2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered practical advantages that many three-row midsize crossover SUVs lacked. Its sliding side doors made loading children in tight parking spaces a breeze, and its plug-in hybrid status set it apart in a market where no other mainstream brand offered a three-row plug-in hybrid SUV. However, its rounded, flowing design appeared soft and dated compared to the more architectural motifs gaining popularity. The Pacifica Hybrid wasn't cheap, with the base Touring L starting at $49,095 and the Limited trim costing $54,095. Our test vehicle, with additional features, brought the MSRP to $57,680, even after accounting for a $7,500 federal tax credit.

The interior of the Pacifica Hybrid was comfortable, with black Nappa premium leather that felt and smelled like quality. However, Chrysler didn't attempt to disguise the minivan's identity, unlike Kia with its stylish Carnival. The Pacifica Hybrid's design and price point meant it needed to offer undeniable value to attract buyers. Despite its practical advantages, the minivan's appearance and cost might have deterred those seeking a more rugged, SUV-like image.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban, redesigned in 2021, shared its exterior styling with the shorter Tahoe SUV and the Silverado 1500 pickup. Its tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels gave it a supersized appearance. The Suburban was available in six trims, offering buyers a fair degree of customization. Our RST test vehicle featured a Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and 22-inch bright-machined black-painted wheels, giving it a sporty look. Inside, the Suburban offered a spacious cabin with varying levels of comfort and luxury, depending on the trim.

Our RST tester had 10-way power driver and front passenger seats, Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching, and the optional Luxury package, which included heated second-row outboard seats. However, the predominantly black interior made the cabin feel a bit dark. Despite this, the Suburban's cabin was a nice place to be, with plenty of space and comfort for passengers. The Suburban's size and mass made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces, but once familiar with its dimensions, it was manageable.

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 electric drive system's torque was immediately available, and the Pacifica never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded. It could 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.

The Pacifica Hybrid's driving dynamics were unremarkable, with light and uncommunicative steering, grabby regenerative brakes, and limited cornering grip. However, its powertrain was impressive, offering effortless efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing, outperforming the Toyota Sienna in terms of electric-only driving range. Despite its dull driving experience, the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain earned high marks for its brilliance.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft, and a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 6.2-liter V8, part of the Sport Performance package on our RST test vehicle, provided noticeable and appreciated extra power, making acceleration effortless.

The Suburban's towing capacity was impressive, with a maximum of 8,300 pounds. During an 80-mile tow test, the Suburban's 6.2-liter V8 performed admirably, making for a stress-free experience. The independent rear suspension improved ride and handling, and the Suburban's size and power made it a capable and versatile vehicle. However, its sheer size made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The Limited trim featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were plentiful, with extra shelves, a large floor tray, and multiple bins and cupholders. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go chairs, but they didn't collapse into the floor, requiring removal to maximize cargo space.

The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, with cupholders, USB ports, and side window shades. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats tumbled into their storage well. Removing the second-row seats increased cargo capacity to 140.5 cubic feet, surpassing the Chevy Tahoe. However, creating this space required more effort than in an SUV.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered ample space for passengers and cargo, with the ability to hold up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. Most Suburbans offered seven- or eight-passenger seating, with a livable third row providing adequate headroom, knee room, and legroom. The Suburban's cargo capacity was impressive, with 41.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 144.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat.

The Suburban's cabin featured useful storage options, including an optional power-sliding center console with a hidden storage drawer. However, its size and mass made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls required some adjustment for those accustomed to a column-mounted shifter.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, offering appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and speedy response to inputs. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to check on rear-seat passengers, and the 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system provided decent sound quality.

The Pacifica Hybrid also offered Amazon Fire TV for its dual 10.1-inch touchscreen rear-seat entertainment system, allowing passengers to stream or download content. However, our test vehicle's rear-seat entertainment system went unused by teenagers, who preferred their own devices. The surround-view camera system and parking assist system were useful features, but the voice recognition technology needed improvement.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a surprising level of technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Google built-in on LT trims and above. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while the LT and above featured a 10.2-inch system with Google built-in and satellite radio. Wireless device charging and a WiFi hotspot were standard on the LT and above.

The Suburban's audio system options included a basic six-speaker system on the LS, a nine-speaker Bose system on the LT, and a premium Bose 10-speaker Surround with CenterPoint system on the Premier and High Country. Our test vehicle's nine-speaker Bose system provided decent sound quality but was inferior to the premium system.

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 adaptive cruise control needed refinement, as it was slow to recognize departing vehicles and braked too hard when other motorists cut in. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, front pedestrian braking, rear park assist, following distance indicator, automatic high-beam headlights, and an HD rear-vision camera. For 2022, front park assist, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-departure warning were added as standard features. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, rear pedestrian alert, reverse automatic braking, lane-changing assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and a head-up display.

The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not yet tested the current-generation Suburban.