2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was more than just a pretty face. Its appealing styling, with well-proportioned lines and small details, made it stand out. The available black- or white-painted roof added to its charm. Even the base L trim looked good, which was quite a feat. The Trailblazer came in five trims: L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with prices ranging from $20,195 to $26,695, plus a $1,195 destination charge. AWD was available for all but the L trim, with varying costs depending on the trim. Our RS trim test vehicle, equipped with AWD, started at $28,195 and ended up at $33,000 with options. However, the interior, filled with hard plastic, made it hard to justify the high price.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, offered a more practical choice despite lacking the cool factor of an SUV. Our mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package featured body-colored door handles and mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black accents, topped off with 18-inch wheels. The split grille with standard LED headlamps and full-width LED tail lamps added to its appeal. The interior, though dark in the Limited trim, featured handsome Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could be confusing.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer used turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the larger 1.3-liter engine offered 155 hp and 174 lb-ft, making the Trailblazer feel sprightly. Both engines came with a CVT for FWD models, but AWD models got a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension. The RS trim, with 18-inch aluminum wheels and 22/55 all-season tires, provided a zippy and nimble driving experience. However, the Trailblazer was loud on freeways, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps. Off-roading required caution to avoid damaging the underside. Despite its small engine, our test vehicle averaged 26.1 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

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. Our test saw even better numbers, with 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. Charging the battery on a Level 2 home charger took just two hours. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode first, which was efficient in the city but less so on the highway. The Pacifica Hybrid was FWD only and lacked a spare tire and towing package. Despite these limitations, it offered a smooth driving experience with 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. The CVT worked seamlessly, and the lower center of gravity improved handling.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though small, was highly functional. It could hold something 8.5 feet long with the tailgate closed. The RS trim featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, making it easy to find a perfect driving position. The rear seat, though roomy, was shaped like a park bench, likely to ensure a flat load floor when folded. The trunk offered 25.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat for additional cargo space.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor the second and third rows. Our tester had heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the center pathway allowed easy access to the spacious third row. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow ‘n Go seats due to the battery placement but still offered 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 everything folded. However, it lacked the built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats available in the standard Pacifica.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Our test car had the larger touchscreen with Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. Wireless smartphone charging was available. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. Other technologies included remote engine starting, a keyless entry keypad system, and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. Our tester had the optional rear seat entertainment system with two 10-inch screens, games, and Amazon Fire TV streaming. Charging options included USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Standard Chevy Safety Assist included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Optional features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured standard 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. Optional features included parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist. The 2022 Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.