2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Honda Passport was essentially a two-row version of the Honda Pilot, sharing many design elements with its larger sibling. The exterior and interior styling were nearly identical, with the Passport featuring the same dash layout and the somewhat awkward "button shifter" design as the Pilot. Despite these corporate design choices, the Passport offered a spacious interior with high-quality materials. It came in four trims: Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, each adding more features such as leather upholstery, a power moonroof, and advanced audio systems.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a minivan that embraced its identity without trying to disguise itself as an SUV. It was not particularly stylish, even with the S Appearance Package, and came with a hefty price tag. The Pacifica Hybrid offered a unique plug-in hybrid powertrain, making it a standout in its class. The interior was comfortable, with premium leather and a flowing design, though it appeared somewhat dated compared to more modern, angular designs. The Pacifica Hybrid was available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, with the Limited trim offering features like a rear-seat entertainment system and premium sound.

The 2021 Honda Passport was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The Passport provided strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and drive modes for various terrains. It could tow up to 3,500 pounds with FWD and 5,000 pounds with AWD.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine combined with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total of 260 horsepower. It could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, with regenerative braking helping to recharge the battery. The Pacifica Hybrid offered a smooth transition between electric and gasoline power, achieving an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg. However, its driving dynamics were less engaging, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes.

The 2021 Honda Passport provided ample cargo space, with 100.8 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded and 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. It featured a power liftgate on higher trims and offered excellent visibility and comfortable seating with plenty of headroom and legroom.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seating and up to 140.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second-row seats removed. It included features like triple-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and numerous storage options. 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 2021 Honda Passport came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While these features were a welcome addition, the system's graphics and menu layout were dated, and the volume dial felt like an afterthought.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen with appealing graphics and a user-friendly interface. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system allowed for multiple user profiles and included features like FamCam and a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the rear-seat entertainment system was underutilized by passengers.

The 2021 Honda Passport was well-equipped with safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, though it had some "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and child-seat anchor ease of use.

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