2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille that contributed to a more muscular aesthetic. This design shift moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained a sense of sophistication as the eye moved from the front to the sides and rear. The rear was marked by an all-LED taillamp running the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge at its centre. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica stood out from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival by offering a premium feel, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which featured luxurious touches such as quilted Nappa leather seats and a 10.1-inch touchscreen.

The 2021 BMW X5 maintained the brand's signature design elements, ensuring it was unmistakably a BMW. The SUV featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The M Sport models offered a sportier look with body-coloured trim and high-gloss black accents. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with other BMW models, featuring a mix of black plastic and leather. The M Sport models added unique styling elements like an M sports steering wheel and exclusive interior trim. While the interior design was familiar, it was not lacking in quality, offering a comfortable and upscale experience.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a hybrid version with a V6 engine and dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. The traditional V6 Pacifica had fuel consumption rates of 12.4 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, while the AWD version saw a slight increase in these figures.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrains, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The M50i variant boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 horsepower, while the X5 M delivered 600 horsepower, increasing to 617 with the Competition Package. The xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid model offered an all-electric range of up to 50 kilometres and a total driving range of approximately 600 kilometres. Fuel efficiency varied across models, with the xDrive45e rated at 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres when using both electricity and gas.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and a practical centre console. Standard features included rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for the second and third rows. The Pacifica provided ample legroom for passengers and a best-in-class total storage capacity of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with a well-organized centre console and comfortable seating for short trips. The rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, and an optional third row was available. The X5's split liftgate and air suspension made loading cargo easy, although the doors did not open very wide, making access to the second row slightly challenging. The cargo area was spacious, though slightly reduced in the xDrive45e model.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its modern design and responsiveness. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with optional upgrades to a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The Pinnacle model offered FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard features list included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and a panoramic sunroof. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, with most becoming standard at the Touring-L grade. These included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had some issues, such as delayed reactions to stopped traffic and lane-keeping challenges in certain conditions. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.