2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V, like many compact crossovers, shared a similar design with its competitors, making it difficult to stand out based on appearance alone. While it had a few distinguishing features, such as its grille and some chromed plastic accents, the overall styling was not a major selling point. The CR-V was available in eight colors, though many were variations of gray, black, and white, with more vibrant options like Aegean Blue Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic being limited to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and options for black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, depending on the trim level. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling, especially in mid-tier trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a minivan that embraced its identity, offering practicality over style. Despite the S Appearance Package, the Pacifica Hybrid was not considered a visual standout. It was priced higher, with the base Touring L starting at $49,095 and the Limited trim reaching $54,095. The interior featured quality materials like black Nappa leather, but the overall design was seen as soft and dated compared to more modern, angular designs. The Pacifica Hybrid did not attempt to disguise its minivan nature, focusing instead on its unique plug-in hybrid capabilities, which set it apart from other vehicles in its class.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for thrilling performance but rather for smooth and steady driving. It featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all nine trims, excluding the hybrid versions. The CR-V's acceleration was measured at about 7.8 seconds to 60 mph, which was competitive within its class. It came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provided a consistent driving experience, though it lacked the engagement found in competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, which offered conventional automatic transmissions with sport modes. The CR-V was available with front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive as an option, similar to most of its competitors except the Subaru Forester, which offered AWD as standard.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, on the other hand, excelled in its powertrain efficiency. It combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. It featured regenerative braking to recharge the battery and achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing. While the Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was not particularly exciting, its powertrain was praised for its seamless transition between electric and gasoline power. However, the steering was light, and the ride quality could feel unnatural due to the weight distribution.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed with practicality in mind, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. It provided various tailgate options depending on the trim, from manual to hands-free power tailgates. Roof rails were only standard on the top Touring trim. The CR-V's interior was functional, with ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a reliable choice for families.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seating and a spacious interior. It featured triple-zone climate control, quality leather upholstery, and ample storage options, including a large floor tray and multiple bins. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, though they required removal for maximum cargo space. 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. It was a versatile option for transporting people and cargo efficiently.

The 2021 Honda CR-V offered a basic 5-inch screen on the base LX trim, while other trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were available throughout the cabin, with the Touring trim adding a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. It allowed for multiple user profiles and included features like FamCam for monitoring rear passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV. However, the voice recognition technology was not always reliable.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included a suite of advanced safety features as standard across all trims, except for blind spot monitoring, which was available from the EX trim onward.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety features than any other vehicle in the industry. It included a rear-seat reminder system and a comprehensive package of driver-assist features. However, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist was not available. The Pacifica Hybrid received 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.