2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner had not seen a major redesign in over a decade, making it a familiar sight on the road. Despite updates over the years, a used 4Runner was nearly identical to a new one, minus some modern infotainment and safety features. Its design, characterized by a rugged, two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches, aged well and maintained a timeless, utilitarian appeal. The 4Runner's appearance was more functional than attractive, with most versions sporting a bold, aggressive front end, except for the more refined Limited trim.

Toyota offered the 4Runner in various trims, including SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro, with special editions like the Trail Special Edition, Venture Special Edition, and Nightshade Special Edition. Prices ranged from $36,950 for the base SR5 with rear-wheel drive to $50,570 for the TRD Pro with four-wheel drive. The Trail Special Edition, priced at $38,565 for the rear-wheel-drive model, added features like a premium audio system, cargo cover, and TRD front skid plate, bringing the total to $43,729 with destination charges. Limited to 4,000 units, it came in colors like white, black, Cement (gray), and Army Green, with dark gray TRD Off-Road wheels and a Yakima RoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, while not a visual stunner, offered a unique proposition as a plug-in hybrid minivan. Starting at $49,095 for the base Touring L trim and going up to $57,645 for the Pinnacle version, it was not cheap. Our Limited-trim test vehicle, with extra-cost paint, the S Appearance Package, and a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system, totaled $57,680. Despite the high price, the Pacifica Hybrid qualified for a $7,500 federal income tax credit, bringing the cost down to just over $50,000.

Inside, the Pacifica Hybrid featured black Nappa premium leather, triple-zone automatic climate control, and a clean air filtration system. The interior design, though comfortable, appeared soft and dated compared to more modern, angular designs. The Pacifica Hybrid did not try to hide its minivan identity, unlike some competitors. However, its plug-in hybrid drivetrain, based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, offered a total system output of 260 horsepower and an electric-only range of up to 32 miles. This made it an efficient choice for short-distance travel, with the ability to recharge overnight using a standard household outlet.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its standard off-road traction control system, A-Trac. During testing at Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreational Area, the 4Runner Trail Special Edition demonstrated its capability by tackling mud, hills, and ruts with ease. The 4Runner's 4.0-liter V6 engine produced 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a part-time 4WD drivetrain, with a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds.

However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt slow, heavy, and clunky. Its truck-like driving characteristics, including heavy steering and brakes, made it less suitable for suburban driving. Fuel efficiency was also a concern, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg in combined driving and an average of 16.8 mpg during testing. The 4Runner's 23-gallon fuel tank provided an average range of about 385 miles.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, on the other hand, offered a smooth and efficient driving experience. Its plug-in hybrid drivetrain, based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, produced 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. During testing, it achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg, combining electric and gasoline power.

The Pacifica Hybrid's driving dynamics were less exciting, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and limited cornering grip. However, the transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible, and the powertrain operated efficiently without requiring driver intervention. The Pacifica Hybrid's ability to handle speed humps at 35 mph was impressive, but overall, it drove like a four-wheeled appliance.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's high ground clearance made it challenging for shorter individuals to climb aboard, but once inside, it offered a comfortable and spacious interior. The front and rear seats provided proper support, with ample legroom and good visibility. The 4Runner's sliding cargo deck, capable of holding 440 pounds, added versatility, though it reduced cargo volume. With the rear seats folded down, the 4Runner offered up to 89.7 cubic feet of cargo space, and the Trail Special Edition's roof rack provided additional storage.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, with three rows of comfortable seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone automatic climate control, and a clean air filtration system. 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 seats, though they did not collapse into the floor. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, with cupholders, USB ports, and side window shades. The Pacifica Hybrid offered 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded down. Removing the second-row seats increased cargo capacity to 140.5 cubic feet, surpassing many full-size SUVs.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and five USB ports. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation, dynamic point-of-interest search, and dynamic voice recognition, along with a one-year subscription to Destination Assist concierge services. The system's physical shortcut buttons and knobs made it easy to use, even with gloves on.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring 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 system allowed for five user profiles and included the FamCam overhead camera system for monitoring rear-seat passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic forward emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked a blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision from the IIHS.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, though the adaptive cruise control needed refinement. 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.