2022 BMW X3 vs 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 BMW X3 was available in four variants, with the sDrive30i being the only rear-wheel-drive model, while the others featured all-wheel drive. The exterior design was slightly more aggressive, with a larger kidney grille and adaptive full LED headlights that were slimmer by 0.4 inches. The rear showcased new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The updated rear also included larger exhaust tips and a new bumper. The X3 offered nine exterior finishes, with new colors like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. The interior was well-appointed with dark oak wood trim, eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats, and a panoramic moonroof. The cabin featured ambient lighting with 11 color combinations and a variety of seating options, including SensaTec synthetic leather and premium Vernasca leather.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, with the Limited trim featuring the S Appearance Package. This package added body-colored door handles and exterior mirrors, along with gloss black accents. The exterior was completed with 18-inch wheels. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was predominantly black unless upgraded to the top trim. The Nappa leather seats and sweeping dash lines added sophistication, while the HVAC and audio knobs were conveniently placed, albeit close to the transmission selector dial. The Pacifica Hybrid offered practicality with sliding doors and ample cargo space, making it a more practical choice than an SUV.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i models were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 6 seconds. The sDrive30i had an EPA-rated fuel economy of 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the xDrive30i offered 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The X3 M40i boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, delivering 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The M40i's fuel economy was 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The mild-hybrid system provided a smoother start/stop operation and an additional 11 hp during acceleration.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined. In testing, it achieved 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. The Pacifica Hybrid's electric power delivery defaulted to all-electric mode before switching to hybrid mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only and lacked a spare tire and towing package. It produced 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, with a smooth continuously variable automatic transmission.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered seating for five, with a 40/20/40-split rear seat configuration. The cargo space was ample, accommodating backpacks and additional luggage. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the option to upgrade to Vernasca leather for added softness. The X3's sport seats provided support, and the redesigned center console featured a larger infotainment system with a 10.25-inch screen, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen. The vehicle's ergonomics improved with easier access to controls, and the matte finish of the buttons maintained a smudge-free appearance.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The front seats were heated and cooled, with a heated steering wheel. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, while the third row offered enough space for adults. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats down. However, the plug-in hybrid model lacked the Stow 'n Go seats and built-in vacuum cleaner available in the standard Pacifica.

The 2022 BMW X3 came with BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, featuring a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. It included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches. The X3 offered a 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system for M40i models. The Convenience Package added keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and lumbar support, while the Premium Package included heated seats and a head-up display.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and dual phone connectivity via Bluetooth. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with games and streaming content from Amazon Fire TV. The Pacifica Hybrid included multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It included adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning. The Parking Assistance Package added parking assistance plus, active park distance control, and a 360-degree surround camera view. The Driving Assistant Professional Package included traffic jam assistance, front cross-traffic alert, and active lane-keep assist.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with standard safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided visual and audible alerts. The adaptive cruise control system offered smooth braking and quick acceleration. The 2022 Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, while the IIHS gave it Good marks, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.