2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Toyota Venza

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 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced on the TGNA-K platform, featured a modern exterior design with excellent proportions. Its deeply scalloped body side and LED lighting stripe on the tailgate gave it a Lexus-like appearance. Inside, the Venza offered an elegant layout with high-quality materials. The layered dash and well-placed touchscreen display added to its sophisticated feel. The front seats were supportive, and the rear seats provided ample space for three adults. The cabin felt roomy, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof on the Limited trim.

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 paired 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 AWD or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, new to the Pacifica lineup, activated on-demand based on various driving conditions. The hybrid model 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.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The Venza balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency and performance. Drivers could choose from EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, while the main charge came from the gas engine. The Venza offered sprightly performance and agile handling, with a wheelbase shared with the Camry, making it maneuverable. It provided a comfortable ride, ideal for a midsize family hauler.

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 a breeze.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with good headroom and legroom. The second row had 45.2 inches of hip room, adequate for three adults. The cabin featured numerous convenience features, including an overhead console with LED map lights, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and an electric parking brake. The Venza's lithium-ion battery pack had little impact on cargo capacity, offering 28.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. Toyota focused on making the Venza's cabin a quiet oasis, adding sound-blocking and absorbing insulation throughout.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable experience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with a rear-facing child seat view, split-view display, and zoom-to-seat feature. The sound system options ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system, providing a high-quality listening experience.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain required no special attention, making it ideal for those without access to charging infrastructure. The Venza featured an eight-inch touchscreen on LE and XLE models, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Limited trim. The infotainment system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Limited trim added a nine-speaker JBL audio system, intelligent touch-capacitive controls, and navigation. Toyota Connected Services and an Advanced Technology Package with a head-up display and rain-sensing windshield wipers were also available.

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, 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 NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Venza included the Toyota Star Safety System with stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. It also had eight airbags, three-point seatbelts, and LATCH lower anchors for child safety seats. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 group of driver aids included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.