2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a crossover SUV that offered a practical alternative to larger, more expensive, and less fuel-efficient vehicles. It featured a restyled exterior with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with various appearance packages like the Redline, Midnight, and Sport Editions. The RS trim, which was tested, included blacked-out trim and 20-inch wheels, making it one of the more visually appealing options in its segment. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with contrast stitching, a black headliner, and gloss black trim. However, the use of hard plastic on upper door panels was a downside. The interior layout was simple and logical, with user-friendly controls for the stereo and climate systems.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, was a minivan that combined practicality with a touch of style. The Limited trim with the S Appearance Package added black accents and 18-inch wheels. The Pacifica Hybrid featured standard LED headlamps and tail lamps, and its interior was equipped with Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dashboard design. The controls for HVAC and audio were chunky but could be confused with the transmission selector dial. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was dark unless upgraded to the top trim, but it offered a comfortable and adjustable driver's seat. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the third row provided enough space for adults, though taller passengers might prefer the roomier Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It had a tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped and offered driving modes like Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The Traverse's V6 engine provided adequate power, and its fuel economy was rated at 20 mpg combined for the AWD model, with a test return of 20.9 mpg. The ride quality was pleasant, with a firm feel on the road, though it could scrape the front air dam on larger road anomalies. On highways, the Traverse excelled, though road and wind noise were noticeable. In mountainous areas, it felt athletic, with good steering and braking performance, though the all-season tires were not particularly engaging.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. It was the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid, with an EPA rating of 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined. In testing, it exceeded these numbers, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. The Pacifica Hybrid defaulted to all-electric mode before switching to hybrid mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. It was FWD only and lacked a spare tire and towing package. The Pacifica Hybrid offered a smooth driving experience with a continuously variable automatic transmission and a lower center of gravity for better handling.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven with captain's chairs in the RS trim, which included power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated access to the third row. The Traverse's interior provided generous legroom and headroom, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support. The third row was suitable for adults if the second row was adjusted, and storage space was ample, with hidden compartments and a cargo capacity of 23 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 98.2 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, heated and cooled front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The driver's seat was comfortable and adjustable, with a soft center armrest. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the third row offered enough space for adults. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement but provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 140.5 cubic feet with seats folded. However, it lacked features like a built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim, with Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system and an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. The voice recognition system was responsive, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility.

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 Bluetooth connectivity for two phones. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with streaming capabilities and various ports for device charging. The Pacifica Hybrid ensured that no device was left uncharged with its numerous USB ports and wireless charging.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, with features like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision tests, except for an "Acceptable" rating in a side-impact test. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of review.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was effective, and the adaptive cruise control was smooth. Additional features like parking assist required a package or the top trim. The 2022 Pacifica received a five-star NHTSA rating and "Good" IIHS ratings, with some areas needing improvement.