2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh canvas, unburdened by a legacy of design expectations. This allowed it to innovate while still incorporating signature styling cues from the brand's sedans. The GV80's design was marked by a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh and the Genesis flying "G" badge. Its elegant two-box design was complemented by Quad Lamp LED headlights and taillights, and large aluminum-alloy wheels. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek, uncluttered dashboard, real wood, metal, and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch widescreen display, making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that gave it a more muscular aesthetic with new LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package for a sportier look. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which featured quilted leather seats and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Pacifica's interior was designed for family life, with features like Stow 'n Go seating and ample storage, making it a practical yet upscale choice for families.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. The V6 models came standard with all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with optional AWD. The GV80 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and advanced suspension systems, including electronically-controlled suspension with road preview on the 3.5T models. The GV80's fuel economy varied, with the 2.5T achieving up to 23 mpg combined and the 3.5T AWD rated at 20 mpg combined.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It also offered a hybrid powertrain with a V6 engine and dual-motor system, delivering 260 horsepower and an all-electric range of over 30 miles. The Pacifica introduced AWD for the first time in 16 years, with an on-demand system that activated based on driving conditions. The hybrid model achieved 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined, while the traditional V6 offered up to 22 mpg combined, with AWD models slightly less efficient.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The center console housed a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with a concave design. The second row offered ample space for two adults, with power-adjustable seats and window shades available. The third row, standard on 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increased passenger capacity to seven, with power-folding seats for added convenience.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical features. The front seats provided ample space, while the second and third rows offered Stow 'n Go seating for easy cargo loading. The Pacifica's interior included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and a variety of storage options, including under-console storage for second-row passengers. The Pinnacle trim offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered cloud connectivity, over-the-air updates, and user-configurable displays. The GV80 also included a digital key function for Android users, Genesis Connected Services, and a head-up display on select models. The audio system ranged from a standard 12-speaker setup to a 21-speaker Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern and customizable, with a clean design and responsive navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the second row offered an optional in-seat entertainment system with games and ports for personal devices. The Pacifica's audio options included a standard six-speaker system and upgrades to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system. The Pinnacle model featured FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with advanced features for family use.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 came equipped with 10 airbags and a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control with machine learning, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. It also offered highway-driving assist and Remote Smart Parking Assist. While the GV80 had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, Genesis aimed for top safety ratings.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered 97 standard safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though IIHS ratings were pending.