2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Nissan Murano

The 2021 Nissan Murano, once a pioneer in design, had settled into a more conventional aesthetic by 2021. Its L-shaped LED headlights and contoured front end were no longer groundbreaking but still appealing. Inside, the Murano maintained a conservative yet comfortable cabin, ideal for commutes and road trips. The interior design was practical, with controls intuitively placed, ensuring ease of use without a steep learning curve. The Murano offered four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, each adding more features and luxury, culminating in the Platinum trim with premium leather and a panoramic moonroof.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a minivan that embraced its identity without trying to disguise it as an SUV. Despite its unassuming appearance, the Pacifica Hybrid was a unique offering as a plug-in hybrid minivan. It was not inexpensive, with the base Touring L starting at $49,095 and the Pinnacle trim reaching $57,645. The interior was comfortable, with quality materials like black Nappa leather, but the design felt softer and less modern compared to newer trends. The Pacifica Hybrid prioritized practicality and efficiency over style, making it a sensible choice for those needing to transport people and cargo efficiently.

The 2021 Nissan Murano was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), offered standard front-wheel drive with an option for all-wheel drive. The Murano excelled in low-speed acceleration, making it ideal for city driving, though the CVT could dull its power at higher speeds. It provided a comfortable ride, absorbing road imperfections well, but its towing capacity was limited to 1,500 pounds, which was lower than many competitors.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total of 260 horsepower. The electric drive system provided immediate torque, ensuring the Pacifica never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded. It could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it efficient for short trips. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, contributing to an impressive average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg. However, the driving experience was unremarkable, with light steering and a lack of cornering grip, making it feel more like an appliance than a dynamic vehicle.

The 2021 Nissan Murano offered up to 67 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 32.1 cubic feet with them in use. While not the most spacious in its class, it compensated with user-friendly features like a hands-free power liftgate in higher trims. The Murano focused on providing ample headroom and legroom for its two rows of seating, ensuring comfort for all passengers.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in interior space, offering three comfortable rows of seats and up to 140.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second-row seats removed. It featured triple-zone climate control, quality leather upholstery, and numerous storage solutions, including a large floor tray and a long storage bin. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n’ Go seats, though they required removal to maximize cargo space. The third-row seats were also comfortable, with amenities like cupholders and USB ports.

The 2021 Nissan Murano came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring a straightforward menu layout and physical buttons for ease of use. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with options for an 11-speaker Bose stereo system and navigation.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen with customizable user profiles and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered a range of connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and the FamCam camera system. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the Harman Kardon sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The Pacifica also offered an Amazon Fire TV rear-seat entertainment system, though it might be unnecessary for families with personal devices.

The 2021 Nissan Murano included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with features like reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view monitor were available as options.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, though the adaptive cruise control needed refinement. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.