2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles. Once a brand known for its grandeur, Buick had faced a decline during the Malaise Era, but the Enclave helped restore its reputation. As the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, the Enclave offered a blend of American-made luxury and modern SUV appeal. Its design was both impressive and elegant, with the Avenir trim adding a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist yet upscale interior with soft leather and polished accents, though the wood trim was not genuine. Despite its size, the Enclave maintained simplicity, except for its electronic transmission shifter, which required some getting used to.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a unique offering in the minivan segment, combining practicality with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. While minivans often carried a stigma, the Pacifica Hybrid stood out with its electric-only driving capability and efficient transportation for up to seven passengers. Its design was not particularly striking, even with the S Appearance Package, but it offered a practical and efficient solution for families. The interior was comfortable, with quality materials and thoughtful storage solutions. The Pacifica Hybrid's electric drive system provided a smooth transition between electric and gasoline power, making it a versatile choice for both short commutes and longer journeys.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine produced 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm, offering strong acceleration and a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. The Enclave's ride was smooth, thanks to its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, which was part of the Avenir Technology Package. During testing, the Enclave demonstrated excellent handling and comfort across various driving conditions, with a fuel efficiency rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-litre V6 engine, combined with a dual-motor electric drive system. This setup delivered a total system output of 260 horsepower, with immediate torque from the electric drive system. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, making it ideal for short trips. Its regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, contributing to an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres. While the Pacifica Hybrid's driving dynamics were not particularly engaging, its powertrain was efficient and seamless in operation.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for six or seven passengers. Its cabin was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim included power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave provided ample cargo space, with 668 litres behind the third row and up to 2,764 litres with the second-row seats folded.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, with three comfortable rows of seats and generous cargo space. It featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Pacifica Hybrid offered 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third row folded. Removing the second-row seats increased cargo capacity to 3,978 litres, surpassing many full-size SUVs. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was thoughtfully designed, with ample storage and convenience features for passengers.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. However, it fell short in screen size and audio quality compared to competitors. The Avenir trim offered a premium sound system, navigation, and a surround-view camera system. A unique feature was the rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what's behind the vehicle.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the FamCam overhead camera system. The system allowed for multiple user profiles and had a responsive interface, though voice recognition was inconsistent. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an optional rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were limited to higher trim levels. Standard features in Canada included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, available on Premium and Avenir trims, added forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection rated four stars.

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 required refinement. The Pacifica Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.