2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting including puddle lamps, additional lower body trim, exclusive 20-inch wheels, upgraded interior detailing, and a simulated suede interior headliner. These features made the Calligraphy trim look more upscale compared to other Palisade versions. The Limited trim, which previously included some of these features, now shared an exterior look with the Palisade SEL equipped with the Convenience or Premium option packages. Standard LED headlights were a new addition for models that did not have them previously.

Inside, the Calligraphy trim impressed with a Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, light striated simulated wood trim, and quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather. The simulated suede headliner added to the luxurious feel, making the Calligraphy’s cabin appear more expensive than its sticker price suggested. The interior quality was comparable to the Kia Telluride SX Prestige, making the Palisade Calligraphy a genuine bargain in the midsize three-row SUV class.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan image, offered a practical and efficient package for transporting up to seven people. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total system output of 260 horsepower. The 16-kWh battery pack allowed the Pacifica Hybrid to travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible.

However, the Pacifica Hybrid’s driving experience was less engaging. The steering was light and uncommunicative, and the regenerative brakes occasionally felt too grabby. The minivan’s weight distribution sometimes resulted in an unnatural ride quality. Despite these drawbacks, the Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiency, achieving an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg on a mixed driving loop. The powertrain’s brilliance and the ability to handle speed humps at 35 mph without trouble were notable highlights.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive system. Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding a Snow mode and a Lock function for improved low-speed traction. The Palisade AWD had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg with Smart mode engaged.

Hyundai tuned the Palisade to offer a firmer feel compared to its platform-mate, the Kia Telluride, providing excellent body-motion control and a communicative suspension. While not outright fun to drive, the Palisade was sure-footed and confidence-inspiring on twisty roads. It was undemanding in typical driving scenarios, with plenty of power and easy maneuverability. The Palisade’s 5,000-pound towing capacity was supported by a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid’s plug-in hybrid drivetrain combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing 260 horsepower. The 16-kWh battery pack allowed for up to 32 miles of electric-only driving. The Pacifica Hybrid never felt underpowered, even with a full load of passengers. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was smooth.

On our Los Angeles driving loop, the Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg, traveling 39 miles on electric power and 29.9 miles on gasoline. The Pacifica Hybrid’s driving dynamics were less engaging, with light and uncommunicative steering, occasionally grabby regenerative brakes, and limited cornering grip. The minivan’s weight distribution sometimes resulted in an unnatural ride quality, making the driving experience less enjoyable.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, seating, and accessibility. The driver and front passenger enjoyed eight-way power-adjustable seats, with the driver also getting an adjustable thigh support cushion and a heated steering wheel. The front seats and second-row captain’s chairs were heated and ventilated, and third-row passengers had separate climate controls and rear side-window sunshades. The Palisade offered 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 86.4 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid provided three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with quality leather upholstery and triple-zone automatic climate control. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica’s Stow n’ Go chairs, offering better legroom and support. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, with cupholders, USB ports, and side window shades. The Pacifica Hybrid offered 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 140.5 cubic feet with the second row removed.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen requiring a wired connection. The Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, Blue Link connected services, and a head-up display. Other features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and an Amazon Fire TV rear-seat entertainment system. The surround-view camera system and parking assist were standard on higher trims.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping systems, and a rear occupant alert system. Limited and Calligraphy trims included a Blind View Monitor and ultrasonic rear occupant alert system. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with three free years of Blue Link services providing automatic collision warning and emergency assistance.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a comprehensive package of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control needed refinement, as it was slow to resume travel speed and braked too hard when other vehicles cut in. The Pacifica earned 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.