2022 Acura RDX vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite being a minivan, offered practical advantages that many three-row midsize crossover SUVs couldn't match. Its sliding side doors made it easy to load children in tight parking spaces, and its plug-in hybrid drivetrain was unique among mainstream brands. However, the Pacifica Hybrid wasn't a head-turner, even with the S Appearance Package. The base Touring L started at $49,095, and the Limited trim, which included extra-cost paint, the S Appearance Package, and a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system, brought the MSRP to $57,680. Despite its high price, the Pacifica Hybrid's interior, with black Nappa premium leather, felt quality but appeared soft and dated compared to more modern designs.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by the larger MDX model, including updates to the grille surround and bumper styling. The limited-production PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior. The RDX lineup included the base model and various option packages, with starting prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300. Our test vehicle, equipped with the new-for-2022 A-Spec Advance package, tallied up to $53,645. The RDX A-Spec Advance justified its expense with high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter interior. Despite some reservations about the new vertical air inlets, the RDX demonstrated more flair for style than many of its rivals.

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 system output of 260 horsepower. The 16-kWh battery pack allowed the Pacifica Hybrid to travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible. During testing, the Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg on a mixed driving loop. However, the driving experience was unremarkable, with light and uncommunicative steering, grabby brakes, and limited cornering grip.

The 2022 Acura RDX, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters provided smooth and responsive shifts. The RDX's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, available on higher trims, delivered up to 70 percent of the engine's power to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and adaptive-damping suspension offered distinct driving modes, improving ride comfort and responsiveness. Despite its enjoyable driving dynamics, the RDX averaged 20.6 mpg during testing, falling short of its EPA rating of 23 mpg.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were plentiful, including extra shelves, covered bins, and a large floor tray. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go chairs, but they did not collapse into the floor. The third-row seat provided reasonable comfort, and the cargo area offered 32.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 87.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded. Removing the second-row seats increased cargo capacity to 140.5 cubic feet.

The 2022 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, provided ample room for four adults and their luggage. The interior emphasized a sporty driving position and featured a standard panoramic sunroof. The control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, required a learning curve. The standard 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation. The back seat, however, lacked support and comfort for adults. The RDX offered 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system allowed for five user profiles and included features like FamCam, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the sound quality required adjustment. The Pacifica also offered Amazon Fire TV for the rear-seat entertainment system, but teenagers preferred using their own devices.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, pairing a 10.2-inch display screen with a touchpad controller. The system required acclimation but included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The RDX offered three premium sound systems, with the ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system available on higher trims. The Technology package and higher trims included a navigation system and a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive package of standard driver-assist and collision-avoidance features, including a rear-seat reminder system. However, it lacked adaptive cruise control paired with lane-centering assist. 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.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety and added features like a rear seatbelt reminder system, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. The RDX's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were reasonably refined but not as smooth as some rivals. The NHTSA awarded the RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance and five-star ratings for side-impact protection.