2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica presented a freshened exterior as part of its mid-generation refresh. It flaunted new standard LED headlights flanking its new hexagonal grille, which altogether gave the front end a more vigorous and dynamic appearance compared to the elegant design of previous years. Although its more muscular aesthetic stood out, the sophistication of the Pacifica's earlier models persisted in the streamlined look towards its rear. The back was marked by a full-width all-LED taillamp featuring the Chrysler wing badge.

Chrysler offered six new wheel designs for 2021 along with the S Appearance Package, which prioritized a sleek look with darkened features and black accents replacing traditional chrome. The interior of the Pacifica held onto this balance between rugged practicality and premium comfort, particularly in its top trims like the Pinnacle. Inside, the Pinnacle exuded luxury with Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, real metal surrounds, and quilted leather seats, complete with suede pillows and Beber floor mats. Enhanced sound deadening technology using new windows, seals, and insulation minimized road noise effectively, making for a serene ride.

Contrastingly, the 2021 Toyota Sienna sought to redefine minivan aesthetics by opting for a more SUV-like stance. The vehicle's broad grille, horizontally arranged LED headlamps, and assertive side profile lent a touch of boldness. Toyota's engineers reconfigured the sliding side doors to be sculpted, eliminating the flat, cumbersome design of typical minivan doors. Alloy wheels ranged from 17 to 20 inches based on the trim, adding an element of style and function.

Inside, the Sienna also emphasized width with horizontal lines, giving the cabin an airy and spacious feel. The dashboard was streamlined, featuring simple, easy-to-reach controls. The interior setup included a clever center console with under-bridge storage spacious enough for large items like handbags. The ample second and third-row legroom ensured a comfortable experience for all passengers.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain choices: a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine generating 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a V6 hybrid engine combined with dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The base models, Pacifica Touring and Touring L, came standard with the V6 engine, while the hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive (AWD) were also options. High-end trims like the Limited and Pinnacle models were available exclusively with either AWD or the hybrid powertrain.

The newly reintroduced AWD system in the Pacifica activated on-demand, responding to temperature, road conditions, and driver inputs to ensure stability and enhance fuel efficiency by deactivating when not needed. The hybrid variant boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles. Fuel economy figures for the traditional Pacifica V6 were 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined; adding AWD dropped these to 17/25/20 mpg. The Pacifica Hybrid stood out with 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined, making it remarkably efficient.

In the case of the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid, Toyota employed a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with two electric motors to deliver a total of 243 horsepower. The standard setup was front-wheel drive (FWD) with an optional AWD available across all trims. Notably, the AWD system used an additional electric motor to drive the rear wheels, streamlining mechanical complexity.

While the Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) ensured smooth and efficient power delivery, it did detract somewhat from throttle responsiveness. Despite the tradeoff, the Sienna offered four selectable drive modes (Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport), enhancing driver control. Thanks to Toyota's new TNGA front suspension, steering, and independent rear trailing arm suspension, the Sienna provided improved handling and minimal body roll.

The Sienna Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving EPA estimates of 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined for FWD models, with AWD versions reporting slightly lower at 35/36/35 mpg.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, achieving a balance between spaciousness and practicality. The front seats offered ample space and a feeling of closeness due to the removal of armrests and the addition of a padded center console lid. The van included numerous storage options like an under-stack bin and power sliding rear doors, as well as a three-zone climate control system. Key features such as the Stow ’n Go bucket seats and in-floor storage bins provided further convenience, particularly the under-console storage that extended into the second-row space.

Passenger comfort was prioritized, with adequate legroom in both the second and third rows. Though the seats did not offer the extensive forward and aft travel like those in the Sienna, the Stow ’n Go seats folded into the floor, making the Pacifica extremely versatile. The cargo area offered substantial space, with the Pinnacle trim boasting best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, ensuring the Pacifica could handle various family travel needs.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, excelled in flexibility and cargo capacity. It was equipped to handle full four-by-eight sheets of plywood with ease, even with the tailgate closed. The second-row seats could slide up to 25 inches to facilitate third-row access and optimize cargo space, capable of housing 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna could adjust its cargo measurements by sliding the second row, accommodating various types of shipments.

The Sienna's hybrid battery, a 288-volt Nickel Metal Hydride pack, was discreetly located under the front seats, maintaining full cargo capacity. The vehicle also featured power-operated side sliding doors and a rear tailgate, responsive to kick motions, enhancing convenience for families.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica's technological enhancements made it one of the most advanced minivans available. Uconnect 5, its infotainment system, featured a highly responsive and customizable interface displayed on a 10.1-inch touchscreen, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Additionally, the Pacifica offered a second-row in-seat entertainment system with multiple game options, ports for various devices, and upgraded sound systems, including a 20-speaker Harman Kardon setup in the Pinnacle trim. Innovative features like the FamCam provided interior monitoring and enhanced child seat visibility, a unique and valuable feature for families.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen as standard across all trims, integrating Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. It also featured comprehensive connectivity options like a year of Safety Connect, Remote Connect (on XLE and above), a ten-year Service Connect trial, and a three-month AT&T WiFi Connect trial. Higher trim levels offered enhanced audio experiences with Premium Audio + JBL packages and an optional rear-seat entertainment system featuring an 11.6-inch display.

The driver's technological conveniences included multi-information displays (4.2-inch on lower trims, 7-inch on Limited and Platinum), with Platinum trims featuring a 10-inch color Head-Up Display. Digital rearview mirrors and smart key systems added to the advanced functionality of higher trims.

Safety was a strong suit for both the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica and the 2021 Toyota Sienna. The Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, expanding to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Core safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, 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 Sienna incorporated Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System further augmented safety with enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. Standard safety features included 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, rear-seat reminders, and a tire pressure monitoring system. While 2021 ratings were pending, the 2020 Sienna had received commendable safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.