.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came with 97 standard safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in safety, earning the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a five-star NHTSA rating. Standard EyeSight features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Forester also offered a driver-monitoring system, blind-spot monitoring, and reverse automatic braking.