2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a rugged-looking exterior reminiscent of a traditional SUV, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive styling set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and most other compact crossovers. Despite its bold exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with many other Toyota models, making it mechanically similar to a Camry. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models offered additional styling options, such as unique wheels, LED fog lights, and interior accents, enhancing its rugged appeal.

Inside, the RAV4's cabin featured large rubberized knobs and door handles, adding to its rugged aesthetic. Material quality was decent on lower trims but did not improve significantly with higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model had SofTex upholstery, which Toyota claimed was lighter and more durable than leather, but real leather was not available even on the top-tier RAV4 Limited trim. Overall, the RAV4's interior was functional and distinct from other Toyota models, but it lacked the premium feel expected at higher price points.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan image, offered a compelling package for efficiently transporting up to seven people. Its 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 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's powertrain provided immediate torque and never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded. It achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing, thanks to its regenerative braking system.

The Pacifica Hybrid's driving dynamics were less impressive, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and limited cornering grip. However, it excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seats and ample cargo space. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats but did not fold into the floor, requiring removal for maximum cargo space. The third-row seats were reasonably comfortable, and the Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind them, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 140.5 cubic feet with the second row removed.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and delivered impressive output for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder. However, the transmission struggled to keep up, resulting in a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4's steering was responsive but lacked feel, and the "Sport" driving mode only added weight to the steering without enhancing performance.

On the highway, the RAV4 provided a comfortable ride with low cabin noise and a suspension that absorbed road imperfections well. Off-road capability was a focus for the RAV4, with Adventure and TRD Off-Road models featuring a torque-vectoring rear axle, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity. However, its limited suspension articulation and shallow approach, departure, and breakover angles made it less suitable for serious off-roading.

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 electric drive system provided immediate torque, and the Pacifica Hybrid never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded. It could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system captured energy and fed it back to the battery, contributing to an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing.

The Pacifica Hybrid's driving dynamics were less impressive, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and limited cornering grip. However, it excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seats and ample cargo space. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats but did not fold into the floor, requiring removal for maximum cargo space. The third-row seats were reasonably comfortable, and the Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind them, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 140.5 cubic feet with the second row removed.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing competitive headroom in both rows and good outward visibility. However, legroom was slightly behind some competitors. The front seats in the RAV4 TRD Off-Road were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions, making long trips less appealing. The 60/40 split-folding rear seat did not slide fore and aft like some competitors, and cargo space was 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, above average but behind the Honda CR-V. The oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls were easy to use, but the center-console storage was limited.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seats and ample cargo space. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats but did not fold into the floor, requiring removal for maximum cargo space. The third-row seats were reasonably comfortable, and the Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind them, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 140.5 cubic feet with the second row removed. The interior featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone automatic climate control, and ample storage options, including a large floor tray and multiple bins.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Limited trim had an 8-inch screen, and the RAV4 Prime offered a 9-inch screen. Up to five USB ports were available, and a JBL premium audio system was optional. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly flashy, with a well-positioned touchscreen and easy-to-read graphics. However, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display, which was available on the RAV4 Prime.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, offering appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and quick response times. It included 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 monitor rear-seat passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and an Amazon Fire TV rear-seat entertainment system. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the rear-seat entertainment system might be unnecessary for families with their own devices.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests and five stars in side crash tests. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 bundle included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and park assist.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety features than any other vehicle in the industry. It included a rear-seat reminder system and a comprehensive package of driver-assist and collision-avoidance features. However, it lacked adaptive cruise control paired with lane-centering assist. The adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist needed refinement, as it was slow to recognize lane departures and overly cautious when other vehicles cut in. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for frontal-impact protection.