2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2020 Acura MDX was appreciated for its conventional but stylish SUV design. It wasn't eye-catching or groundbreaking, but it wouldn't put its driver to shame. The vehicle’s aesthetics were characterized by Jewel Eye LED headlights, a trapezoidal grille with a prominent Acura logo, a sleek and low-slung body with a fast roofline, and meticulously applied paint and chrome. Inside, it maintained a modern simplicity with a well-organized center stack featuring twin infotainment screens, high-quality materials, and superior fit and finish.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that ushered in a more muscular look with new standard LED headlights flanking a revised hexagonal grille. The rear featured a new all-LED taillamp running the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge in the center. Six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, including darkened features and black accents, were also introduced. Inside, unlike some competitors’ models, Chrysler balanced a rugged look with premium materials, evident in the new Pinnacle trim, which boasted quilted leather seats, suede pillows, and Beber floor mats. The large 10.1-inch touchscreen and sophisticated aesthetic solidified its high-end appearance.

In 2020, the Acura MDX offered two powertrains: a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, and a Sport Hybrid combining a 3.0-liter V6 with three electric motors for 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The gasoline model used a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid utilized a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provided impressive cornering agility by directing power to the outer wheels during turns. This allowed for confident handling and seamless acceleration around corners, making the MDX a capable and enjoyable drive.

For 2021, the Chrysler Pacifica came with either a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, or a hybrid setup combining the V6 engine with an electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery for a total of 260 horsepower. All-wheel drive (AWD) was reintroduced, operating on-demand based on driving conditions to optimize performance and fuel efficiency. The hybrid model offered over 30 miles of all-electric range and an impressive total range of over 500 miles, achieving 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 provided a balanced 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, though AWD models saw a slight decrease in these figures.

The 2020 Acura MDX embraced the functional design popularized by minivans. It featured sliding and reclining second-row seats, enhancing access to the third row and allowing flexible legroom distribution. The third-row provided 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space, expandable to 43.4 cubic feet with seats folded, and up to 90.9 cubic feet with all rear seats down. Additional storage included a recessed cubby hole, underfloor storage, a large glove box, and a versatile center console. Tri-zone climate control added to the comfort for all passengers, making the MDX a practical choice for family use.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was meticulously designed for family life, featuring spacious seating arrangements, power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and multiple Stow 'n Go seating options for versatile storage. Its Pinnacle trim offered up to 227.6 liters of storage, the best in its class, providing ample space for family trips. The sliding center console in the second row and thoughtful under-console storage for second-row passengers enhanced convenience. With features like Stow 'n Go seats tumbling into the floor, including in AWD models, the Pacifica was an outstanding option for families needing both passenger comfort and expansive cargo space.

The 2020 Acura MDX incorporated technology into distinct trim packages. The base model included Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SMS/MMS, a CD player, five USB ports, satellite radio, and an eight-speaker audio system. Additional features came with the Technology Package and Advance Package, such as GPS-linked climate control, remote start, a surround-view camera system, and Acura/ELS Studio Premium Audio. For entertainment, the optional package included a rear DVD system with up to a 16.2-inch screen and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the advanced Uconnect 5 system, praised for its ease of use, graphical appeal, and quick responsiveness. It included hands-free sliding doors, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple sound system upgrades, including a premium 20-speaker Harman Kardon option. The FamCam in the Pinnacle trim provided an interior monitoring system with rear-facing child-seat view, split-view display, and zoom-to-seat features. The second-row entertainment system, now with 13 games, offered extensive ports for diverse connectivity, making the Pacifica a highly tech-savvy ride.

The 2020 Acura MDX was equipped with the AcuraWatch suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included Head-Up Warning. Standard safety features comprised a rearview camera, multiple airbags, stability control, and tire pressure monitoring. The MDX achieved high safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for its occupants.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered an extensive list of 97 standard safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. These included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, advanced brake assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. It earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, underscoring its commitment to safety and protection for all passengers.