2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe defied expectations with its pricing, offering a level of quality and features that seemed to surpass its cost. Once inside, the materials and controls exuded a sense of refinement, making the price tag feel like a bargain. The Santa Fe's interior, especially in the Calligraphy trim, was luxurious, featuring premium Nappa leather and a panoramic sunroof that added to its upscale feel. The exterior design, while unique, was an acquired taste, with Hyundai's "parametric dynamics" design cues creating some asymmetry that might not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, while not a visual standout, offered practicality and efficiency in a minivan package. Its design was more rounded and flowing, which some might find dated compared to more modern, angular styles. The interior was comfortable, with quality materials like black Nappa leather, but it didn't attempt to disguise its minivan roots. The Pacifica Hybrid was not cheap, with a starting price that reflected its unique plug-in hybrid capabilities, but it provided a practical solution for those needing to transport multiple passengers efficiently.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains, including a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for the SE and SEL trims, and a 226-horsepower hybrid system for the hybrid models. The higher-level Limited and Calligraphy trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This setup provided a quick and refined driving experience, with impressive body control and athletic handling. The Santa Fe's fuel economy was commendable, with both powertrains achieving 24 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiency, offering up to 32 miles of electric-only range and an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing. The transition between electric and gasoline power was smooth and nearly imperceptible. However, the driving experience was less engaging, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes. Despite its dull driving dynamics, the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was praised for its brilliance and efficiency.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe provided ample comfort and space for passengers, with features like dual-zone climate control and stain-resistant fabric or leather upholstery. The Calligraphy trim elevated the interior with premium materials and advanced comfort features like heated and ventilated seats. The rear seat offered generous legroom and amenities, while the cargo space was practical, with 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.1 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seating and significant cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone climate control, quality leather upholstery, and ample storage solutions. 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 offered 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed, surpassing many SUVs in capacity.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was equipped with advanced technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, surround-view camera system, and an 8.5-inch head-up display. The infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a larger screen providing upgraded voice recognition and a Harman Kardon sound system. Hyundai's Blue Link connected services were free for three years, offering a range of features, though a WiFi hotspot was absent.

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. The system allowed for multiple user profiles and included a FamCam feature 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 inconsistent, and the sound system required adjustments for optimal quality.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted an impressive array of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Safe Exit Assist, and a rear-occupant alert system. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist added to its safety credentials. The Santa Fe earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS with its LED projector headlights.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. While it lacked adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, it did have adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. The Pacifica Hybrid received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.