2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that gave it a more muscular aesthetic with new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. The rear featured an all-LED taillamp running the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. The S Appearance Package added darkened features and black accents, enhancing its bold look. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which boasted quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats. The flat dashboard, anchored by a 10.1-inch touchscreen, combined with Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and real metal surrounds, made it the poshest minivan on the market.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, despite its high MSRP of $42,083, looked like a standard RAV4. It lacked the larger wheels of the non-hybrid Limited and didn't offer an Adventure trim level. However, it maintained a tough appearance with its 18-inch wheels. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was stylish and practical, with a mix of impressive materials and glossy hard plastic. The test vehicle had a rattle from the license plate vibrating on the tailgate, but overall, the interior was functional and comfortable.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrains: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine paired with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower. The base Touring and Touring L trims came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered AWD or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, new for 2021, activated on-demand based on various conditions and deactivated to improve fuel efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of over 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD models slightly lower.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack, generating 219 horsepower. The front electric motor produced 149 pound-feet of torque, and the rear motor generated 89 lb-ft. The RAV4 Hybrid offered several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. It weighed between 3,690 and 3,780 pounds, making it lively when accelerating, though the engine sounded unpleasant when revving. The EPA rated it at 40 mpg combined, and it averaged 39.7 mpg in testing. The CVT operated transparently, and the regenerative braking system was smooth. The RAV4 Hybrid's ride and handling were favorable, though the tires lacked grip in corners.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and ample storage. The power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seats were standard. The second-row under-console storage and Stow 'n Go third-row bench seat added convenience. The Pacifica Pinnacle offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making family travel easy.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front cushions, and decent rear-seat legroom. The dashboard was well-arranged, with large climate control knobs and easy-to-use infotainment. Storage included useful shelves, a center armrest with cupholders, and bottle holders. The cargo area offered 37.5 cubic feet, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured Uconnect 5, a modern and customizable infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The second-row in-seat entertainment system included new games, and the Pinnacle model had FamCam, an interior monitoring camera. The sound system options ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The top-shelf system included an 11-speaker JBL audio system, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition. The RAV4 Hybrid also featured a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a rearview camera mirror.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning were standard on most trims, with rear automatic braking available on the Hybrid Limited. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.