2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, presenting 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 to the van's 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 added darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which boasted quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats. The interior was designed to be premium, with a flat dashboard anchored by a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and an emphasis on sound deadening for a quieter ride.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, as the first vehicle of Hyundai's new Ioniq brand, showcased a polished exterior with minimal character lines, embodying a futuristic Parametric Pixel design. This design was evident in the extensive use of pixelated lighting elements across the vehicle. The Ioniq 5's aerodynamic wheels and unique design elements gave it a concept car feel. Inside, the Ioniq 5's cabin was a stark contrast to its exterior, offering a "Living Space" theme with a mellow, comfortable interior available in various hues. The cabin featured sustainable materials, including recycled fibers and bio-materials, and offered a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat. The interior design was practical, with a moveable center console and comfortable leatherette seats, emphasizing passenger comfort over cargo space.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a hybrid powertrain combining a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The Pacifica's hybrid model boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 model achieved 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, with AWD models seeing a slight decrease in fuel efficiency. The AWD system was a new addition, offering on-demand activation for improved traction and efficiency.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came in three trims and offered both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The base SE Standard Range model featured a single 128-kW rear motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range models, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, had a larger 168-kW rear motor producing 225 hp and a 303-mile range. The AWD variant combined a 74-kW front motor and a 165-kW rear motor, delivering 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 offered four drive modes, including Sport, which enhanced performance but reduced range. The vehicle's regenerative braking system could be adjusted via paddle shifters, and its noise-reducing features ensured a quiet ride.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seats provided ample space and a sense of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing traditional armrests. The Pacifica featured power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for flexible cargo and passenger arrangements. The second-row under-console storage and Stow 'n Go third-row bench seat added to the vehicle's practicality. The Pacifica Pinnacle offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), maximized interior space with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Palisade. The Ioniq 5 offered a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, with a passenger volume of 106.5 cu-ft, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The interior featured soft touch points and a moveable center console, allowing for flexible seating arrangements. The leatherette seats provided comfort and support, with a modern take on the retro front bench seat for easy entry and exit.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured advanced technology, including hands-free sliding doors and the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was responsive and customizable. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional second-row in-seat entertainment system offering games and media ports. The Pacifica offered a range of audio systems, with the 20-speaker Harman Kardon system providing a high-quality listening experience. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat functionality.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted cutting-edge technology, including a high-voltage energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices and vehicles. The Ioniq 5 supported 800-volt charging infrastructures, achieving 80 percent battery capacity in 18 minutes. Hyundai partnered with Electrify America to offer unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and advanced multimedia features, including 12.3-inch anti-glare screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment.

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 NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated the model.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance. The Ioniq 5 included Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The vehicle also offered a head-up display with augmented reality overlays. While safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks were expected.