2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that gave it a more muscular appearance with new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. This change moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained some sophistication as seen in the sleek sides and rear, featuring an all-LED taillamp with the Chrysler wing badge. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which added darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which boasted premium materials like quilted leather seats and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The minivan also focused on sound deadening, providing a quiet ride.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid drew styling cues from the Tacoma, with a rugged trapezoidal grille and upright fascia. However, its design felt disjointed, with a swooping character line adding unnecessary visual weight. The interior was unconventional, featuring an asymmetrical dash with a metallic styling element and a high-mounted infotainment screen. The Bronze Edition had light grey fabric seats with a triangle motif, which seemed impractical for families. While the Softex synthetic leather was less convincing, the Highlander offered a quieter ride, though its materials quality lagged behind competitors.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower or a hybrid powertrain with 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 efficiency slightly. The AWD system activated on-demand, enhancing traction without driver intervention. The Pacifica Hybrid used regenerative braking and wall charging to maintain battery power.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT. It offered FWD as standard, with AWD available via an electric motor for the rear axle. The Highlander reached 60 mph in just over 8 seconds. Its hybrid powertrain provided a smooth ride, though the engine's drone was noticeable under heavy acceleration. The braking system transitioned seamlessly from regenerative to physical brakes, and the suspension offered a comfortable ride, maintaining a quiet cabin.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed for family life, with spacious seating and ample storage. It featured power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow ’n Go seats for flexible cargo space. The Pacifica Pinnacle offered best-in-class storage of 227.6 liters. Second-row passengers benefited from under-console storage, and the third row provided adequate legroom for children and adults.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid had well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's armrest was awkwardly positioned. It offered plenty of storage, including a deep tray under the infotainment screen. The second row was spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs, while the third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats stowed.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured Uconnect 5, a responsive infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered hands-free sliding doors and an optional second-row entertainment system. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera. Audio options ranged from a six-speaker system to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon setup.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for top trims. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Higher trims offered a wireless charging pad and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical buttons for climate control.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica included 97 standard safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key features were forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. It received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid earned a five-star NHTSA rating and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The systems generally performed well, though some features required fine-tuning.