2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that included a revised exterior. New standard LED headlights flanked the Pacifica’s new hexagonal grille, giving the front end a more muscular aesthetic compared to the previous three years. The rear featured a new all-LED taillamp running the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. The S Appearance Package, which debuted in 2017, was also available, adding darkened features and black accents to the exterior.

Inside, the Pacifica differentiated itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by offering a blend of practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim. The Pinnacle trim featured a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim with wood accents, and real metal surrounds. Quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats added to the upscale look. The Pacifica also boasted well-weighted doors and advanced sound-deadening technology, making it a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim did not impress with its new treatment. The lack of a suspension lift and aggressive tread pattern tires made it less convincing for off-roading. The side steps, while useful for roof rack access, impeded entry and exit and reduced the breakover angle. The XRT trim was priced higher than the SE and SEL trims but lower than the turbocharged Limited and Calligraphy trims. It included all the equipment from the Santa Fe SEL and its Convenience Package, with a starting price of $34,095.

The test vehicle came in Portofino Gray with a black cloth interior, offering little visual contrast. Despite this, the interior patterns and brightwork made the cabin a pleasant place to spend time. The XRT trim demonstrated thoughtful design and high quality for its price point, though it did not feel as upscale as the Limited or Calligraphy trims.

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 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 either all-wheel drive (AWD) or the hybrid powertrain.

AWD was a new addition to the Pacifica lineup, automatically activating when needed and deactivating to improve fuel efficiency when not required. 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 lower at 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. While not particularly powerful, it was adequate for freeway speeds and cruising. For more power, the Limited and Calligraphy trims offered a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The XRT's eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, with Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes available.

The test vehicle averaged 22.3 mpg, close to the EPA rating of 24 mpg. The turbocharged engine in the Limited and Calligraphy trims offered the same fuel efficiency, while the Santa Fe Hybrid models returned between 32 mpg and 34 mpg combined. The XRT demonstrated good ride quality, handling, and quietness on the highway, though it did not excel in off-road conditions.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seats were comfortable, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow ’n Go seats were standard, providing ample legroom and storage options. The Pacifica Pinnacle offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a Clean Air ionizer and rear air conditioning vents. The eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat was comfortable, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats offered generous legroom and foot room, with rear side-window shades and USB charging ports. The Santa Fe had 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable experience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with an optional second-row in-seat entertainment system. The Pinnacle trim included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with advanced features. A six-speaker sound system was standard, with 13-speaker Alpine and 19- and 20-speaker Harman Kardon options available.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large knobs and clean graphics. The XRT trim included Hyundai’s digital key technology and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT included Hyundai SmartSense safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The XRT also had Junction Turning Detection and Safe Exit Assist. The Santa Fe earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score.