Jeep Cherokee vs Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved over time, and while initial reactions to its short grille and swept-back headlights were mixed, familiarity had improved its perception. The Cherokee's appearance varied significantly with trim levels, with the entry-level Latitude looking quite ordinary, while the 80th Anniversary Edition boasted a more refined look with its 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding. Jeep's design prowess was evident in the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof, which covered the entire roof surface, making it stand out in a crowded SUV market. The Cherokee's resemblance to the larger Grand Cherokee, especially from the front, ensured it was easily recognizable in a sea of crossover SUVs.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite being a minivan, offered a unique proposition with its plug-in hybrid drivetrain. It wasn't the most visually appealing vehicle, even with the S Appearance Package, and it came with a hefty price tag. The Pacifica Hybrid Limited test vehicle, with its additional features, pushed the MSRP to $57,680, though a federal tax credit helped offset the cost. Inside, the Pacifica Hybrid featured quality materials like black Nappa leather, but its rounded styling appeared somewhat dated. Unlike competitors like the Kia Carnival, Chrysler didn't attempt to disguise the Pacifica's minivan identity, which might have been a drawback for those seeking a more rugged image. However, for those prioritizing efficiency and practicality, the Pacifica Hybrid was a compelling choice.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options, catering to different performance needs. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produced 180 horsepower, while the 3.2-liter V-6 significantly increased output to 271 hp. The top-tier 2.0-liter GMET4 turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, providing a more robust performance than the V-6's 239 lb-ft. Despite these options, the Cherokee's acceleration was modest, with 0-60 mph times around 7.2 seconds for the V6 and 7.4 seconds for the turbo-four. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, which had improved over time, offering better fuel efficiency and performance than many competitors' CVTs. The Cherokee Trailhawk model excelled off-road, thanks to features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. However, the availability of FWD versions aimed at rental fleets might not appeal to off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The electric drive system's immediate torque ensured the Pacifica 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 helped recharge the battery, contributing to an impressive average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing. While the Pacifica Hybrid lacked AWD, it offered a seamless transition between electric and gasoline power, with no need for driver intervention. However, its driving dynamics were unremarkable, with light steering, grabby brakes, and limited cornering grip. Despite these drawbacks, the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain efficiency and practicality made it a standout choice for those prioritizing eco-friendly transportation.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee occupied a niche between the smaller Renegade and larger Grand Cherokee, competing with compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However, it fell short in terms of utility, offering only 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, placing it at the bottom of its class. Passenger volume was competitive at 102 cubic feet, but the interior design was straightforward and businesslike, lacking luxury or technological flair. Trim levels influenced interior satisfaction, with the Latitude featuring basic materials, while the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale options like suede and Nappa leather.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. It featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were abundant, with clever solutions like extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin behind the center console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than standard Pacifica models, though they required removal to maximize cargo space. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, and the Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind it, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded. Removing the second-row seats increased capacity to 140.5 cubic feet, surpassing many full-size SUVs.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Stellantis Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface and climate control integration. Available with 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens, the system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though only via wired connections. A 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration were also available. Remote start was a convenient feature, especially in extreme climates. The Uconnect system's consistency across Stellantis models was a significant advantage for Cherokee buyers.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. It offered appealing graphics, a simple interface, and fast response times. Features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The FamCam overhead camera system was a valuable addition for parents. However, voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the Harman Kardon sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The Pacifica also offered Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat entertainment, though personal devices might render this feature unnecessary. A surround-view camera system and parking assist were standard on higher trims, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received mixed safety ratings. While it earned top "Good" scores in crashworthiness categories from the IIHS, it did not achieve a Top Safety Pick award. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall safety rating, with a slight demerit for front driver side crash protection. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control was only available on higher trims.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a minor concern in frontal-impact protection. While adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability was standard, it lacked lane-centering assist. The system required refinement, as it was slow to resume speed and overly cautious in traffic. Despite these issues, the Pacifica Hybrid's comprehensive safety package was a strong selling point.