2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX once pioneered the three-row luxury crossover SUV category. It always appeared smaller on the outside than it felt on the inside—a testament to its intelligently designed space. Though it shared a platform with the Honda Pilot in previous iterations, the new generation MDX was engineered on a dedicated platform specifically for Acura. The vehicle's proportions were altered to include a longer wheelbase and overall length, plus a wider body and track. Designers extended the dash-to-axle distance by over four inches, enhancing the vehicle's elegance. LED headlights were a notable feature from Acura, which highlighted the MDX’s assertive and modern exterior alongside larger tires and wheels—19 x 8.5 inches at the base model and 20 x 9 inches for higher trims. Built in East Liberty, Ohio, the MDX radiated a high level of craftsmanship and quality.

Inside, the MDX’s redesign added breadth and a layered dashboard that emphasized cabin width. Authentic materials such as natural wood, genuine aluminum, and real leather were complemented by high-quality plastics, contributing to a refined interior. The layout was unique yet practical, with controls for the infotainment system, gear selection, and other functionalities arranged within easy reach. The centerpiece was a 12.3-inch landscape-oriented infotainment screen, which was not touchscreen but strategically placed to minimize driver distraction. A comfortable front row with adjustable seats, a beefy steering wheel adorned with controls, and striking color options like Lunar Silver Metallic and Fathom Blue Pearl added to its luxurious appeal.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, focused on practicality with a dash of sophistication. The Limited trim with the S Appearance Package featured body-colored door handles and mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and 18-inch wheels with a “Foreshadow” finish. Up front, the split grille was flanked by LED headlamps, with the rear adorned by LED tail lamps spanning its width. While minivans may lack the cool factor of SUVs, they excel in practicality with sliding doors and increased cargo space.

Inside, the Pacifica Hybrid's interior, specifically in the Limited trim, was dark but sophisticated with Nappa leather seats and sweeping dash lines. However, options for interior colors other than black necessitated an upgrade to top trims. Despite the placement of chunky HVAC and audio knobs close to the transmission selector dial, the interior’s usability remained intuitive. Comfort embodied the design, particularly with heated and cooled front seats, although the second-row seats could be low for taller passengers. The third row provided ample space, though the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna offered slightly more legroom.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. A new 10-speed automatic transmission was introduced, sending power to the front wheels or all four wheels with the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). This system allowed for torque vectoring, significantly enhancing cornering feel and reducing steering effort. An improved double-wishbone front suspension and revised rear multi-link suspension amplified the MDX’s sporty handling. Bigger disc brakes and variable gear ratio steering contributed to improved braking and maneuverability.

Real-world testing in southeastern Michigan for two days demonstrated the MDX's robust capabilities, outperforming competitors like the Lexus RX L, Volvo XC90, and Audi Q7. The MDX essentially defined its sportiness and practicality with enhanced stiffness, improved ride quality, and a perfectly calibrated 10-speed transmission.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors. As the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid, it delivered 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, with the onboard battery offering up to 33 miles of all-electric range and 550 miles total. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 82 MPGe and 30 mpg. During testing, it was observed that the Pacifica Hybrid often exceeded these figures. Charging the battery on a Level 2 charger took about two hours, while a standard outlet estimated a 14-hour recharge time.

However, its design to prioritize electric power in city driving over highway exploits seemed less optimal. Only available in front-wheel drive, the Pacifica couldn’t match the V6 in the non-hybrid version for brute force. Despite this, the continuous variable automatic transmission remained smooth and unintrusive. The placement of the battery mid-floor lowered the vehicle’s center of gravity, improving handling compared to other minivans.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled in versatility as a three-row SUV. The front row provided dual bucket sport seats, with a second row that allowed for forward and backward sliding to balance legroom. The innovative second row featured a removable center section, enhancing accessibility to the third row. While the third row might be best suited for younger passengers, the overall flexibility in seating arrangement was a strong point.

Cargo capacity was particularly accommodating. The MDX offered 16.3 to 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, with an additional 1.8 cubic feet of hidden storage. With the third row folded, capacity expanded to 39.1 to 48.4 cubic feet, stretching to an impressive 71.4 to 95 cubic feet when the second row was also folded. The power tailgate featured convenient functionalities such as “Walk Away Close” and hands-free access, adding practical touches for day-to-day use. Iconic Drive Lighting added an element of ambiance with 27 customizable interior lighting themes.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came loaded with family-friendly features, notably the FamCam interior camera, which allowed parents to monitor kids in the back seats. Heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in our test model, though the second-row seats were a bit low for taller passengers. Access to the third row was facilitated by a sizable pathway between the second-row captain’s chairs.

Cargo space in the Pacifica Hybrid was substantial, offering 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row and expanding to 87.5 cubes with the third-row seats folded. Maximum cargo capacity reached 140.5 cubic feet with all seats down—though slightly less than competitors like the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey. However, notable absences in the hybrid model included Stow ‘n Go seats and certain features like the built-in vacuum cleaner.

Technologically, the 2022 Acura MDX was well-equipped, starting with the advanced ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System available in upper trims, featuring 16 speakers and 710 watts for an immersive audio experience. Even the base model was well-covered with Premium Audio systems. All MDX models came with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and the Acura Precision Cockpit, also 12.3 inches with configurable options.

Enhancements like Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Qi wireless charging kept the MDX in line with modern needs. The CabinTalk feature in higher trims provided an in-car communication system, while the head-up display (HUD) in the Advance package added driver convenience. Wi-Fi hotspot functionality and over-the-air software updates reinforced the MDX’s premium tech offerings.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid sported a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system on a 10.1-inch touchscreen, appreciated for its ease of use and crisp graphics. Features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and multi-phone Bluetooth connectivity. An optional rear-seat entertainment system was equipped in our tester, featuring two 10-inch screens loaded with games and streaming capabilities, though its added cost may be hard to justify given the prevalence of personal devices like tablets and phones.

Multiple charging options were scattered throughout the cabin, with USB-A and USB-C ports present in all three rows, ensuring none of the devices went uncharged.

Regarding safety, the 2022 Acura MDX had revisions aimed at improving its already impressive safety ratings. It featured an advanced safety structure and high-strength steel use. Low-speed braking control and AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies—including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking—were standard across the lineup.

For the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Forward collision warning was notably effective during testing, providing timely alerts. However, additional safety features like parallel parking assist required higher trims or extra packages.

The Pacifica Hybrid’s crash ratings for 2023 were pending, though the 2022 model received five stars from NHTSA and "Good" marks from IIHS, with caveats for its headlights and LATCH ease of use.