2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

2021 Chrysler Pacifica
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
$36,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Subaru Outback
2021 Subaru Outback
$26,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
$36,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Subaru Outback
$26,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$36,245

MSRP

$26,795

Average price

$25,294

Average price

$24,706

Listings

709

Listings

870

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Spacious third row
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Plug-in hybrid can't be ordered with all-wheel drive
Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine

2021 Chrysler Pacifica Reviews Summary

The Chrysler Pacifica minivan has undergone a styling and tech refresh for the 2021 model year. It continues to deliver what families want and need from a daily driver. Chrysler continues to offer the model with either a traditional V6 engine or hybrid powertrain and has upped the ante with a new premium Pinnacle trim level. With 97 standard safety features and gobs of well-designed storage space, it’s easy to see why the Pacifica is the perfect choice for many families.

2021 Subaru Outback Reviews Summary

The Outback, like any Subaru, is an old soul in a young person’s body. It embraces a rosier past of automotive history, back when cars were just cars and drivers were concerned only with driving. It’s conservative, unhip to fashion, and slow. Yet the 2021 Outback—a raised, all-wheel drive (AWD) station wagon like the first 1995 model—has all of today’s essentials and extra technology. Subaru just skips the fripperies and focuses on what people really need: Generous space, go-anywhere capability, reliability, low cost, high resale, and safety. It’s not all that innovative or stylish, but a Subaru Outback tackles the everyday banalities of life as few other cars can.
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.6L 287 hp V6

Engine

2.5L 182 hp H4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

8

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

287 hp @ 6400 rpm

Horsepower

182 hp @ 5800 rpm

MPG City

19

MPG City

26

MPG Highway

28

MPG Highway

33
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
$36,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Subaru Outback
2021 Subaru Outback
$26,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
$36,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Subaru Outback
$26,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$36,245
$26,795
Average price
$25,294
$24,706
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.8
4.7
Expert reviews

8.7 out of 10

Read full review

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Spacious third row
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Plug-in hybrid can't be ordered with all-wheel drive
Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
Summary
The Chrysler Pacifica minivan has undergone a styling and tech refresh for the 2021 model year. It continues to deliver what families want and need from a daily driver. Chrysler continues to offer the model with either a traditional V6 engine or hybrid powertrain and has upped the ante with a new premium Pinnacle trim level. With 97 standard safety features and gobs of well-designed storage space, it’s easy to see why the Pacifica is the perfect choice for many families.
The Outback, like any Subaru, is an old soul in a young person’s body. It embraces a rosier past of automotive history, back when cars were just cars and drivers were concerned only with driving. It’s conservative, unhip to fashion, and slow. Yet the 2021 Outback—a raised, all-wheel drive (AWD) station wagon like the first 1995 model—has all of today’s essentials and extra technology. Subaru just skips the fripperies and focuses on what people really need: Generous space, go-anywhere capability, reliability, low cost, high resale, and safety. It’s not all that innovative or stylish, but a Subaru Outback tackles the everyday banalities of life as few other cars can.
Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
3.6L 287 hp V6
2.5L 182 hp H4
Drive Train
FWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
8
5
Horsepower
287 hp @ 6400 rpm
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
MPG City
19
26
MPG Highway
28
33
Look and feel
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
9/10
2021 Subaru Outback
7/10

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that gave it a more muscular aesthetic. The new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights contributed to a streamlined front end, while the all-LED taillamp at the back added a touch of sophistication. The S Appearance Package, with its darkened features and black accents, further enhanced the van's exterior. Inside, the Pacifica offered a premium feel, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which featured quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats. The 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and real metal surrounds made it the poshest minivan on the market. The Pacifica also excelled in sound deadening, with new windows, seals, and insulation keeping road noise at bay.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, retained a familiar and comfortable feel. The interior, especially in trims above the base, featured an 11.6-inch portrait display surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim. The Onyx Edition XT stood out with its gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green contrast stitching. The Outback's exterior maintained a smooth and plain styling, with high gray cladding on the wheel arches, sills, and bumpers. The adaptive LED headlights became standard in 2021, and a new brown paint option, Brilliant Bronze Metallic, was introduced. The Outback's design emphasized practicality and off-road capability, making it a great alternative to typical crossovers and SUVs.

Performance
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
8/10
2021 Subaru Outback
6/10

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 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. 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, reintroduced after 16 years, activated on-demand based on various driving conditions. The Pacifica Hybrid boasted 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 Subaru Outback featured a 2.5-liter flat-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This base engine struggled to move the Outback, especially when fully loaded. The XT trims, available on the Limited, Touring, and Onyx Edition, offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, providing a significant performance boost. The XT engine was quieter, smoother, and more powerful than the base engine. Fuel economy for the turbo XT was 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, compared to 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for the base engine. The Outback's handling and ride comfort were excellent, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Subaru's electronically-variable AWD system ensuring off-road capability.

Form and function
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
9/10
2021 Subaru Outback
10/10

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and ample storage. The power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seats with in-floor storage bins were standard features. The second-row under-console storage and Stow 'n Go third-row bench seat added to the convenience. The Pacifica's cargo area was spacious, with the Pinnacle trim offering best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2021 Subaru Outback provided 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, with ample headroom and legroom in all seating positions. The Outback's storage options included large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets in the front center console. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, offering convenience and cost savings.

Technology
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
8/10
2021 Subaru Outback
7/10

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was graphically appealing, responsive, and easy to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the second-row in-seat entertainment system offered additional games. The Pinnacle trim included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with advanced features. 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 Subaru Outback's infotainment system, while functional, looked dated. The single large screen was more cohesive and useful than the base model's dual-screen setup. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. However, the system relied solely on forward-looking cameras, which could be less effective in certain conditions.

Safety
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
9/10
2021 Subaru Outback
9/10

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, 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 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear emergency braking were available on higher trims. The Outback earned a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and the rollover test.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is 8.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Subaru Outback scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Chrysler Pacifica is the recommended choice for its superior overall performance, advanced technology, and family-friendly features.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is 8.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Subaru Outback scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Chrysler Pacifica is the recommended choice for its superior overall performance, advanced technology, and family-friendly features.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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