2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox underwent several styling updates, including a new grille, LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights, which contributed to a sleeker appearance. The grille was more upright and flanked by large fake air intakes, giving the Equinox a chunkier look compared to the previous model. While it maintained a car-based crossover design, it didn't adopt the rugged styling of some competitors like the Subaru Forester or Toyota RAV4. The interior featured a creative dashboard design with a central touchscreen and large air vents, and materials were decent for its price range. The RS model added black exterior trim and darkened wheels, but the interior was considered too subdued.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite being a minivan, offered a unique plug-in hybrid option with a focus on practicality and efficiency. It wasn't a standout in terms of looks, even with the S Appearance Package, and came with a higher price tag. The interior featured quality black Nappa leather and a flowing design, though it appeared somewhat dated compared to more modern styles. The Pacifica Hybrid's main appeal was its practicality, offering a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a 32-mile electric range, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The interior was well-equipped with features like triple-zone climate control and ample storage, making it a comfortable choice for families.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. While it had more torque than many rivals, it lagged in horsepower. The Equinox excelled in city driving with its torque, but at higher speeds, the engine felt coarse and unresponsive. The automatic transmission's shifts were somewhat rough, and the vehicle wasn't designed for sporty handling, lacking the refinement of competitors like the Honda CR-V.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. It could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it efficient for short trips. The transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless, and the regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery. The Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing. While it wasn't exciting to drive, the powertrain was praised for its efficiency and smooth operation, though the driving experience was described as dull.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox offered seating for five across two rows, with decent headroom and second-row legroom. However, front-seat legroom was somewhat limited, and the lack of a telescoping steering wheel made finding a comfortable driving position challenging. The Equinox provided a tall seating position and good forward visibility, though rear visibility was hampered by small rear windows. Cargo space was near the bottom of the segment, with 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.9 cubic feet with them folded. It lacked features like a sliding second-row seat or cargo-area storage bins found in some competitors.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. It featured triple-zone climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were impressive, with various bins and shelves throughout the cabin. The second-row seats were more comfortable than those in a standard Pacifica, though they didn't fold into the floor. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, and the Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind it, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded. Removing the second-row seats allowed for a maximum of 140.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen and a Bose audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large menu icons and good screen graphics. The addition of wireless smartphone connectivity was a significant advantage, though the center-console slot for phones was too small.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and fast response times. The system supported multiple user profiles, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The FamCam overhead camera system was a useful feature for parents. The Pacifica Hybrid also had a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, though sound quality required adjustment. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but not essential if passengers had their own devices.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but received a "Marginal" rating in the updated side crash test. It earned a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle situations and an "Advanced" rating for vehicle-to-pedestrian scenarios. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and more. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive package of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It had adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, though the adaptive cruise control needed refinement. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.