2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille that contributed to a more muscular aesthetic. This design shift moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained a touch of sophistication as the eye traveled from the front to the sides and rear. The rear showcased 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 balancing practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim. This top-tier model featured a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted leather seats, creating a luxurious atmosphere. The Pacifica's doors closed with a solid thud, and its sound-deadening technology ensured a quiet ride.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 maintained a familiar look with subtle updates, including new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, and a redesigned grille. The Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda's premium brand aspirations. Inside, the CX-5's interior remained unchanged, with the Signature trim offering Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The seats were new for 2022, providing improved comfort and support. Mazda restructured its trim levels, introducing the CX-5 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo, with the latter offering a turbocharged engine. The 2.5 Turbo trim, tested with optional features, showcased a sporty driving experience with improved dynamics, reduced noise, and enhanced ride quality. The CX-5's changes aimed to position it as a legitimate alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 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 and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, 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, enhancing traction and efficiency. 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 AWD models slightly reducing these figures.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission for improved responsiveness. All CX-5 models came standard with AWD, achieving 26 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo variant offered a turbocharged engine producing 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas. The 2.5 Turbo also included the revised transmission and AWD, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined. The CX-5's driving dynamics improved with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, providing a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride. The Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) system offered Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes, enhancing the driving experience.

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 personal items. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, power windows, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and Stow 'n Go seating with in-floor storage bins. The second-row under-console storage offered additional space for passengers. The Pacifica's second and third-row seats provided sufficient legroom, with Stow 'n Go seats allowing for easy cargo loading. The rear cargo area was spacious, with the Pinnacle trim offering best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and seating with new furnishings. The updated seats provided improved comfort and support, with a sportier driving position. Most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug but offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents for passenger comfort. The control layout, including the Mazda Connect infotainment system, required acclimation due to the lack of a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. Storage space was limited, with a small center armrest bin and door panel bins. The CX-5's cargo space was adequate, offering 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, comparing favorably to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured advanced technology, including hands-free sliding doors on mid-grade and above models. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered a modern, customizable interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games available. Audio options included a standard six-speaker system, with upgrades to a 13-speaker Alpine system or 19- and 20-speaker Harman Kardon systems. The Pinnacle model introduced FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat functionality.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, lacking touch-sensing and natural voice recognition. Users operated the system via center console and steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services. A three-year trial subscription to connected services was included, excluding WiFi. The 2.5 S Premium trim and above featured a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, which provided satisfactory audio quality. SiriusXM satellite radio was also standard from this trim level.

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 with stop and go, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, advanced brake assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered a comprehensive i-Activsense package of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).