2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica received a makeover as part of its mid-generation refresh. Its exterior was revised to include new standard LED headlights flanking a new hexagonal grille, offering a streamlined front end and a more muscular aesthetic. The overall design retained some of its previous elegance, transitioning into its side and rear profiles. At the back, a new all-LED taillamp spans the width of the model, crowned by the Chrysler wing badge at its center. For 2021, Chrysler offered six new wheel designs and reintroduced the S Appearance Package, featuring darkened accents to replace the usual chrome.

Inside the Pacifica, Chrysler aimed for a premium feel. Unlike the rugged interior of the Toyota Sienna or the utility-focused Kia Sedona, the Pacifica’s interior design balanced sophistication and family practicality. The high-end Pinnacle trim embodied this blend perfectly, featuring luxurious touches like quilted leather seats, suede pillows in the center row, and Beber floor mats. The dashboard was flatter than some competitors, anchored by a largest-in-class 10.1-inch touchscreen, surrounded by Piano Black plastic, wood accents, and real metal trims, making it the poshest minivan on the market. Its doors closed with a reassuringly solid feel, and effective sound-deadening technology kept the cabin hushed.

For the 2022 Nissan Rogue, Nissan carried over many design elements from its 2021 remake. The new Rogue showcased features common in other Nissan models, such as the V-motion grille, flanked by multi-level LED headlights and running lights, with fog lamps on higher trims. Aerodynamic enhancements like active grille shutters and underbody covers contributed to better airflow. The Rogue’s floating roof illusion and subtly bulging liftgate added sleek and dynamic touches.

Inside, the Rogue followed the modern trend of a layered dashboard with distinct horizontal layers, offering a sophisticated, detailed look. The center console stood out with an electronic gear selector lever, freeing up space for additional storage under the console. This open space benefitted from features like a large storage cubby beneath the center armrest and a wireless charging pad. The infotainment display was prominently placed for ease of access, and comfortable Zero Gravity bucket-style seats enabled a spacious and relaxing atmosphere, accommodating two or possibly three adults in the back. The Rogue's fit and finish were impressive, especially on the top Platinum trim.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options. The standard 3.6-liter V6 engine achieved 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Alternatively, the V6 hybrid engine teamed with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, producing 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors.

The lower trims, Touring and Touring L, came with the V6 with optional AWD or a hybrid powertrain, while the upscale Limited and Pinnacle were available only with either AWD or the hybrid version. New for 2021, the AWD system acted on-demand, engaging when needed based on temperature slips, electronic stability control activation, rough road conditions, steep grades, slippery surfaces, steering sways, or full-throttle requests.

For the Pacifica Hybrid, it featured an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, yielding 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. In comparison, the V6 Pacifica managed 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. Adding AWD reduced these numbers to 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue also received a performance boost with its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This was an 11% increase in horsepower and a 24% increase in torque compared to the 2021 model. The innovative Variable Compression (VC) process adjusted the engine’s compression ratio to either maximize power or enhance efficiency as required.

Paired with a new, more responsive CVT, the Rogue delivered a more vigorous performance and improved fuel economy, achieving 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. The Rogue’s chassis and suspension managed this newfound power adeptly, ensuring a smooth ride with limited body roll and responsive steering.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica catered to families in every regard. Comfortable seating for adults and children was a priority, and the removal of armrests in the front made way for a padded center console lid that fostered a sense of togetherness. Storage spaces were abundant, including an under-stack area perfect for various belongings. Key standard features were power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, power windows for the first and second rows, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and the innovative Stow 'n Go seating system for the second and third rows, which tucked seats into the floor for additional storage.

For second-row passengers, under-console storage could be accessed, replete with a bin and cup holders. Third-row seats provided ample room, though taller adults might prefer the middle row. In terms of cargo space, the Pacifica Pinnacle led the class with a total storage capacity of 227.6 liters.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in providing practical storage solutions both upfront and in the back. Front cabin occupants enjoyed various storage areas, including bottle holders, cupholders, a generous glove compartment, a center console bin, and a tray beneath the center console. Multiple USB ports and 12-volt outlets enhanced convenience. Rear passengers had storage in door pockets, seatbacks, and the center armrest, and they, too, had USB-A and USB-C charging ports.

Cargo space in the Rogue was impressive for its class, accommodating 31.6-36.5 cubic feet with the seats up. Folding the second row flat expanded this to a cavernous 74.1 cubic feet, perfect for larger items or extensive shopping hauls.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica's tech suite raised the bar for minivans. It offered a hands-free sliding door mechanism in mid-grade and higher trims. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, praised for its responsiveness and clean design, included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Despite lacking a head-up display, the system’s navigation was user-friendly and quick to reroute. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained optional, bolstered by new games and versatile port options.

Standard was a six-speaker sound system, with the option to upgrade to a 13-speaker Alpine or 19- and 20-speaker Harman Kardon systems. The 20-speaker setup offered an impressive audio experience. Exclusive to the Pinnacle model was FamCam, an interior monitoring camera that provided views of rear-facing child seats, split-view displays, and zoom-to-seat features.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue carried forward the technological advancements introduced in its 2021 redesign. Upper trims featured a trio of screens: a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Navigation-equipped models utilized Google Maps and Waze with voice command functionality. Standard across the range were Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay on higher trims.

ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s advanced driver-assist system, was available and further enhanced with Navi-Link integration for predictive speed control. The Intelligent Key system evolved to unlock both front and rear doors with a simple double-tap, easing access.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came equipped with 97 safety features as standard, expanding to 100 on the Pinnacle trim. These features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, advanced brake assist, and pedestrian detection. The Pacifica earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, the highest accolade at the time as IIHS had not yet rated the model.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the comprehensive Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Rogue was fitted with ten supplemental airbags and extended crumple zones for additional safety. Intelligent Driver Alertness technology and rear door alerts were standard, while blind spot intervention and traffic sign recognition were available. ProPilot Assist offered advanced driving assistance, with enhanced capabilities through Navi-Link integration. The 2022 Rogue earned a four-star rating from NHTSA, while the 2021 model had secured a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS.