2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan status, offered practical advantages over three-row midsize crossover SUVs. Its sliding side doors made loading children in tight parking spaces easier, and its plug-in hybrid drivetrain was unique among mainstream brands. However, its rounded, flowing exterior and interior styling appeared soft and dated compared to more modern, architectural designs. The Pacifica Hybrid Limited trim, with its black Nappa premium leather, felt and smelled like quality, but the overall look was not particularly striking.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared a platform with the Nissan Armada, but its distinctive front-end styling, including the prominent Infiniti grille, set it apart. The QX80's LED lighting and tasteful use of chrome added to its upscale appearance. The stylish 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels further enhanced its exterior. Inside, the QX80's cabin featured upscale materials like quilted semi-aniline Saddle Brown leather seats and tasteful wood trim. However, the design was starting to feel outdated compared to newer competitors in the premium full-size SUV market.

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. The 16-kWh battery pack allowed for up to 32 miles of electric-only driving, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The Pacifica Hybrid's regenerative braking system helped capture energy and feed it back to the battery, resulting in an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing. The transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible, and the powertrain operated efficiently without requiring driver intervention. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and a lack of cornering grip.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80, on the other hand, boasted a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-liter V8 engine with 413 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed automatic transmission provided smooth and seamless shifts, delivering power efficiently. The QX80's body-on-frame construction and Hydraulic Body Motion Control system helped manage body lean during cornering and quick maneuvers. The QX80's off-road capability, with a computer-controlled transfer case and ample ground clearance, made it suitable for rugged terrain. However, its fuel consumption was high, and it required premium fuel. The QX80's towing capacity was an impressive 8,500 pounds, making it suitable for hauling large trailers or boats.

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, with extra shelves, large floor trays, and multiple bins. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, but they did not collapse into the floor, requiring removal for maximum cargo space. 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 and 140.5 cubic feet with the second row removed.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter due to its tall ride height, but once inside, it offered a spacious and airy cabin. Front-seat head- and legroom were good, and forward visibility was commendable. The QX80 could accommodate up to eight passengers with the optional second-row bench seat, but the third-row space was cramped for adults. Cargo space measured 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 95.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The power-operated third-row seats and liftgate were slow to operate, and the QX80's cargo capacity was not as competitive as others in its class.

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. 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 monitor rear-seat passengers. The 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but not essential if passengers had their own devices. The surround-view camera system and parking assist were useful features.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came with a new 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch display, offering Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The display included navigation with lane guidance and voice recognition. The Bose 13-speaker premium sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Performance Series Bose system available on the top trim. The QX80 also featured multiple USB ports and a wireless smartphone charger. The dual-screen rear entertainment system was included but lacked HDMI adapters, causing frustration for passengers. The absence of Infiniti's ProPilot Assist advanced driving-assistance system was notable, as it was available in less expensive models.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety and security features than any other vehicle in the industry. It included a rear-seat reminder system to prevent leaving children or pets inside. The Pacifica Hybrid had a complete package of standard driver-assist and collision-avoidance features, but adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist was not available. The adaptive cruise control needed refinement, as it was slow to recognize lane departures and inept at moderating speed when other vehicles cut in. 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 INFINITI QX80 came with a comprehensive set of standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure prevention, forward-collision warning, backup collision intervention, a smart rearview mirror, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included driver attention alert, front knee airbags, and seat belt pre-tensioners for second-row outboard passengers. The NHTSA had not rated the 2022 QX80, but the 2021 model received four stars for overall crash protection, with a three-star rating for front crash protection and five stars for side crashes. The IIHS had not rated the QX80 for safety.