2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a substantial exterior refresh as part of its mid-generation update. The front fascia featured new standard LED headlights flanking a hexagonal grille, which gave the minivan a more robust and muscular appearance compared to its prior elegance. The design retained a touch of sophistication as you moved from the front to the rear, culminating in a new all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the model and centered by the Chrysler wing badge. Six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, first introduced with the 2017 model, brought darkened features and black accents to replace some chrome elements.

Inside, the Pacifica positioned itself uniquely amongst its competition, such as the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona. While the Sienna focused on spaciousness with rugged materials and the Sedona leaned towards an SUV-like flat dashboard design with premium materials, the Pacifica balanced utility and luxury. This was particularly evident in the Pinnacle trim, which combined practicality with high-end features like quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Berber floor mats. The flat dashboard, dominated by a 10.1-inch touchscreen tilting towards the center console, housed the shifter and climate controls, amplifying both its aesthetic and functional appeal.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder embraced the latest in SUV design from Nissan. It showcased a refined take on Nissan’s signature V-motion grille, paralleled by LED headlights and slim LED daytime running lights. The bulkier C-pillar referenced the Pathfinder’s original design, further enhanced by a selection of 14 paint jobs and color combinations, including a black roof option. The dramatically sculpted side panels and hood lent it a more rugged stance, borrowing design cues from the Kia Telluride rather than the Toyota Highlander. Nissan widened the Pathfinder by 0.6 inches, gave it a planted look through a broader track, and shortened its overall length while maintaining greater legroom compared to the previous generation.

The Pathfinder's four trim levels (S, SV, SL, and Platinum) all featured body-color door handles, chrome badging, and a chrome grille, alongside privacy glass on the rear windows and an available panoramic moonroof and roof rack on higher trims. The Pathfinder’s rugged and robust appeal successfully revised its image to a more athletic and competent SUV.

Under the hood, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica provided two powertrain options. The first was a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The second was a hybrid configuration combining a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower. The traditional V6-powered Pacifica Touring and Touring L models came standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), with all-wheel drive (AWD) and the hybrid option available. In contrast, the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered either AWD or the hybrid powertrain exclusively.

AWD models included an intelligent system that automatically engaged when necessary, distributing power to enhance traction and deactivating to improve fuel efficiency when AWD was not needed. Pacifica Hybrid models boasted an impressive all-electric range of over 30 miles and a combined driving range exceeding 500 miles, with an efficiency of 82 MPGe. On the other hand, the traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined (FWD), which dropped slightly with AWD.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, similar to its predecessor. Notably, Nissan replaced the previous continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a new nine-speed automatic transmission from ZF, enhancing the driving experience. This was coupled with an electronic shift-by-wire drive selector and paddle shifters, offering smoother transitions through gear shifts.

The Pathfinder came in both FWD and AWD. FWD versions featured a five-position drive mode selector, while AWD models offered seven drive and terrain modes for diverse conditions. The vehicle's EPA-estimated fuel economy for FWD stood at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while AWD options saw a slight variation. The Pathfinder shone in its towing capacity, with a maximum of 6,000 pounds, backed by technology like stabilizing trailer sway control and hill-start assist.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was meticulously designed for family life, incorporating practical features throughout its cabin. The front seating arrangement fostered a sense of togetherness without sacrificing storage space, thanks to the removal of armrests in favor of a padded center console lid and various hidden storage areas. 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 seats with in-floor storage bins.

The Pacifica also boasted substantial cargo capacity. With all seats in place, it offered a roomy area, with the Pinnacle trim providing best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters. The third-row Stow 'n Go seats could collapse into the floor for additional cargo space, a feature persistent even in AWD models.

On the other hand, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder emphasized a quiet and flexible interior. Enhanced insulation and acoustic laminated glass in the front row, thicker second-row glass, and other noise-reducing measures created a serene cabin environment. The SUV’s design facilitated easy loading and unloading, with features like a wide-opening rear door, the intelligent key system, and second-row captain’s chairs offering configurations to accommodate various needs. A standout feature was the EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology, allowing easy access to the third row through one-touch electronic unlocking mechanisms.

The Pathfinder’s cargo space was impressive, offering 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, which expanded to 45.0 cubic feet when the second row was up and the third row folded flat. Full cargo space reached 80.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. The innovative under-floor storage added 54 liters of space, complementing the overall practicality and versatility of the cargo area.

Chrysler outfitted the 2021 Pacifica with technology that elevated its practicality. Especially notable was the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which featured a clean, responsive interface with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Mid-grade models and above got hands-free operation for the sliding doors. The optional second-row entertainment system included games like Connect Four, and the infotainment supported additional content through various ports. Chrysler also offered advanced sound systems, with options ranging from a six-speaker setup to a premium 20-speaker Harman Kardon system. The Pinnacle trim came with FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with multiple viewing options to keep an eye on rear-seat passengers.

Nissan's 2022 Pathfinder was packed with user-friendly technology. The standard features list included an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 7-inch digital driver-information display, and a comprehensive array of connectivity options such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, a wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel for a more modern experience. The audio system could be upgraded to a 13-speaker Bose Premium system.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came equipped with an array of safety features, totaling 97 standard safety technologies, with the count reaching 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Regular interaction was expected with forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, and other advanced features. It received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder included Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard, comprising automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. A rearview camera was standard, with a surround-view monitor available on upper trims. Ten airbags were standard, with the top Platinum trim offering an additional one. However, it had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.