2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Kia Telluride

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with both front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Base pricing ranged from $32,190 to $42,490, excluding destination charges. The Telluride S trim offered significant value, but many opted for the top-of-the-line SX trim, which could be equipped with a Prestige package, transforming it into a luxury SUV with features like premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display (HUD), and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The Nightfall Edition package, new for 2021, added gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a blacked-out look. Our test vehicle, equipped with the Nightfall Edition, AWD, Prestige package, Towing package, and other accessories, had a sticker price of $50,180, including a $1,170 destination charge.

The 2021 Telluride's styling was a major selling point, with its exterior design receiving high praise. The interior, aside from some glossy hard plastic on the lower parts, was a model of contemporary design and quality execution. The transmission shifter, placed to the left side of the center console, preserved storage space and felt solid and smooth in operation. However, the interior color options were limited to black or gray unless you opted for the SX trim. Despite these minor flaws, the Telluride's look and feel were highly regarded.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite being a minivan, offered a unique proposition with its plug-in hybrid drivetrain. It featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, providing a total system output of 260 horsepower. The 16-kWh battery pack allowed for up to 32 miles of electric-only driving, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The base Touring L trim started at $49,095, with the Limited trim at $54,095, and the Pinnacle version at $57,645. Our test vehicle, a Limited trim with extra-cost paint, the S Appearance Package, and a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system, had an MSRP of $57,680, including the destination charge. After factoring in the $7,500 federal income tax credit, the van still cost over $50,000.

The Pacifica Hybrid's interior featured black Nappa premium leather, but its rounded, flowing styling appeared soft and dated compared to more modern designs. The Pacifica did not try to hide its minivan identity, unlike the more stylish Kia Carnival. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was impressive, offering a smooth transition between electric and gasoline power. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and limited cornering grip. The Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiency, achieving an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg on a test loop in Los Angeles.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a single powertrain: a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. Kia's Drive Mode Select technology offered Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. AWD was optional and included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, combined with the SUV's eight inches of ground clearance. The Telluride demonstrated impressive off-road capabilities, successfully navigating muddy trails and snowstorms during media tests in western Colorado.

In suburban Los Angeles and mountain testing near Malibu, the Telluride's ride and handling stood out, nearly eliminating the phenomenon known as "head-toss." The suspension tuning, featuring a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear design with self-leveling rear suspension on EX and SX trims, provided a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds while softening up at higher velocities. This tuning resulted in greater body roll in curves but commendable grip from the 20-inch wheels and tires. The Telluride's brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology contributed to its calm and collected performance on twisty roads. The EPA estimated fuel economy for the AWD Telluride was 21 mpg in combined driving, with our test averaging 20.5 mpg.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid's plug-in hybrid drivetrain combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing 260 horsepower. The 16-kWh battery pack allowed for up to 32 miles of electric-only driving, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The Pacifica Hybrid never felt underpowered, even with a full load of passengers. The regenerative braking system captured energy to recharge the battery, resulting in an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg on a test loop in Los Angeles.

The Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was described as boring, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and limited cornering grip. The low-mounted weight sometimes produced an unnatural ride quality. Despite these drawbacks, the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was praised for its smooth transition between electric and gasoline power and its overall efficiency.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility. The SX trim's driver's seat offered 14-way power adjustment, including lumbar support and thigh extension, while the front passenger seat had 8-way power adjustment. Both front seats were heated and ventilated, and the Prestige package added premium leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass. The second-row captain's chairs, also heated and ventilated, provided ample comfort, with side-window sunshades and an overhead climate control panel. The third-row seat was suitable for adults, with easy access via a button that tilted and slid the second-row seat.

The Telluride offered ample storage, with smartphone bins, door trays, and second-row USB ports and cupholders. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate opened automatically when the key fob was nearby, revealing 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats. Folding the third-row seats down increased cargo space to 46 cubic feet, and the maximum cargo capacity was 87 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered exceptional comfort and utility, with triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options included extra shelves in the front door panels, a large floor tray under the center console, and a long storage bin behind the center console. The second-row captain's chairs were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, with adjustable legroom and a climate control panel. 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 seat, with plastic grocery bag hooks and a low-mounted power liftgate close button. The third-row seats could be easily tumbled into their storage well, creating 87.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Removing the second-row seats increased cargo capacity to 140.5 cubic feet, though this required lifting the heavy chairs out of the van.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The LX and S trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the EX and SX trims featured a 10.25-inch screen with navigation and other upgrades. Kia's UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, with additional Care, Plus, and Ultimate plans available for the first year. These plans included features like Rear Occupant Alert, remote engine start, and climate control operation. The Telluride could pair two smartphones to the Bluetooth connection simultaneously, and upper trims offered wireless smartphone charging. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive touchscreen operation. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. The Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and a speedy response to inputs. Uconnect 5 included simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to check on rear-seat passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, though the sound quality required adjustment. The rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, allowing passengers to stream or download content. The Pacifica Hybrid also featured a surround-view camera system and a parking assist system.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-monitoring system, and automatic emergency braking. The EX and SX trims added Highway Drive Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. The SX trim also included front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star frontal-impact ratings for both the driver and front passenger.

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 featured 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 rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact protection.