2021 Ford Bronco vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2021 Ford Bronco was a long-awaited revival of a classic, with Ford teasing its return since 2004. The new Bronco drew inspiration from its 1966 predecessor, embracing a "Retrofuturism" design that combined nostalgic elements with modern technology. It featured a bold front grille with B-R-O-N-C-O lettering, round headlights, and a rugged body with removable doors and tops. Available in two-door and four-door configurations, the Bronco offered a range of paint colors and wheel options, including the off-road-ready Sasquatch package. Inside, the Bronco blended retro styling with contemporary tech, such as a color touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, while maintaining a rugged, durable feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a practical minivan that prioritized efficiency and utility. Despite its minivan image, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a unique plug-in hybrid drivetrain, combining a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system. It provided an electric-only range of up to 32 miles, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The interior featured quality materials, triple-zone climate control, and ample storage options. While the Pacifica Hybrid's design was softer and less modern than some competitors, it excelled in comfort and practicality, offering three rows of seating and significant cargo space.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a standard 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The 2.3-liter engine came with a seven-speed manual transmission, while the 2.7-liter was paired with a 10-speed automatic. All models featured standard four-wheel drive, making the Bronco a capable off-road vehicle. During testing in challenging weather conditions, the Bronco demonstrated its off-road prowess, handling mud, rocks, and trails with ease. The Sasquatch package, with its 35-inch tires, enhanced the Bronco's off-road capabilities, though it resulted in a noisier on-road ride.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total output of 260 horsepower. The electric drive system provided immediate torque, ensuring the Pacifica never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded. It could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it efficient for daily commutes. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, contributing to an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing. While the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain impressed with its efficiency and seamless transition between electric and gas modes, the driving experience was less engaging, with light steering and unremarkable handling.

The 2021 Ford Bronco excelled in modularity and practicality, with removable doors and fenders, and easy-to-replace parts. The interior featured thoughtful design elements, such as accessible controls for off-road settings and auxiliary equipment. The Bronco's cargo area accommodated door storage, and the trail sights on the hood served dual purposes, including tie-down points for roof-mounted cargo. The Bronco's design catered to off-road enthusiasts, offering a rugged and customizable experience.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid prioritized comfort and utility, with three rows of seating and ample cargo space. The interior featured quality materials, triple-zone climate control, and numerous storage options. The second-row seats were more comfortable than those in a standard Pacifica, though they required removal for maximum cargo space. The third-row seats were reasonably comfortable, and the Pacifica Hybrid offered significant cargo capacity, with up to 140.5 cubic feet available when the second-row seats were removed. The Pacifica Hybrid's design focused on practicality and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for families.

The 2021 Ford Bronco featured the SYNC 4 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 12-inch display. The system included enhanced voice recognition, navigation, and a B&O sound system with the Lux Package. The Bronco's G.O.A.T. system offered multiple drive modes for various terrains, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Additional features included push-button start, a rear-view camera, and optional proximity key entry.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system allowed for multiple user profiles and simultaneous Bluetooth pairing. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV. The FamCam overhead camera system provided a view of rear passengers, and a surround-view camera system was standard on higher trims.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered a range of safety features, with more available as trim levels increased. The Base model included airbags, while higher trims added features like Ford Co-Pilot 360, pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The Bronco's removable doors posed a safety challenge, but side curtain airbags were designed to deploy appropriately in off-road situations. Crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not available for the 2021 Bronco.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. While adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist was unavailable, the Pacifica Hybrid included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection received four stars.