2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that included a revised exterior. New standard LED headlights flanked the Pacifica’s new hexagonal grille, giving the front end a more muscular aesthetic compared to the elegance of previous years. The rear featured a new all-LED taillamp running the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. Six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which added darkened features and black accents, were also introduced.

Inside, the Pacifica differentiated itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by offering a blend of practicality and premium features. The Pacifica Pinnacle trim stood out with its comfort, soft-touch materials, and classy finishes, including quilted leather seats and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The interior was designed to be both practical and luxurious, with sound-deadening technology enhancing the overall experience.

Volvo's 2022 XC90 showcased a significant evolution from its boxy predecessors, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving towards the luxury class. The XC90's design featured a sleek roofline, pronounced wheel arches, and a snub nose reminiscent of classic Volvo models. The "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights added a touch of Swedish heritage.

The interior of the XC90 was described as "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," with natural wood and metal trim. The XC90 offered a choice between Nappa leather and a tailored wool blend upholstery, with the latter being a more sustainable option. The crystal gear selector handle and sliding wood tambor cover on the center console added to the luxury feel. The XC90's interior was designed to be both stylish and functional, with ample storage space and a comfortable, airy cabin.

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. The base Pacifica Touring and Touring L 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 was a new addition, automatically activating when needed and deactivating to improve fuel efficiency.

The Pacifica Hybrid 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 slightly lower at 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine delivering 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and the T8 plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The T5 models were front-wheel drive (FWD) with available AWD, while the T6 and T8 models were AWD only.

The T5 FWD models achieved 21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the T5 AWD models were rated at 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The T6 AWD models achieved 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid had a combined rating of 27 mpg on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range, while the extended range variant achieved 26 mpg combined, 66 MPGe, and up to 36 miles of EV range.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and ample storage. The front seats were comfortable, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. The Pacifica featured power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, power windows, and Stow 'n Go seating. The second-row seats had under-console storage, and the third-row seats offered plenty of legroom. The Pacifica Pinnacle provided best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. The third row was suitable for children but lacked legroom for adults. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The XC90 could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior featured ample storage, comfortable seating, and a panoramic moonroof.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was responsive and customizable. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a six-speaker sound system and optional upgrades to a 13-speaker Alpine system or 19- and 20-speaker Harman Kardon systems. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with advanced features.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality but was occasionally slow to respond. The system included a nine-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, and an optional head-up display. The XC90 came with a standard Harman Kardon sound system, with an optional Bowers & Wilkins upgrade. The XC90 also included multiple USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app.

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, 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 NHTSA.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 included a long list of safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Volvo's Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for highway driving. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.