Chrysler Pacifica vs Jeep Cherokee

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille that gave it a more muscular look. This change marked a departure from the elegance of previous models. The rear showcased a new all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents.

Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which featured premium materials like quilted leather seats and wood accents. The dashboard was flat with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and the interior was designed to be both comfortable and upscale. The Pacifica also focused on sound deadening, with improved windows and insulation to minimize noise.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had become more accepted over time, though its short grille and swept-back headlights remained divisive. The appearance varied significantly by trim level, with higher trims like the 80th Anniversary Edition offering more refined aesthetics. The Cherokee stood out in a crowded SUV market, resembling the larger Grand Cherokee from the front.

The Cherokee's interior was straightforward and functional, with variations depending on the trim. The Latitude featured basic materials, while the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale touches like suede inserts and Nappa leather. The Cherokee's panoramic sunroof was a notable feature, enhancing its appeal.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrains: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and a hybrid version with a combined 260 horsepower. The hybrid had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe. The traditional V6 achieved 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, with AWD reducing these figures slightly. The AWD system was new for 2021, engaging automatically based on driving conditions.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee provided three engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower, a 3.2-liter V6 with 271 horsepower, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Cherokee's nine-speed automatic transmission was praised for its efficiency. The Trailhawk model excelled off-road, featuring Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. The Cherokee was available in FWD, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.

The Pacifica was designed for family life, with spacious seating and practical storage solutions. Features included power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow ’n Go seating. The cargo area was generous, with best-in-class storage of 227.6 liters in the Pinnacle trim.

The Cherokee offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, lagging behind competitors. It provided 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, competitive within its class. The interior was simple and functional, with trim levels affecting material quality.

The Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a responsive and customizable experience. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and optional rear-seat entertainment. The Pinnacle trim added FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with advanced features.

The Cherokee's Uconnect system was available with 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, enhancing convenience.

The Pacifica came with 97 standard safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The Cherokee earned "Good" scores in crashworthiness but lacked a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. It offered standard safety features like lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was limited to higher trims.