2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Kia Sorento marked a significant departure from its predecessor's design, embracing a more athletic and muscular silhouette. The SX Prestige trim with the X-Line package added roof rails and a shark fin antenna, enhancing its rugged appeal. The front featured an expanded tiger-nose grille with a noticeable curve, complemented by squinting headlights and running lights. A silver accent between the front fender and door added visual interest, while the rear showcased vertical rectangle taillights that appeared cautiously modern. Inside, the Sorento offered high-value features like heated outside mirrors, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and keyless entry. The interior boasted comfortable seating, with the SX Prestige trim offering real perforated leather upholstery. Despite the large D-pillars, exterior visibility was excellent, and the panoramic sunroof provided ample light during a 2,100-mile road trip.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, while not a visual standout, offered a unique proposition as a plug-in hybrid minivan. The Limited-trim test vehicle featured black Nappa premium leather, but its rounded styling appeared soft and dated compared to more modern designs. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid excelled in practicality, offering sliding side doors for easy access and a spacious interior. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes. The interior featured quality materials, triple-zone climate control, and ample storage options. However, the driving experience was unremarkable, with light steering and a lack of cornering grip. Despite its dull driving dynamics, the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain impressed with its efficiency and seamless transition between electric and gasoline modes.

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, with the most common being a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. However, the test vehicle featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This setup provided ample power for highway driving and merging. The Sorento also offered a hybrid version with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and electric motor. The AWD system with torque vectoring and a center-locking differential enhanced traction, while the X-Line package added ride height and 20-inch alloy wheels. The suspension, consisting of McPherson struts and a multi-link setup, ensured a smooth ride. Various drive modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport, allowed for tailored driving experiences, although the Sorento's weight led to some body lean in corners.

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 suitable for short commutes. The regenerative braking system captured energy to recharge the battery. During testing, the Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg. While the powertrain impressed with its efficiency, the driving experience was lackluster, with light steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and limited cornering grip. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked drive modes, operating automatically for efficiency. Despite its dull driving dynamics, the powertrain's seamless operation and efficiency were commendable.

The 2021 Kia Sorento, while a three-row SUV, was best suited as a four-seater in its top trims due to the tight third row. The second-row captain's chairs provided comfort, with ample legroom in the front and rear seats. Cargo space behind the third row was limited to 12.6 cubic feet, but folding the seats expanded it to 75.5 cubic feet. The Sorento offered practical storage solutions, including a phone spot, cupholders, and a center console bucket. However, its total cargo volume was more in line with compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were impressive, with extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin. The second-row seats were more comfortable than standard Pacifica seats, with adjustable legroom. The third-row seat provided reasonable comfort, with cupholders and USB ports. Behind the third row, the Pacifica Hybrid offered 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded. Removing the second-row seats created a massive 140.5 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing even some full-size SUVs.

The 2021 Kia Sorento featured an 8-inch touchscreen display on lower trims, with a larger 10.25-inch screen on higher trims. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although the larger screen required a physical connection. The Sorento offered ample USB ports but lacked USB-C ports. The optional Bose stereo provided decent sound quality, but the navigation system needed improvement. Most drivers relied on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for navigation.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and speedy response. Uconnect 5 included 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. The Pacifica Hybrid featured a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, although sound quality required adjustment. The rear-seat entertainment system offered Amazon Fire TV, but passengers often used personal devices instead. The Pacifica Hybrid also included a surround-view camera system and parking assist.

The 2021 Kia Sorento came equipped with a comprehensive array of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning. The test vehicle also had a surround-view camera and adaptive cruise control. The Sorento received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with some variations in headlight ratings.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered an extensive list of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It featured adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control needed refinement, particularly in recognizing lane changes. 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.