2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with its timeless design, continued to impress more than a decade after its debut. It balanced rugged utility and upscale sophistication, featuring big wheels under flared fenders, making it a quintessential SUV. The Grand Cherokee's design contributed significantly to its ongoing success, offering a blend of mainstream, luxury, and performance SUV characteristics. The lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the upscale Overland and Summit, and the performance-oriented SRT and Trackhawk models. The 2021 model introduced minor updates and special editions like the Laredo X and 80th Anniversary Edition, with prices spanning from $35,000 to nearly $90,000. The Summit trim, priced at $68,185, featured a 5.7-liter V8 engine, 4WD, and premium interior materials, though the interior design showed signs of aging.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan image, offered a unique plug-in hybrid drivetrain, making it a standout in its class. It combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, providing 260 horsepower and an electric-only range of up to 32 miles. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior featured quality materials, triple-zone climate control, and ample storage space. The second-row seats, though not collapsible like the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, were more comfortable and adjustable. The third-row seat offered reasonable comfort, and the cargo space was impressive, with up to 140.5 cubic feet available when the second-row seats were removed. The Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was efficient but unremarkable, with light steering and a somewhat dull ride quality.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It could tow up to 6,200 pounds and offered a satisfying driving experience. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 delivered 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved fuel efficiency, though it still managed only 17 mpg in combined driving. The Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, Quadra-Lift air suspension, and Selec-Terrain traction management made the Grand Cherokee capable off-road. The Summit trim provided a comfortable and responsive ride, though it could feel bouncy on uneven surfaces. The Grand Cherokee's tight turning radius and effective brakes added to its practicality.

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. The total system output was 260 horsepower, with immediate torque from the electric drive system. The Pacifica Hybrid could 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, contributing to an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing. The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain operated smoothly, with a nearly imperceptible transition between electric and gasoline power. However, the driving experience was unremarkable, with light steering, uncommunicative brakes, and a somewhat unnatural ride quality due to the low-mounted battery.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured a luxurious interior with premium leather, genuine wood, and real aluminum trim. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though the controls were embedded in the infotainment system, causing some distraction. The rear seat was comfortable but had limited legroom for taller adults. The optional rear-seat entertainment system added to the sense of claustrophobia. The Grand Cherokee provided 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 68.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. However, the interior storage space was limited, especially with the rear-seat entertainment system installed.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone climate control, and numerous storage options. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats but required removal to maximize cargo space. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, with cupholders, USB ports, and side window shades. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 87.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, offering a nearly flawless user experience with fast response times, pleasing graphics, and separate stereo controls. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa. The voice recognition technology worked well, and the optional 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system provided excellent sound quality. However, the Grand Cherokee was otherwise "tech lite," offering essential features without much additional technology.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, appealing graphics, and a simple user interface. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services with a WiFi hotspot. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the 20-speaker Harman Kardon audio system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered Amazon Fire TV for the rear-seat entertainment system, though it was not used by the test vehicle's passengers.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, but only a four-star rating for 2WD models due to a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS gave the Grand Cherokee "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings for small-overlap frontal-impact collisions. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Grand Cherokee also offered a backup camera, parking sensors, and a ParkSense parking assistance system.

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 to prevent leaving children or pets inside the vehicle. The Pacifica Hybrid's adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist needed refinement, as it was slow to recognize departing vehicles and braked too hard when other motorists cut in. 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.