2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid retained the same design as the previous year, featuring "Hybrid" badges and blue Honda logos to distinguish it from its gas-only counterparts. It had sophisticated LED fog lights and a unique rear bumper, but otherwise, it looked similar to the standard CR-V. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid offered unique instrumentation to display battery-charge status, power regeneration, and power distribution. The steering wheel paddles managed the regenerative braking system. Available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all models came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Pricing ranged from $30,560 to $36,350, with the Touring trim adding features like larger 19-inch wheels, navigation, and a premium sound system. The test vehicle, a Touring trim with Platinum White Pearl paint and ivory leather, cost $37,920 including destination charges.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan image, offered a unique plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system. The Limited-trim test vehicle, equipped with extra-cost paint, the S Appearance Package, and a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system, had an MSRP of $57,680. The interior featured black Nappa premium leather and a flowing design, though it appeared somewhat dated. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible, and the vehicle offered a smooth and efficient driving experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid utilized Honda's two-motor hybrid technology, combining a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric assist motor and a generator/starter motor. This setup produced a total system output of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The CR-V Hybrid featured three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most appropriate one. Additionally, drivers could choose from Econ, Sport, and EV modes. The added weight of the battery pack and electric motors improved weight distribution and lowered the center of gravity, enhancing the vehicle's handling. The CR-V Hybrid returned 33.7 mpg on the testing route, falling short of the EPA rating of 38 mpg.

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 system output of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system captured energy and fed it back to the battery, contributing to an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg on the testing route. The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain operated smoothly, with the transition between electric and gasoline power nearly imperceptible. However, the driving experience was somewhat dull, with light and uncommunicative steering and an unnatural ride quality due to the low-mounted weight.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered impressive interior space and comfort. The front seats provided hours of comfort with 12-way power adjustment and heated cushions. The rear seat room was remarkable, offering cross-your-legs levels of space and good leg support. Interior storage was ample, though the Touring trim's wireless smartphone charger took up significant space on the center console. The CR-V Hybrid provided 33.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and a maximum of 68.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured quality leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and triple-zone automatic climate control. Storage options were plentiful, with extra shelves, bins, and a large floor tray. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n’ Go chairs, though they did not collapse into the floor. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, with cupholders, USB ports, and side window shades. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, redesigned in 2017, featured a seven-inch touchscreen with a power/volume knob. The system was slow to start and lacked a tuning knob, negatively impacting the user experience. Voice recognition technology was limited, and the navigation map display was cluttered. The Touring trim included a nine-speaker premium audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and dual 2.5-amp quick-charging ports for the rear seat.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The system offered appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and speedy response to inputs. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The test vehicle also had a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and an Amazon Fire TV-enabled rear-seat entertainment system. The surround-view camera system and parking assist system were standard on the Touring L trim and higher.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving-assistance systems. This included adaptive cruise control with full-stop capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and Road Departure Mitigation. The CR-V Hybrid also featured blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The CR-V Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive package of standard safety features and driving-assistance systems. This included a rear-seat reminder system, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control needed refinement, as it was slow to recognize lane departures and inept at moderating speed when other vehicles cut in. The Pacifica Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection rated four stars.