2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights flanking a hexagonal grille, which contributed to a more muscular aesthetic compared to its predecessors. The design retained some sophistication, particularly noticeable as one moved from the front to the sides and rear, where a new all-LED taillamp spanned the width of the vehicle, centered with the Chrysler wing badge. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica differentiated itself 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's doors closed with a solid thud, and its sound-deadening technology effectively minimized road noise.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that echoed the larger Range Rover's profile in a sportier package. Its long wheelbase, short overhangs, and distinctive Land Rover grille and lights were unmistakably Range Rover. The Velar's design featured a sloping roof and wide shoulder crease, creating a streamlined yet blocky appearance. Special details included taillight lenses with depth illusions and air ducts reminiscent of Bugatti's NACA ducts. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sleek, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The three screens offered sharp graphics, and upper trims featured additional leather and richer textures. Despite its stylish design, the Velar's interior space was limited, with reduced headroom and visibility due to thick pillars and small windows.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, 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 (AWD) or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, reintroduced after 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions and deactivated for improved fuel efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid had 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 AWD models slightly less efficient.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering improved handling and steering compared to previous Land Rovers. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Velar's ride was smooth and controlled, with an optional air suspension providing a plush "magic carpet" ride. The Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, but the Velar's street-focused design limited its off-road capabilities. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, delivered 340 to 395 horsepower and 354 to 405 pound-feet of torque, enhancing performance while reducing emissions. The Velar's mild-hybrid system powered vehicle accessories and improved efficiency, but a V8 option was no longer available.

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 armrests. Storage options included an under-stack area with a rubberized bin for personal items. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating with in-floor storage bins. The second-row under-console storage offered additional space for passengers. The Pacifica's seats provided sufficient legroom, and the Stow 'n Go feature allowed for easy cargo loading. The Pinnacle trim boasted best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was tighter than midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with seats folded. The Velar's design included a controversial parking brake control, integrated with the transmission button, which was criticized for being illogical and potentially dangerous. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability with a simplified layout and customizable features. The Velar's interior featured high-quality materials, but some design choices, like the new shifter, were less user-friendly.

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 lacked a head-up display but offered easy-to-use navigation and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games available. Audio options included a standard six-speaker system and upgraded Alpine and Harman Kardon systems. The Pinnacle model introduced FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was reliable and user-friendly, with a logical layout and customizable options. The system included a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and a heated windshield. The navigation system offered intelligent route suggestions and off-road capabilities. The Velar's instrument panel provided various display configurations, but the driving assist display was less detailed than competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

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. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS had not yet rated the model.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in the European NCAP, with a five-star rating and a 93-percent score for impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.