2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

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, maintaining some of the original design’s sophistication. The S Appearance Package added darkened features and black accents, enhancing its premium look. Inside, the Pacifica Pinnacle trim stood out with its practical yet luxurious design, featuring a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted leather seats. The minivan also boasted sound-deadening technology for a quieter ride.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was designed to stand out with its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille. The side profile featured a character line similar to the Supra sports car, and the rear taillights resembled those of a Lexus model. The new XSE trim added a more aggressive front end and suspension tuning, but the Highlander thrived when leaning toward luxury. The Limited trim offered near-flawless fit and finish, with tan leather seats and dark brown trim. The wood details, although not real, looked fabulous, and the overall interior quality was impressive.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower. The base Touring and Touring L trims came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered either all-wheel drive (AWD) or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, new for 2021, activated on-demand based on driving 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 in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with slightly lower numbers for the AWD version.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. While not designed for high performance, the Highlander provided smooth and predictable operation. The XSE trim added higher-rated springs, retuned shock absorbers, power steering, and a rear stabilizer bar for a slightly sportier feel. Compared to competitors, the Highlander’s powertrain was on par with the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, while the Honda Pilot offered a bit more horsepower, and the Mazda CX-9 had more torque.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and ample storage. The front seats provided a feeling of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, power windows, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and Stow ’n Go seats. The second-row under-console storage and Stow ’n Go third-row bench seat added to the convenience. The Pacifica Pinnacle offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making family travel a breeze.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in keeping passengers comfortable and providing ample storage. The front seats featured large shelves for cell phones and a wireless charging pad in the center console. Second-row passengers enjoyed plenty of legroom, with seats that moved forward and backward to maximize space. The third row could accommodate adults if the second row moved forward. However, the rear-seat climate control vents were only on the ceiling. The Highlander offered 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured Uconnect 5, a modern and customizable infotainment system with a clean design and quick responsiveness. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with navigation that rerouted rapidly. The second-row in-seat entertainment system offered 13 games, and owners could bring their own entertainment. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with rear-facing child seat view, split-view display, and zoom-to-seat feature. Audio options ranged from a six-speaker system to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Limited and Platinum trims. Both systems were easy to use, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Navigation was an optional feature, but it struggled with points of interest. The 12.3-inch screen was bright and fast, but only certain apps used the full width. The JBL audio system sounded good but not overly impressive.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 on the Pinnacle trim. Key features 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. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support, road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. The Highlander received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).