2021 Hyundai Tucson vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson presented a more conventional design compared to its futuristic successor. It featured an upright layout that offered a commanding view of the road, appealing to those who preferred a traditional small crossover aesthetic. Inside, the Tucson boasted a modern and attractive dashboard design, where tech features were seamlessly integrated into the overall aesthetic. The controls were intuitive, with every button and dial easily accessible. The Tucson was available in several trims, including SE, Value, SEL, Sport, Limited, and Ultimate, each offering a range of features from basic to luxurious.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a minivan that embraced its identity without attempting to disguise it as something else. Despite not being a visual standout, even with the S Appearance Package, it offered a unique proposition as a plug-in hybrid minivan. The Pacifica Hybrid was available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, with prices starting at $49,095. The interior was comfortable, featuring black Nappa premium leather, but the styling appeared soft and somewhat dated. The Pacifica Hybrid prioritized functionality and efficiency over style, making it a practical choice for those needing to transport people or cargo efficiently.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson came with two engine options. The base engine was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, which felt underwhelming in both city and highway driving. The SEL, Sport, Limited, and Ultimate trims offered a more robust 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered either front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The Tucson provided a comfortable and refined ride, with a towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds for the base engine and 2,000 pounds for the 2.4-liter engine.

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, delivering 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 transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly seamless, and the regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery. The Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing. While the powertrain was impressive, the driving experience was less engaging, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson offered 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 61.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. While this was slightly below average for the compact SUV segment, it provided adequate space for everyday needs. The Tucson's interior was comfortable, with supportive front seats and sufficient rear-seat space for adults. The vehicle featured numerous storage compartments and a hands-free power liftgate on higher trims.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seating and ample cargo space. It featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded. Removing the second-row seats increased cargo capacity to 140.5 cubic feet. The interior included numerous storage solutions, such as a large floor tray and a long storage bin behind the center console.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate trim offered an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen, which was optional on other trims. The system was user-friendly, with logical menu layouts and helpful hard buttons. Additional features included navigation, satellite radio, and wireless device charging.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and quick response times. The system supported simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a FamCam overhead camera system, a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and an available rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson provided a solid list of standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver drowsiness monitoring. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Tucson earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted an extensive list of standard 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 required refinement. The Pacifica Hybrid 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.