2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that gave it a more muscular aesthetic. The new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights contributed to a streamlined front end, moving away from the elegance of previous models. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp running the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. Six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents, were also introduced.

Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim. The flat dashboard, anchored by a 10.1-inch touchscreen, was complemented by Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and real metal surrounds. Quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats added to the upscale feel. The doors had a well-weighted feel, and sound deadening technology kept road noise at bay.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner maintained its rugged roots, tracing back to the SUV craze of the 1980s. Unlike many modern SUVs that evolved to car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its pickup truck underpinnings, sharing a relationship with the Toyota Tacoma. This design choice was not out of stubbornness but rather a strategic decision by Toyota, which already had the Highlander for family-hauling duties. The 4Runner was thus positioned as a niche vehicle for off-road enthusiasts.

The 4Runner's adventurous spirit was evident in its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper designed for obstacle approach. Inside, the dash layout was reminiscent of the late 2000s, emphasizing function over form. The Trail Special Edition we drove featured 17-inch dark gray alloy wheels, a Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket, and a sliding rear cargo deck with under-floor storage. The TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road trims added road-oriented and off-road features, respectively, while the TRD Pro and Limited trims offered enhanced comfort and technology.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine paired with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 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 either all-wheel drive (AWD) or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, new to the Pacifica lineup, activated on-demand based on various driving conditions and deactivated to improve fuel efficiency when not needed. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of over 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD models seeing a slight decrease in fuel efficiency.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a single engine option: a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, though dated, was reliable and provided decent acceleration. Power was routed through a five-speed automatic transmission to either the rear wheels or available 4WD with low range. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, with significant body roll and jostling over bumps. However, these critiques fell away off-road, where the suspension absorbed rocks, bumps, and root beds effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing off-road capabilities. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, more than most car-based crossovers but less than compact pickups.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seats were roomy, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests to create a sense of togetherness. Storage options included an under-stack area with a rubberized bin for purses or muddy shoes. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, power windows, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, Stow 'n Go bucket seats with in-floor storage bins, and a Stow 'n Go third-row bench seat. The second-row under-console storage slid outward, providing space for charging cords, tissues, and art supplies. The Pacifica's cargo area was spacious, with best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters in the Pinnacle trim.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, with 47.2 cubic feet behind the second row. The three-row model had slightly less cargo space, with 88.8 cubic feet total, 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and just 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The third-row seat was optional on the SR5, SR5 Premium, and Limited models, increasing seating capacity from five to seven. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window for easy access to the cargo area. Despite its age, the 4Runner's cabin was not cramped but could be more efficient in its use of space.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured advanced technology, including hands-free sliding doors on mid-grade and above models. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern and customizable, with a clean design and quick responsiveness. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional second-row in-seat entertainment system offering 13 games. Audio options ranged from a six-speaker system to 13- and 20-speaker Harman Kardon systems. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with a rear-facing child seat view, split-view display, and zoom-to-seat feature.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, surrounded by hard buttons and dials. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. Optional features included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system. While not the most advanced system on the market, it covered the tech basics and relied on tactile controls, making it user-friendly even with gloves on.

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, third-row lockout, 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 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars for frontal and side-impact testing and three stars for rollover testing from the NHTSA.