2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, giving it a more muscular appearance with new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille. This change marked a departure from the elegance of previous models, yet retained some sophistication as the eye moved along the van's sides and rear. The rear featured a new all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents.

Inside, the Pacifica distinguished itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by balancing practicality with premium touches. The Pacifica Pinnacle trim, in particular, catered to luxury customers with features like quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats. The flat dashboard, anchored by a 10.1-inch touchscreen, was complemented by Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and real metal surrounds, making it one of the poshest minivans available. The Pacifica also excelled in sound deadening, with new windows, seals, and insulation keeping noise at bay.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known as the G-Wagen, maintained its iconic boxy design, reminiscent of its military origins. The G-Class was available in two models: the G550 and the AMG G63, both offering extensive customization options through the G Manufaktur Program. The G-Class's rugged exterior was complemented by a luxurious interior, featuring a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel. The cabin's ambient lighting could be coordinated with the instrument panel colors, creating a personalized atmosphere.

Despite its military roots, the G-Class became a status symbol, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with luxury features. The G550's interior was tastefully designed, with ample storage and comfortable seating. The SUV's tall roofline provided excellent headroom, and the second row offered ample legroom and a reclining seatback. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available as part of expensive packages.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a hybrid powertrain with a V6 engine, dual-motor electrically variable transmission, and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The base Pacifica Touring and Touring L came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered all-wheel drive (AWD) or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, new to the Pacifica lineup, activated on-demand based on driving conditions, improving fuel efficiency when not needed. The Pacifica Hybrid boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of over 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD models slightly reducing these figures.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, specifically the G550, featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. The G550 utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission with permanent four-wheel drive and Dynamic Select driving programs, including "G-mode" for off-roading. The G550 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, impressive for an SUV of its size. The G-Class's suspension system, with double-wishbone independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, provided a smooth ride on pavement while maintaining off-road capability. The G550's fuel economy was rated at 13 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined, while the AMG G63, with its 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieved 13/16/14 mpg.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seats provided ample space and a sense of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Storage options included an under-stack area with a rubberized bottom, perfect for various items. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, power windows, and Stow 'n Go seating with in-floor storage bins. The Pacifica's second- and third-row seats offered plenty of legroom, and the Stow 'n Go feature allowed for easy loading. The Pacifica Pinnacle boasted best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, particularly the G550, offered a luxurious yet practical interior. The front cabin was roomy, with comfortable seats and ample storage. The tall roofline provided excellent headroom, and the second row accommodated three adults comfortably. The G550's cargo capacity was 38.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. The G550's payload capacity exceeded 1,000 pounds, and it could tow up to 7,700 pounds. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available as part of expensive packages.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured advanced technology, including hands-free sliding doors on mid-grade and above models. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered a modern, customizable interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games available. The Pacifica offered a six-speaker sound system, with upgrades to a 13-speaker Alpine system or 19- and 20-speaker Harman Kardon options. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat functionality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class impressed with its twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These screens were customizable for layout, content, and color, enhancing the cabin's ambiance. The infotainment system ran the latest version of Mercedes-Benz's COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. The G550 included a Burmester Surround Sound system, rear-seat entertainment, and standard WiFi with a one-month trial. However, wireless device charging was not available.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, advanced brake assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered numerous safety systems, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, attention assist, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, active parking assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The active lane-keeping assist could be abrupt, requiring drivers to understand its operation fully. The G-Class had not been rated for crash-worthiness by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or NHTSA.