2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic status with a design that had remained largely unchanged over the years. Its distinctive features, such as circular headlights, a seven-slat grille, and exposed bolts and hinges, made it instantly recognizable. The Wrangler's rugged appearance, reminiscent of a toy truck for adults, appealed to those seeking a unique driving experience. Despite variations in trim levels, the core elements of the Wrangler's design ensured it stood out on the road. However, comfort was not its strong suit, with upright seating, limited legroom, and manual seat adjustments. For enthusiasts, these quirks added to its charm.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a minivan that embraced its identity without trying to disguise it as something else. While it may not have been a head-turner, it offered practicality and efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior featured quality materials, such as black Nappa premium leather, and a design that prioritized comfort and utility. Despite its soft and dated appearance, it provided a spacious and functional environment for passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid's focus was on delivering a comfortable and efficient ride, making it a compelling choice for families seeking practicality over ruggedness.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse powertrain lineup, including gas, diesel, mild-hybrid, and the powerful Hemi V8. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with options for a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Other powertrains included a mild-hybrid eTorque variant, a 270-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler's 4WD systems, such as Command-Trac, Select-Trac, and Rock-Trac, catered to off-road enthusiasts. The Rubicon 392, with its 6.4-liter V8 engine, delivered 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, transforming the Wrangler into an off-road powerhouse.

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. This setup produced a total system output of 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. Its regenerative braking system contributed to an impressive average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg. While the Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was not thrilling, its powertrain seamlessly transitioned between electric and gasoline modes, offering efficiency and practicality for family transportation.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered various top options, including the zipper-less Sunrider soft-top and the Freedom top, a three-piece hardtop with removable panels. The Rubicon 392 featured the Sky one-touch power top, providing a convenient open-air experience. The Wrangler's cabin was functional, with limited storage options but practical features like drain plugs for easy cleaning. It provided 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the presence of wheel-wells and roll-bars limited the usability of this space for larger items.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. Equipped with triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats, it provided a comfortable environment for passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior featured thoughtful storage solutions, including extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin. The second-row seats were more comfortable than those in a standard Pacifica, and the third-row seat offered reasonable comfort. With the third-row seats folded, the Pacifica Hybrid provided 87.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler's technology offerings varied by trim level. The base Sport trim featured a basic 5-inch screen, while higher trims offered a 7-inch or 8.4-inch Uconnect screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Rubicon 392 included a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and an off-road camera for trail navigation. The larger screens provided crisp graphics and intuitive controls, enhancing the Wrangler's infotainment experience.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display with appealing graphics and a user-friendly interface. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. While the voice recognition technology had room for improvement, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of infotainment features. The available rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV provided additional entertainment options for passengers.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered optional modern driver-assistance features, such as forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, these features were not standard, and lane-departure warning was unavailable. The Wrangler included a backup camera with dynamic guidelines and a live tire-pressure monitoring system, which was useful for off-roading.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive package of standard driver-assist and collision-avoidance features. It included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control system required refinement, as it was slow to respond to changing traffic conditions. 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.