2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Nissan Kicks showcased a bold exterior redesign, aligning it with the new face of the 2021 Nissan Armada and Rogue. Its snubbed nose and deep V-motion design, paired with a "double V-motion" feature, gave it a distinctive look. The Kicks SR and SR Premium trims boasted LED multi-reflector headlights and standard LED fog lights, enhancing its modern appeal. At the rear, a new bumper and LED taillight combination added a sense of proportion reminiscent of the Nissan Leaf. The two-tone paint job option, with a floating roof tinted Super Black, further accentuated its upmarket look. Inside, the Kicks featured higher quality materials, drawing inspiration from the 2020 Nissan Sentra, and offered Prima-Tex-appointed seating in the SR Premium trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, while not a visual standout, offered practicality and efficiency. Its rounded, flowing exterior and interior styling appeared soft and somewhat dated compared to more modern designs. The Pacifica Hybrid Limited trim, with its S Appearance Package, aimed to enhance its aesthetic appeal. Despite its minivan form, the Pacifica Hybrid provided a comfortable and spacious interior, with black Nappa premium leather and a focus on utility. The vehicle's design did not attempt to disguise its minivan identity, instead embracing its role as a practical family transporter.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT and front-wheel drive, provided a nimble driving experience, aided by electric power-assisted steering and a front independent strut stabilizer bar suspension. While not particularly powerful, the Kicks offered a good power-to-weight ratio for its class. It maintained composure on icy roads, though the CVT could become noisy under heavy acceleration. The Kicks featured standard 16-inch steel wheels on the S trim, with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels on the SV and SR trims. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with ratings of 7.7 L/100 km in the city, 6.6 on the highway, and 7.2 combined.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing 260 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain allowed for an electric-only range of 51 kilometres, ideal for short commutes and errands. The Pacifica Hybrid's regenerative braking system contributed to an average fuel economy of 6.3 L/100 km. While the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain impressed with its seamless transition between electric and gasoline modes, the driving experience was less engaging, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiency and practicality, offering a unique plug-in hybrid option in the minivan segment.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its compact size, offering easy-to-reach controls and ample small-item storage. The interior featured a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The Kicks provided best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was somewhat limited. The available tonneau cover offered hidden storage in the rear cargo area.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, with three rows of comfortable seating and ample cargo space. The Limited trim featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were abundant, with extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin behind the centre console. The second-row seats offered more comfort than the standard Pacifica's Stow n’ Go chairs, though they required removal for maximum cargo space. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,477 litres with the third-row seats folded.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a competitive array of technology features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system in the SR Premium trim. The surround-view monitor provided a 360-degree camera view, enhancing parking convenience.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the sound system required adjustment for optimal performance.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning. It had 10 airbags and adaptive cruise control on the SV and SR trims. The Kicks received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control required refinement. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.