2021 BMW X3 vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that revised its exterior. New standard LED headlights flanked the Pacifica’s new hexagonal grille, giving the front end a more muscular aesthetic compared to the elegance of previous years. The rear featured a new all-LED taillamp running the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. Six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents, were also introduced.

Inside, the Pacifica differentiated itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona. While the Sienna emphasized spaciousness and the Sedona opted for a utility-vehicle-like design, the Pacifica balanced practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim. The Pinnacle featured a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and real metal surrounds. Quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats added to its upscale look. The Pacifica also boasted well-weighted doors and advanced sound deadening technology.

The third generation of the BMW X3, introduced in 2018, received updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. The 2018 redesign refined the X3, giving it the exterior and interior presence of larger BMW models. The X3's exterior resembled a downsized BMW X5, while the interior featured the same cold, mechanical styling found across the BMW lineup. Though not as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dash was more functional.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered trims including sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid. Standard features included 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, a 10.2-inch infotainment system, navigation, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Optional features included genuine leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free power liftgate. The M40i trim added 19-inch alloy wheels, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, unique exterior styling, and an M Sport suspension.

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 V6 hybrid engine paired with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower. The base Pacifica Touring and Touring L came standard with the V6 engine, while the hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive (AWD) were optional. The upmarket Pacifica Limited and Pinnacle were available with either AWD or the hybrid powertrain.

AWD was a new addition to the Pacifica lineup, automatically activating when needed and deactivating 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 in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD models slightly lower at 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.

The 2021 BMW X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i were equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i had rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i featured all-wheel drive. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid powertrain delivered 288 horsepower and had a 17-mile electric-only range, recharging in about 3.5 hours with a 240-volt Level 2 charger or nearly 12 hours with a 120-volt outlet.

For a performance driving experience, the M40i trim featured a 382-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six engine, offering robust acceleration and responsive cornering. The high-performance X3 M model boasted 473 horsepower, catering to those seeking speed and space for the family.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seats were roomy, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Storage included an under-stack area with a rubberized bin for various items. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, power windows, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, Stow ’n Go bucket seats with in-floor storage bins, and a Stow ’n Go third-row bench seat.

Second-row passengers benefited from under-console storage, sliding outward to provide space for charging cords, tissues, and other items. The second- and third-row seats offered ample legroom, with Stow ’n Go seats allowing for easy loading. The Pacifica Pinnacle boasted best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making family travel convenient.

The 2021 BMW X3 provided up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 28.7 cubic feet with the seats in use. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available. The X3 offered impressive space for passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in the front row and adult-friendly rear seats.

The driver and front passenger enjoyed real buttons and dials complementing the main touchscreen, reducing the learning curve for new users.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured advanced technology, including hands-free sliding doors on mid-grade and above models. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern, customizable, and responsive, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with new games added. Audio options included a six-speaker system, a 13-speaker Alpine system, and 19- and 20-speaker Harman Kardon systems. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, known for its ease of use. Standard Apple CarPlay and optional Android Auto were available, along with wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system. Optional gesture control allowed basic controls through hand movements.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, advanced brake assist, third-row lock out, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2021 BMW X3 included standard advanced driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display.