2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica received a mid-generation refresh that transformed its look considerably. New LED headlights flanked a newly designed hexagonal grille, giving it a more muscular aesthetic and departing from the elegance of previous years. The overall design retained some sophistication, especially with the new all-LED taillamp running across the width of the rear.

Accompanied by six new wheel designs and the continued availability of the S Appearance Package, the Pacifica adopted a more assertive look with darkened features and black accents replacing traditional chrome. Inside, the Pacifica navigated the line between toughness and sophistication quite well. The Pinnacle trim stood out with its premium feel, incorporating high-end materials like Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and real metal surrounds. Quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats enhanced its luxuriousness, making it the poshest minivan in its class.

On the contrary, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade was an unapologetically massive SUV that made a strong first impression with its grand scale. Its styling elements, from the tall hood and vertical running lights to the horizontal headlights, gave it a locomotive-like appearance, emphasizing its size and dominance. The 22-inch wheels, though substantial, appeared dwarfed by the vast expanse of metal.

Sport and luxury trims offered distinct styling cues—bright trim and wheels for the Luxury and Premium Luxury models, while the Sport trim featured darkened elements including a mesh grille. Despite sharing architecture with other GM full-size SUVs and trucks, the Escalade managed to distinguish itself visually. Inside, it boasted leather upholstery, wood trim, and a massive panoramic sunroof. However, the interior design lacked cohesion, missing a distinctive theme that rival luxury vehicles, such as the Lincoln Navigator, offered.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was versatile in its powertrain offerings. It ran on either a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which churned out 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque or a hybrid version that combined a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission powered by a 16-kilowatt-hour battery. The hybrid setup yielded 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 from its motors.

The traditional V6 engine had fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, dropping slightly with all-wheel drive (AWD) to 17 mpg and 25 mpg, respectively. The AWD system, newly reintroduced, engaged automatically under various driving conditions for enhanced fuel efficiency and smoother rides, while the hybrid boasted an impressive 82 MPGe and a 30 mpg combined fuel economy.

In stark contrast, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain choices. The standard 6.2-liter V8 engine produced a robust 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Alternatively, a more fuel-efficient Duramax 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engine provided 277 horsepower and matched the V8’s 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or optional four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations.

We tested the diesel variant and found it smooth and efficient, despite its lower horsepower compared to the V8. The Escalade’s towing capacity was formidable, reaching up to 8,200 pounds with the gasoline engine, though the diesel came just short at 8,100 pounds. Despite its independent rear suspension and additional air suspension options, the Escalade’s ride was notably unsettled and lacked the luxury feel expected in this class.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind. The interior was spacious, with the removal of front armrests in favor of a padded center console lid facilitating a sense of togetherness. Ample storage options were available, both between the driver and passenger and in the under-stack area.

Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and Stow ’n Go seats across the rear for added flexibility. The second-row under-console storage was a thoughtful touch, enhancing the usability for rear passengers. Cargo-wise, the Pacifica excelled with a best-in-class total storage capacity of 227.6 liters.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade, available in standard and extended ESV versions, offered significant interior space owing to its shared platform with other GM full-size SUVs. The standard model measured 211.9 inches in length, while the ESV stretched 15.1 inches longer. This allowed for ample legroom, notably in the first and third rows, although second-row headroom was slightly less than its chief competitor, the Lincoln Navigator.

Standard seating included second-row captain’s chairs and a 60/40 split-folding third-row bench. The cargo capacity was impressive, with the standard model providing 25.5 cubic feet of space with all seats up, 63.0 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and a whopping 109.1 cubic feet with all seats down. However, the raised center console had limited storage space, which slightly impeded overall usability.

The Pacifica’s technology suite was designed to streamline and enhance everyday functions. Uconnect 5, running the infotainment system, was intuitive, quick, and visually appealing. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came standard, although a head-up display was notably absent. The second-row entertainment system remained a valuable option, boasting a variety of ports and multiplayer games.

A six-speaker sound system was standard, with upgrades to a 13-speaker Alpine system or 19- and 20-speaker Harman Kardon systems available. The FamCam interior monitoring camera on the Pinnacle trim provided comprehensive views and functionalities, ensuring parents could keep an eye on their children more effectively.

In the Escalade, Cadillac set a high bar with its 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising three integrated screens. This setup provided a digital instrument cluster and additional touchscreens for trip-computer functions and entertainment. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with thoughtfully integrated physical controls for climate and key functions enhancing usability.

Despite its advanced appearance, the infotainment system had its quirks. The radio station carousel was cumbersome, and the rotary controller felt lackluster. While lacking natural language voice recognition, the Escalade excelled in camera technology with high-resolution screens, a 360-degree camera system, and a rearview camera mirror.

Tech features extended to a head-up display, night vision, and augmented reality navigation, alongside the standard 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system. However, tuning the sound system proved challenging, particularly due to the headrest speakers.

Safety was a strong suit for the Chrysler Pacifica, offering 97 standard safety features (100 on the Pinnacle trim). Key technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams, among others. The 2021 Pacifica earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In comparison, the Cadillac Escalade came equipped with extensive driver-assist tech, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking (front and rear), and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and trailer blind-spot monitoring. Super Cruise, one of the most advanced driver-assist systems, was available on most trims.

Super Cruise enabled hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, leveraging a driver-facing camera for safety. While occasional disengagements occurred, the system’s smooth responses made it a standout feature. Unfortunately, the 2022 Escalade had not yet been rated by either NHTSA or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).