2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant mid-generation refresh, resulting in a more muscular aesthetic with its new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights. This design shift moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained a touch of sophistication as the eye traveled from the front to the sides and rear. The rear featured an 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 stood out from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by offering a premium feel, especially in the Pinnacle trim. This top-tier model boasted a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, quilted leather seats, and sound-deadening technology, providing a quiet and luxurious ride.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, while a crossover SUV, was often seen as a glorified minivan due to its practicality. It featured a light restyle with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated aluminum wheels and color choices. The Traverse RS trim, tested with AWD and a Dual SkyScape Sunroof, showcased blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels. The interior of the RS trim was equipped with black leather upholstery, red and light gray contrast stitching, and gloss black trim. Despite the abundance of hard plastic surfaces, the Traverse's interior was logically laid out, with matte-finish black switchgear and easy-to-use stereo controls. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, with a V6 engine that provided adequate power for family trips, though it was noted for its road and wind noise on highways.

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 hybrid version with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The Pacifica's AWD system, available for the first time in 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions, enhancing fuel efficiency by deactivating when not needed. The hybrid model boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, with an impressive 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 a slight decrease when AWD was added.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a single engine option: a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse had a tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped and offered driving modes for towing, snow, and off-road conditions. The V6 engine provided sufficient power for the Traverse's size, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 20 mpg in combined driving for the AWD model. The Traverse's ride quality was firm yet compliant, though it required careful handling over speed humps and drainage dips. On highways, the Traverse excelled, though road and wind noise were noted. In mountainous areas, the Traverse demonstrated athleticism with its V6 drivetrain, Active Return Assist steering, and Duralife brakes, though its all-season tires were less impressive.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and storage solutions. The front seats provided ample space and a sense of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. The Pacifica featured power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating with in-floor storage bins. The second-row offered under-console storage, and the third-row seats provided sufficient legroom for children and adults. The Pacifica's cargo area was spacious, with best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, particularly in RS trim, offered a seven-passenger seating configuration with captain's chairs in the second row. The Traverse featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated easy access to the third-row seat. The Traverse's interior provided generous legroom, headroom, and foot room, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support. The third-row seat accommodated adults, though it was less comfortable than in some competitors. The Traverse offered abundant storage, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo space measured 23 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, expanding to 57.8 cubic feet with them folded flat, and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured advanced technology, including hands-free sliding doors and the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The system was graphically appealing, responsive, and easy to use, though it lacked a head-up display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the second-row in-seat entertainment system offered a variety of games. The Pacifica's sound system options ranged from a standard six-speaker setup to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in LS and LT Cloth models, while other trims received an 8-inch high-definition display. The system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services like a WiFi hotspot. Teen Driver technology was standard, and the 8-inch system offered navigation, SiriusXM 360L, and Alexa Built-in. A Bose premium sound system was standard from RS trim, though it was not particularly impressive. The Traverse's voice recognition system was effective, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility and safety.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came with 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, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated the model.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured Chevy Safety Assist as standard, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. A Safety Package added rear parking assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision tests, though it rated "Acceptable" in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2022 model.