2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, giving it a more muscular appearance with new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. This design shift moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained some sophistication as seen in the sleek sides and rear, which featured a new all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which added darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica stood out from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by balancing practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim. This top-tier model boasted a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted leather seats, creating a luxurious feel. The Pacifica also excelled in sound deadening, providing a quiet ride.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared its platform with the Nissan Armada, yet distinguished itself with a unique front-end design featuring the Infiniti grille and tastefully integrated LED lighting. The QX80's exterior was further enhanced by stylish 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels. Inside, the QX80's cabin was adorned with upscale materials, including wood trim and quilted semi-aniline leather seats. However, the design was beginning to show its age compared to competitors in the premium full-size SUV market. Despite this, the QX80 offered a comfortable and attractive interior, though it fell short of the high expectations set by its price point.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid version with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The Pacifica's AWD system, reintroduced after 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions, enhancing traction without compromising fuel efficiency. The hybrid model boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, with an impressive 82 MPGe. The traditional V6 delivered 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, while AWD models saw a slight decrease in efficiency.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-liter V8 engine with 413 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. This combination provided smooth and linear power delivery, with quick and seamless shifts. The QX80's 4WD system, based on the Nissan Patrol, offered impressive off-road capability, with a computer-controlled transfer case and 9.2 inches of ground clearance. The SUV's towing capacity was a generous 8,500 pounds. Despite its size, the QX80 managed body lean well, thanks to the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and ample storage solutions. The minivan featured power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating, allowing for flexible cargo configurations. The Pacifica Pinnacle provided best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter, due to its tall ride height and body-on-frame construction. Inside, the cabin offered a spacious and airy feel, with good head- and legroom in the front seats. The QX80 could accommodate up to eight passengers, though the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was limited compared to competitors, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 95.1 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable experience with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features. The Pacifica also offered a range of audio options, including a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came with a 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch display, providing access to Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The Sensory trim featured a 17-speaker Bose system. However, the QX80 lacked Infiniti's ProPilot Assist, a notable omission in the tech department.

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

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 offered a range of standard safety features, such as forward automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The QX80 received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA, with the structurally similar 2021 model earning four stars for overall crash protection.