2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

In a crowded and competitive luxury compact crossover segment, the 2021 INFINITI QX50 stood out from an engineering perspective, thanks to its VC-Turbo engine. Its design, while subjective, was distinctive. The large honeycomb grille and athletic-looking bulges on the hood gave it a sporty appearance. The panoramic moonroof added an airy feel to the cabin, though thick B-pillars and a short rear window opening slightly hindered visibility. The interior featured attractive materials, including aluminum trim accents and a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel. The front seats offered heating and cooling, enhancing comfort in various weather conditions.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan image, offered a practical and efficient package for transporting up to seven people. Its plug-in hybrid drivetrain, based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, provided 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The interior featured black Nappa premium leather and a flowing design, though it appeared soft and dated compared to more modern motifs. The Pacifica Hybrid's practicality and efficiency made it a unique offering in the market.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), producing 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Its VC-Turbo engine constantly adjusted the compression ratio for a balance of power and efficiency. The engine operated smoothly and quietly, though the CVT's simulated shift points aimed to provide a more familiar driving experience. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The QX50's drive mode selector offered four modes: Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal, with Sport mode enhancing responsiveness and steering effort.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid's plug-in hybrid drivetrain combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering 260 horsepower. The electric drive system's torque was immediately available, ensuring the Pacifica never felt underpowered, even with a full load. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, with regenerative braking capturing energy to recharge the battery. During testing, the Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg. The powertrain operated efficiently and seamlessly, though the driving experience was described as dull, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered a spacious interior with ample hip, shoulder, and headroom, even with the panoramic moonroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, and the sliding second-row seats allowed for flexible cargo space. The cargo area provided 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seats, expanding to 64.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The QX50 also featured numerous storage options, including cupholders, storage bins, and charging ports.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, with three rows of comfortable seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options included extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin behind the center console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, though they did not collapse into the floor. The third-row seat offered reasonable comfort and additional storage options. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured the InTouch infotainment system with dual display screens, voice recognition, and a suite of connected services. Pairing a smartphone via Bluetooth was easy, and Apple CarPlay integration worked seamlessly. The 16-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system delivered crisp sound. The QX50 also included ProPilot Assist, an advanced driving assistance system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services. The system allowed for five user profiles and included features like FamCam, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat entertainment, though voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot warning, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The QX50 received a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Good ratings from the IIHS for moderate overlap front and side crash protection. It also earned a Superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety and security features than any other vehicle in the industry. It included a rear-seat reminder system and a complete package of driver-assist and collision-avoidance features. The Pacifica Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection rated four stars.