2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, adopting a bolder design that aligned with the new faces of the 2021 Nissan Armada, forthcoming Nissan Ariya, and 2021 Nissan Rogue. The front featured a snubbed nose with a deep V-motion design, incorporating a new “double V-motion” feature with a sweeping chrome piece paired with piano black underneath. The Kicks sported thinner, longer headlights extending down the face, with the top-tier Kicks SR trim level boasting LED multi-reflector headlights and standard LED fog lights. The rear of the Kicks showcased a new bumper, back door finisher, and LED taillight combination, giving it a proportionate look reminiscent of the Nissan Leaf. However, the trunk release, rearview camera, and license plate lights appeared as an afterthought.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite being a minivan, offered a unique plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on Chrysler’s 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system. This setup provided a total system output of 260 horsepower, with the electric drive system’s torque available immediately. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible, and the regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and a lack of cornering grip.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came with a single powertrain option: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD), provided a nimble driving experience. The Kicks featured electric power-assisted steering with vehicle-speed variable assist, making it easy to navigate highways, country roads, and city streets. The SUV’s front independent strut stabilizer bar suspension with twist beam and twin-tube shock absorbers contributed to its handling. Despite being low-powered, the Kicks had a good power-to-weight ratio, making it suitable for its size. The EPA rated the Kicks’ fuel economy at 31 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 33 mpg combined, with a range of 356 miles on a single tank of gas.

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 a total of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, with the gas engine assisting when needed. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was smooth. During testing, the Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg. However, the driving experience was described as boring, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and a lack of cornering grip.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a well-designed interior with easy-to-reach buttons and knobs, good small-item storage, and multiple USB ports. The climate controls were user-friendly, and the seat warmers provided quick warmth. The Kicks featured a D-shaped steering wheel, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, a four-way adjustable front passenger seat, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The SUV had best-in-class front seat legroom, though the hip room proportions made the front seats feel compartmentalized. The rear seats could comfortably accommodate adults, and the available tonneau cover provided hidden storage.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The minivan featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were plentiful, including 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 seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica’s Stow n’ Go chairs, and the third-row seat provided reasonable comfort. The Pacifica Hybrid offered 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expandable to 87.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded down, and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came equipped with a host of modern technology features. The base model Kicks S included a 7-inch infotainment touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, three USB ports, keyless entry, push-button start, and Easy Fill Tire Alert. The Kicks SV added Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, a 7-inch driver information screen, satellite radio, remote engine start, and a USB-C port. The Kicks SR Premium Package included a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system with eight speakers and a surround-view monitor. A WiFi hotspot and NissanConnect services were also available.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, 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 monitor rear-seat passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and an Amazon Fire TV-enabled rear-seat entertainment system. The surround-view camera system and parking assist system were standard on higher trims.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Kicks also had 10 airbags, a driver alertness monitor, and rear door alert. The 2020 Kicks received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and Good marks in IIHS crashworthiness tests.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. The Pacifica Hybrid had adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control needed refinement. The Pacifica Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.