2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, priced at $42,083 with almost every option, appeared unassuming despite its fully-loaded status. It lacked the larger wheels of the non-hybrid RAV4 Limited and would have benefited from an Adventure trim level. The RAV4 Hybrid had a tough exterior, but its 18-inch wheels seemed bland and undersized. Inside, it was stylish and practical, though quality varied with a mix of impressive materials and glossy hard plastics. A rattle from the license plate on the tailgate was a minor annoyance.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan image, offered practical advantages over three-row midsize crossover SUVs, such as sliding side doors for easy child loading. The Pacifica Hybrid Limited, priced at $57,680 with options, wasn't visually striking even with the S Appearance Package. Its interior featured quality black Nappa leather, but the rounded styling felt dated. The Pacifica Hybrid's practicality and efficiency, especially with its $7,500 federal tax credit, made it a unique choice for those needing a plug-in hybrid minivan.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack, producing 219 horsepower. The rear electric motor provided standard AWD. The RAV4 Hybrid's instant electric-motor torque made it feel lively, though the four-cylinder engine sounded unpleasant when revved. It achieved an EPA rating of 40 mpg in combined driving, and our testing loop averaged 39.7 mpg. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's ride and handling were favorable, though the P225/60R18 Michelin Primacy all-season tires lacked grip. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance and Trail mode, it handled light off-road conditions well.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired 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. The Pacifica Hybrid never felt underpowered, even with a full load, and could be recharged overnight using a standard household outlet. The regenerative braking system captured energy efficiently, resulting in an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg on our Los Angeles driving loop. The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain operated seamlessly, but the driving experience was unremarkable, with light steering, occasionally grabby brakes, and limited cornering grip. The low-mounted weight sometimes produced an unnatural ride quality.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front cushions, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat legroom and foot space were decent, with a reclining backrest and heated cushions. The dashboard layout was user-friendly, with oversized climate control and stereo knobs. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and a roomy 37.5 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, with triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were impressive, including extra shelves, a large floor tray, 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, though they didn't 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, expandable to 87.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats tumbled and 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Our test vehicle had an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs. The dynamic voice recognition was generally accurate, though it couldn't adjust climate settings. The JBL sound system was satisfactory, and the RAV4 Hybrid offered a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a rearview camera mirror.

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, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system allowed for five user profiles and simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices. The available FamCam overhead camera system was useful for parents. The 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV offered various entertainment options, though our teenage passengers preferred their own devices. The Pacifica Hybrid also had a surround-view camera system and a parking assist system.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-centering assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning were standard on all but the Hybrid LE trim, and rear automatic braking was available on the Hybrid Limited. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a comprehensive package of standard driver-assist and collision-avoidance features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It had 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 rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.