2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, which debuted in 2005, was still in its second generation by 2021. The current generation, introduced in 2014, received a significant refresh in 2018 that carried over into 2021. This refresh included a dual-screen center console, a defining feature of Land Rover interiors in recent years. A plug-in hybrid variant was introduced in 2020, along with the availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Range Rover Sport offered various trims, including SE, HSE Silver, HST, HSE Dynamic, Autobiography, SVR, and SVR Carbon Edition, each with a range of luxurious features and powerful engines.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite being a minivan, offered a unique blend of practicality and efficiency. It featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, providing a total system output of 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 was spacious and comfortable, with quality leather upholstery, triple-zone automatic climate control, and ample storage options. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's styling and driving dynamics were less exciting compared to other vehicles in its class.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a variety of powertrain options. The base P360 mild-hybrid powertrain, available in the SE and SE Silver Edition, combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt electrical system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HST model featured a more potent P400 powertrain, rated at 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The HSE Silver Edition also offered plug-in hybrid and diesel powertrains, with the P400e plug-in hybrid delivering 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 producing 254 hp and 443 lb-ft. The HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims boasted a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine with 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while the SVR and SVR Carbon Edition received an even more powerful version of this engine, making 575 hp and 516 lb-ft. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, with a towing capacity of up to 7,716 pounds (except the SVR, which could tow 6,613 pounds).

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid's plug-in hybrid drivetrain was based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, providing a total system output of 260 horsepower. 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 capture energy and feed it back to the battery, resulting in an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's driving dynamics were less exciting, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and limited cornering grip. Despite these drawbacks, the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was praised for its efficiency and seamless transition between electric and gasoline power.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport provided a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row of seating increased the seating capacity from five to seven, but with the third row in use, cargo space was limited to 10.8 cubic feet. Both the first and second rows offered ample headroom and legroom, while the optional third row was best suited for children.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and up to 140.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second-row seats removed. The Pacifica Hybrid Limited featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and ample storage options. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n’ Go chairs, but they did not collapse into the floor, requiring 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 seat, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's interior was dominated by a dual-screen center console. The lower screen controlled climate settings and vehicle functions, while the upper screen housed the infotainment system. Although the system featured reasonably sized icons and a real volume button, it was not always intuitive and had a learning curve. The system's saving grace was the pair of dials integrated into the lower screen, which could switch between multiple functions.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The system offered appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and speedy response to inputs. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to check on rear-seat passengers. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered Amazon Fire TV for the rear-seat entertainment system, but teenagers preferred using their own devices.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with standard driver assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. However, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were optional. Other available features included a surround-view parking camera, traffic sign recognition, driver drowsiness monitoring, and parallel and perpendicular park assist.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive package of standard driver-assist and collision-avoidance features. 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, but the adaptive cruise control needed refinement. The Pacifica 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.