2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that gave it a more muscular aesthetic with new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp running the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. The S Appearance Package added darkened features and black accents, enhancing its bold look. 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 flat dashboard, anchored by a 10.1-inch touchscreen, combined with Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and real metal surrounds, made it the poshest minivan on the market.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, introduced as Hyundai's SUV flagship, featured an elegant and striking exterior design. Its prominent grille, crisp shoulder lines, and sculpted wheel arches added visual interest. The continuous strip of glass surfaces around the tailgate gave the impression of a floating rear roof. Inside, the Palisade offered a horizontally arrayed screen, high-quality materials, and a beefy center console. The second row had either a roomy bench or captain's chairs, and the third row was spacious enough for adults on short rides. The fit and finish were near-luxury levels, making the Palisade a worthy flagship.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 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 from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The base Touring and Touring L models came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered either AWD or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, new for 2021, activated on-demand based on various conditions 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 city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD models slightly lower at 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade featured a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, with gasoline direct injection and dual variable valve timing, offered a baritone rumble and no turbo lag. The Palisade's EPA estimates were 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined for FWD models, and 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined for AWD models. The Palisade's four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars provided a smooth ride, and the SEL Convenience trim and above included a self-leveling suspension system. The Palisade could tow up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes or 1,650 pounds without.

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 were standard. The second-row under-console storage and Stow 'n Go third-row bench seat added convenience. The Pacifica Pinnacle offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making family travel a breeze.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade provided comfortable seating throughout the cabin, with ample storage in the front row, including two compartments in the center console and door panel bottle holders. Luggage space behind the third row measured 18.0 cubic feet, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with both rows folded flat. The Palisade's shift-by-wire setup and intuitive mode selector for the AWD system maximized space and functionality. The Limited and Calligraphy trims included luxury features like a dual-panel sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and a hands-free liftgate.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable experience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the second-row in-seat entertainment system included new games. The Pinnacle model had FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with a rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat feature. The sound system options ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess with a standard display audio system on S and SEL models and a 1920 x 720 color touchscreen on Limited and Calligraphy models. The infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, and Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system. The Palisade also offered multiple USB ports, a Qi wireless charging pad, and a 115-volt power outlet.

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, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade included seven airbags, three-point seat belts, LATCH anchors, active head restraints, and a front crumple zone. Standard active safety features included anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance, and forward collision-avoidance with pedestrian detection. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.