2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth-generation compact crossover lineup, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling was characterized by soft, curvy lines that gave it a car-like appearance, reminiscent of Honda's sedan lineup. The CR-V's design leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV, making it a modern choice for family transportation. However, the interior told a different story, with a mix of textures and materials that didn't always harmonize. While higher trims featured wood-look trim and leather upholstery, these upscale touches clashed with some low-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the pricier CR-V models were still upgrades of a commodity car rather than true luxury vehicles.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that enhanced its exterior with new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille, giving it a more muscular aesthetic. The Pacifica retained some of its original design's sophistication, especially as the eye moved from the front to the sides and rear. The rear featured a new all-LED taillamp that spanned the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. Inside, the Pacifica offered a premium experience, especially in the Pinnacle trim, with features like quilted leather seats, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and an abundance of high-quality materials. The Pacifica's interior was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and clever storage solutions.

The 2020 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This powertrain provided a well-matched driving experience, with the CR-V feeling quick, especially in Sport mode. The CR-V's road manners were excellent, offering a car-like driving experience with nimble handling and minimal body roll. Its lightweight design contributed to its impressive fuel economy, with FWD models achieving 30 mpg combined and AWD models 29 mpg. The CR-V Hybrid, introduced in 2020, offered even higher fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a hybrid powertrain with a V6 engine and dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower. The Pacifica's AWD system, available for the first time in 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions. The hybrid model boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of more than 500 miles, with an impressive 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 22 mpg combined, with AWD models slightly lower at 20 mpg combined.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and storage solutions. Its cabin was roomy, with excellent head- and legroom for both driver and passengers. The CR-V's clever packaging included a deep center console with a sliding cover, inspired by the Honda Odyssey, and a two-position load floor in the rear for versatile cargo space. With the rear seats folded, the CR-V offered 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Even the door pockets were spacious, making it easy to store and organize belongings.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and thoughtful storage solutions. The front seats provided ample space, and the removal of armrests allowed for a feeling of togetherness. The Pacifica featured power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for versatile cargo options. The second-row under-console storage was a practical addition, and the Pacifica Pinnacle offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters. The Pacifica's cargo area was spacious, making family travel convenient and efficient.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 5-inch screen in the LX trim and a 7-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were only available with the larger screen. However, the CR-V offered plenty of USB ports in the EX trim and above, with a wireless phone charger in the Touring trim.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable experience. The system was graphically appealing and responsive, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Pacifica's second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games available. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with advanced features. The Pacifica offered a range of audio system upgrades, including a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system for a premium listening experience.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the "Honda Sensing" system, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The CR-V earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with the Touring trim's LED headlights improving nighttime visibility.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered 97 standard safety features, with the Pinnacle trim increasing that number to 100. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although the IIHS had not yet rated the model.