2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Subaru Outback

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 to the van's sides and rear. The rear was marked by 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 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's doors closed with a solid thud, and its sound-deadening technology ensured a quiet ride.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness presented a rugged appearance, with a higher ride height of 9.5 inches and aggressive all-terrain tires. It featured a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, along with a matte black hood decal to reduce glare. The roof rack was designed to support a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray and black StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The interior included Gunmetal Gray trim, Anodized Copper stitching, and all-weather floor mats. The Outback Wilderness was positioned between the Onyx XT and Limited XT in terms of pricing, with a focus on off-road capability and a distinctive style.

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 V6 engine, dual-motor electrically variable transmission, and a 16-kWh battery, delivering 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from the motors. The base Touring and Touring L trims came with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered AWD or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system was a new addition, activating on-demand based on driving conditions. The Pacifica Hybrid had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, with fuel efficiency rated at 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 achieved 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD reducing these figures slightly.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It had a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs and an EPA-rated fuel efficiency of 24 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The Outback's CVT, with eight programmed ratios, was less satisfying than a dual-clutch transmission, but the AWD system and all-terrain tires provided excellent off-road capability. The Wilderness trim featured improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, a dual-function X-Mode traction system, and hill descent control, making it the most capable Outback for off-road adventures.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seats provided a sense of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing traditional armrests. The minivan featured power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for flexible cargo space. The Pacifica Pinnacle boasted best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 8-way for the passenger. The rear seat offered generous space for two adults or three children, with heated seats and dual USB charging ports. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the seat folded flat, with waterproof materials and LED lighting. The roof rack supported a 700-pound static load, suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured Uconnect 5, a modern and customizable infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. It offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional in-seat entertainment for the second row. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features. The sound system options ranged from a standard six-speaker setup to a premium 20-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness had an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with physical knobs for volume and tuning. Voice recognition technology required specific prompts, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better functionality. The Outback lacked a premium sound system option, but it featured PIN code entry technology for secure access without a key fob.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came with 97 standard safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key 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.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also had steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for 2021 and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.