2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

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 a touch of sophistication as the eye traveled from the front to the sides and rear. The rear was marked by 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 distinguished itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by balancing practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim. The interior featured a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and real metal surrounds. The Pinnacle trim boasted quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats, enhancing its upscale appeal. The Pacifica also prioritized sound deadening, with new windows, seals, and insulation to minimize noise.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey maintained the classic minivan design with a sense of style, though not as striking as the Kia Carnival. Its kinked sliding doors and hockey-stick character lines added flair to its clean flanks. The Elite trim featured dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels, and the lineup included the base LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite trims, with prices ranging from $33,040 to $48,770. The Odyssey's interior offered quality materials and a classic open-concept design with a low console and ample storage space. The center stack, though cluttered, placed commonly used controls within easy reach.

The Odyssey's driving experience was enjoyable, with responsive handling and a comfortable ride. However, its brakes exhibited pedal vibration and audible grumble during repeated use, especially when descending hills. The Odyssey's interior was spacious, with comfortable second- and third-row seats, and its Magic Slide second-row seats offered flexibility for families. The cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 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 and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The base Touring and Touring L trims came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered all-wheel drive (AWD) or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system was a new addition, automatically activating when needed and deactivating to improve fuel efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid had 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 reducing these figures.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the Pacifica and Toyota Sienna, the Odyssey did not offer AWD or an electrified powertrain, resulting in an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg combined. The Odyssey's driving character was enjoyable, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, its brakes exhibited pedal vibration and audible grumble during repeated use, especially when descending hills. The Odyssey averaged 22.6 mpg during a test drive in Southern California.

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, power windows, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, Stow 'n Go bucket seats with in-floor storage bins, and a Stow 'n Go third-row bench seat. The second-row passengers benefited from under-console storage, and the Pacifica's cargo area was spacious, with best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey offered easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. The Elite trim featured quality leather, supportive front seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. Storage space was impressive, with numerous compartments and a center console tray. The second-row seats provided comfort and flexibility, with Magic Slide seats allowing for various configurations. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the Odyssey offered 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured Uconnect 5, a modern and customizable infotainment system with a clean design and quick responsiveness. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a six-speaker sound system standard and three available upgrades. The Pinnacle model offered FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features. The Pacifica's technology package was comprehensive, with hands-free sliding doors and an optional second-row entertainment system.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey's technology package was less impressive, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto starting with the EX trim. The Touring and Elite trims added CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology, a rear-seat entertainment system, and an 11-speaker premium audio system. However, the Odyssey's infotainment system was outdated, with a small screen and limited voice command functionality.

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, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, advanced brake assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured Honda Sensing, a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Odyssey also had automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, with some features responding too sharply or abruptly. The Odyssey earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.