2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2021 Dodge Durango retained much of its exterior styling since its third generation debuted in 2011. Built alongside the Jeep Grand Cherokee in Detroit, the Durango maintained a distinct look, aligning more with Dodge's muscle cars like the Charger and Challenger. The 2021 model year saw updates, particularly in the SRT Hellcat model, which featured a cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, rear spoiler, and a redesigned front end. The Durango offered a variety of wheel options and exterior colors, with a cabin that included a new instrument panel and either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. Interior materials ranged from cloth to various types of leather, with options for contrast stitching and unique seat belt colors.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, while not a visual standout, offered a practical and efficient package for transporting up to seven people. The minivan's design didn't hide its identity, even with the S Appearance Package. The base Touring L started at $49,095, with the Limited trim at $54,095, and the Pinnacle version at $57,645. Our test vehicle, a Limited trim with additional features, totaled $57,680. The interior featured quality black Nappa leather, but the overall styling appeared soft and somewhat dated. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid provided a comfortable and functional space, with a focus on efficiency and practicality.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options: a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The V6 produced 293-295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.7-liter V8 delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft. The 392 HEMI V8 in the SRT 392 model offered 475 hp and 470 lb-ft, and the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 in the SRT Hellcat boasted 710 hp and 645 lb-ft. The Durango's steering was responsive, but the chassis showed its age, with a suspension that transmitted bumps to the cabin. The SRT models featured SRT Performance Pages for detailed performance information, and the R/T model with the Tow N Go Package demonstrated stable towing capabilities.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The 16-kWh battery pack allowed for up to 32 miles of electric-only driving. The Pacifica Hybrid never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded, and regenerative braking helped recharge the battery. During testing, the Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg. The transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible, and the powertrain operated efficiently without requiring driver intervention. However, the driving experience was unremarkable, with light steering, uncommunicative brakes, and a lack of cornering grip.

The 2021 Dodge Durango excelled as a family hauler, offering comfortable seating, ample storage space, and family entertainment options. It could seat up to seven across three rows, with spacious front and second-row seats and a relatively roomy third row. The Durango provided 21 seat options and average cargo space for its class. The fit and finish had improved significantly, making it a versatile and well-built SUV.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered three comfortable rows of seats and substantial cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were plentiful, with various bins and trays throughout the cabin. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n’ Go seats but required removal to maximize cargo space. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, and the Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind it, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 140.5 cubic feet with the second row removed.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims, with the larger screen running the new Uconnect 5 system. Uconnect 5 was faster and more customizable, offering connected services, dual Bluetooth connections, Amazon Alexa, TomTom navigation, SiriusXM with 360L, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. The system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and responsive touch controls. A family entertainment system with Blu-ray and DVD player was available on higher trims. The gauge cluster, however, made it difficult to read the exact speed due to its design.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which featured appealing graphics, a simple interface, and quick response times. It supported five user profiles, simultaneous Bluetooth pairing, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, Amazon Alexa, and connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but may be unnecessary for families with personal devices. The Pacifica Hybrid also featured a surround-view camera system and parking assist.

The 2021 Dodge Durango lagged behind its rivals in safety features, offering only a rearview camera as standard. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, rear-cross traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and forward-collision warning. The NHTSA awarded the Durango a five-star side crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating, but front crash testing ratings were not yet available.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It lacked adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist but offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. The Pacifica's adaptive cruise control needed refinement, particularly in recognizing lane departures and moderating speed. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.