2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's image, traditionally not known for its style. Toyota's designers gave the Sienna a more SUV-like appearance, with a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays that integrated into a panel featuring the Toyota logo. The side profile showcased an assertive stance, with re-engineered sliding side doors that were sculpted to enhance the vehicle's aesthetics. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches added to its appeal, while the rear maintained a wide and low look. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The center console was thoughtfully designed with ample storage and cupholders, and the second and third rows provided comfort and flexibility for passengers.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid did not prioritize aesthetics, even with the S Appearance Package. It was not a budget-friendly option, with the base Touring L starting at $49,095. The interior featured black Nappa premium leather, but the styling appeared soft and dated. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a unique plug-in hybrid drivetrain, making it a standout in its class. The interior was functional, with comfortable seating and ample storage, but it lacked the stylish appeal seen in competitors like the Kia Carnival. The Pacifica Hybrid's focus was on efficiency and practicality rather than trying to disguise its minivan identity.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into hybrid minivans, utilizing a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, resulted in a less responsive throttle. The Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension systems, and it boasted impressive fuel economy figures of 36 mpg combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering 260 horsepower. It could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes. The Pacifica Hybrid's regenerative braking system contributed to an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing. Unlike the Sienna, the Pacifica Hybrid did not offer selectable drive modes, but its powertrain seamlessly transitioned between electric and gasoline power. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience, offering a third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored into the floor. The second row slid up to 25 inches, enhancing accessibility. The cabin featured 16 cupholders and ample storage, with cargo space measuring 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna's hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear tailgate added to its family-friendly features.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid provided three comfortable rows of seats and impressive cargo space. It featured triple-zone climate control, quality leather upholstery, and ample storage options. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n’ Go seats, but they required removal to maximize cargo space. The third-row seat offered reasonable comfort, and the Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. With the third-row seats folded, cargo space expanded to 87.5 cubic feet, and removing the second-row seats increased it to 140.5 cubic feet.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. It included a range of connectivity features, such as Safety Connect and Remote Connect trials, and a WiFi hotspot. Audio systems varied by trim, with a Premium Audio + JBL package available on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system was optional, featuring an 11.6-inch display. The driver benefited from a multi-information display and an optional digital rearview mirror.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Amazon Alexa. The FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an Amazon Fire TV-enabled rear-seat entertainment system. A surround-view camera system and parking assist were standard on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. It had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors, along with a rear-seat reminder system. A tire pressure monitoring system and inflator kit were standard. While 2021 crash-test ratings were unavailable, the 2020 Sienna received favorable ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.

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