2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. These updates included modifications to the grille surround, front and rear bumper styling, and new wheel designs and paint colors. The limited-production RDX PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior, built at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The RDX lineup included the base model and various option packages, with prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding a $1,045 destination charge. Our test vehicle, equipped with the A-Spec Advance package, cost $53,645, including the destination charge. The RDX A-Spec Advance justified its price with high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin, although the new vertical air inlets on the front fascia were not universally loved.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims. Our review focused on the mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package, which added body-colored door handles, exterior mirrors, and black accents. The exterior featured 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The Pacifica Hybrid's split grille was surrounded by standard LED headlamps, and the LED tail lamps spanned the entire width of the rear. While minivans lacked the cool factor of SUVs, they offered practicality with sliding doors and more cargo space. The Limited's interior, though dark, featured handsome Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could be confusing.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm. This engine delivered quick acceleration, contributing to the RDX's enjoyable driving character. However, heavy-footed driving reduced fuel economy, with our test averaging 20.6 mpg compared to the EPA rating of 23 mpg. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, and the drivetrain performed smoothly. The RDX offered front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, with the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system available on higher trims. The SH-AWD system could deliver up to 70 percent of the engine's power to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension provided a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The 2022 RDX also featured improved sound insulation, resulting in a quieter cabin. While the RDX offered enjoyable driving dynamics, it did not qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge, and driving enthusiasts might prefer German alternatives like the Audi SQ5, BMW X3 M40i, and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, making it the only plug-in hybrid minivan available. The EPA rated it for 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined fuel economy. Our test exceeded these numbers, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. Charging the battery on a Level 2 home charger took two hours, while a standard outlet required 14 hours. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode before switching to hybrid mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on the highway. The Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only and lacked a spare tire and towing package. It offered 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, with a smooth continuously variable automatic transmission. The battery's placement in the floor improved handling, but the steering was light.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, provided ample room for four adults and their luggage, all under a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior emphasized a sporty driving position with a dramatic IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. The control layout required some acclimation, with transmission buttons and the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system control pad being unconventional. The A-Spec, A-Spec Advance, and PMC Edition featured metallic gauge faces with red markings that were hard to read in low light. The standard 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable, with available ventilation. The new flat-bottom steering wheel was pleasant to hold and available with heating. Dual-zone automatic climate control and Iconic Drive ambient lighting were standard. The rear seat, however, was less comfortable, with a flat design and limited support. The RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor second-row captain’s chairs and third-row seats, including rear-facing child seats. Our test vehicle had heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel. The driver's seat was comfortable and easily adjustable, with a soft center armrest. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and taller passengers might find their knees elevated. The center pathway allowed easy access to the spacious third row, which offered enough room for adults on extended trips. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement but still provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 87.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats down. However, the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey offered more overall space. The plug-in hybrid also missed out on the built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats available in the standard Pacifica.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, pairing a 10.2-inch display screen with a sectioned touchpad controller. The touchpad corresponded to the screen's sections, requiring users to match finger location on the pad with the cursor location on the screen. This system was more complicated than a traditional touchscreen, but drivers could avoid using it by relying on Amazon Alexa Built-in, steering wheel controls, and separate climate and stereo controls. The 2022 RDX also included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, satellite radio, AcuraLink connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system starting with the Technology package. Three premium sound systems were available, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system featuring 16 speakers. The Advance and A-Spec Advance packages included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its ease of use and crisp graphics. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. Our test vehicle had the optional rear seat entertainment system, adding two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers with games and streaming capabilities via Amazon Fire TV and HDMI ports. However, the cost of this feature was high, and most kids already had devices that could perform similar functions. The Pacifica Hybrid offered numerous USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained charged throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades to improve side-impact safety, aiming to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system and enhancements to the standard AcuraWatch suite, such as pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. While AcuraWatch's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were mostly accurate, they occasionally issued false warnings and unnecessary steering corrections. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2022 RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings and five-star side-impact ratings.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking assist, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided both visual and audible alerts, while the adaptive cruise control system offered smooth braking and quick acceleration. However, features like parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist required additional packages or the top Pinnacle trim. The 2023 Pacifica Hybrid had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall safety rating. The IIHS gave it Good marks in most categories, with Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.