2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant mid-generation refresh, resulting in a more muscular exterior design. The new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights contributed to a robust front-end appearance, moving away from the elegance of previous models. Despite these changes, the Pacifica retained some of its original sophistication, particularly noticeable along its 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 included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica distinguished itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by offering a premium feel, especially in the top trims. The Pacifica Pinnacle trim stood out with its luxurious design, featuring a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted leather seats. The minivan's sound-deadening technology further enhanced the driving experience by minimizing road and engine noise.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly with the X-Line treatment, presented a stylish and rugged appearance. The X-Line package added features like rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and a lifted suspension, enhancing the SUV's presence. The test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package, came with all-wheel drive and additional features like Wolf Gray paint and Rust-colored leather. The Sorento's interior exuded quality, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim. The cabin's construction was solid, and the design details were impressive, even in the base LX model. The Sorento's interior style and traditional transmission shifter did not compromise storage space. Overall, the Sorento offered a sense of luxury and practicality, making it a compelling choice for buyers seeking a stylish and well-equipped SUV.

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, delivering 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 or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, newly available after 16 years, activated on-demand based on various conditions, enhancing traction and stability. The Pacifica Hybrid boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, achieving 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica delivered 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with slightly lower figures for AWD models.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's standard engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which took nearly 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. However, the Sorento offered more powerful options, including a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, provided a more engaging driving experience. The Sorento's AWD system, available with the turbo engine, allowed it to accelerate to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. The SUV's suspension, tuned for a balance of compliance and composure, delivered a sporty driving experience. Despite the X-Line's raised suspension, the Sorento handled like a sports sedan. The Sorento's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg combined, but real-world tests showed an average of around 20.5 mpg.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical features. The front seats provided ample space and a sense of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Storage options included an under-stack area for various items. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for flexible cargo space. The second-row under-console storage added convenience for passengers. The Pacifica's cargo area was spacious, with best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with Rust-colored leather seats and a 14-way power driver's seat in the SX Prestige trim. The second-row captain's chairs, standard from the EX trim, were designed for comfort and convenience, with features like USB ports and rear air conditioning vents. However, the third-row seat was less accommodating for adults, with limited legroom and headroom. Folding the third-row seat expanded the cargo space from 12.6 cubic feet to 38.5 cubic feet, and further folding the second-row seats increased it to 75.5 cubic feet. The Sorento's smart power tailgate added convenience for loading cargo.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured advanced technology, including hands-free sliding doors and the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The system offered a modern and customizable interface, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games available. The Pacifica offered various sound system upgrades, including a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's infotainment system varied by trim, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen standard on most models. The system included navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration, though the larger screen required a USB connection. The Sorento's infotainment system shared similarities with Hyundai models, but voice recognition was less effective. The SX Prestige X-Line featured a 12-speaker Bose sound system and wireless smartphone charging from the EX trim.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came with 97 standard 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. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated it.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured Kia Drive Wise, with varying contents by trim. Unique safety features included a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Sorento's Blind View Monitor and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist enhanced safety. The Highway Driving Assist system provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. The Sorento earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.