2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's high-quality craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's true SUV range. Its design, from the iconic kidney grille to the body shape, ensured it was unmistakably a BMW. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights, matte aluminum grilles on standard xLine models, and a sporty M Sport styling option with body-color matched trim and high-gloss black accents. The interior, while consistent with BMW's design language, included an abundance of black plastic alongside leather and soft-touch materials, with M Sport models offering unique, aggressive styling elements.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan stigma, offered a unique proposition as a plug-in hybrid. It wasn't a head-turner, even with the S Appearance Package, and came with a hefty price tag. The interior featured quality black Nappa leather, but the rounded, flowing design felt dated compared to more modern, angular motifs. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid's practicality and efficiency made it a compelling choice for those needing to transport up to seven people efficiently.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M reached 600 hp, or 617 hp with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid achieved 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery providing up to 30 miles of all-electric range. The X5's driving dynamics, however, were less engaging than expected, with steering issues at both low and high speeds. Fuel efficiency varied, with the X5 M at 15 mpg combined, the X5 M50i at 18 mpg, the X5 xDrive at 23 mpg, and the X5 xDrive45e at 50 MPGe when using both electricity and gas.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The 16-kWh battery allowed for up to 32 miles of electric-only driving. The Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiency, achieving an average of 37.1 mpg during testing. The transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible, and the regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery. However, the driving experience was unremarkable, with light and uncommunicative steering, occasionally grabby brakes, and a dull overall feel.

The 2021 BMW X5 made good use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats felt hard after extended periods. The rear seats were spacious enough for kids and two adults, with an optional third row available. The split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment button made loading cargo easier. Without the third row, the cargo area was spacious, though the xDrive45e offered slightly less space. The second-row doors did not open very wide, making it harder to move children and cargo.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were plentiful, with extra shelves, covered bins, and a large floor tray. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n’ Go seats but required removal to maximize cargo space. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, with cupholders, USB ports, and side window shades. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 140.5 cubic feet with the second row removed.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional features included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, rear sunshades, and a dual-panel panoramic roof. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and quick response times. It supported simultaneous Bluetooth pairing, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system required adjustment for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but potentially unnecessary if passengers had their own devices. The surround-view camera system and parking assist were useful features.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, fatigue and focus alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, particularly in sunny or rainy conditions. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite seven recalls.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety and security features than any other vehicle in the industry. It included a rear-seat reminder system and a complete package of driver-assist and collision-avoidance features. However, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist was not available. The adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist needed refinement, particularly in recognizing departing vehicles and moderating speed when other motorists cut in. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.