2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered a unique blend of practicality and efficiency. It was not the most visually appealing vehicle, even with the S Appearance Package, and its price tag was on the higher side, starting at $49,095 for the base Touring L trim. The Limited trim, which was tested, cost $57,680 with additional features. The interior, adorned with black Nappa premium leather, exuded quality, but the overall design felt somewhat dated compared to more modern, angular styles. Chrysler made no attempt to disguise the Pacifica's minivan identity, which could be a drawback for those seeking a more rugged image.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was a testament to Jeep's ability to blend heritage with modernity. The iconic seven-slot grille, active shutters, and forward rake design paid homage to Jeep's legacy while enhancing aerodynamics. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available in two-row configurations, with trims like the base 4xe, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. The Overland trim, tested in silver with a black roof, featured luxurious amenities such as leather seats and bronze contrast stitching. However, the interior was marred by hard plastic materials, raising concerns about durability. Despite this, the Grand Cherokee 4xe maintained a comfortable and upscale feel.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total output 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 achieved an impressive average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing, outperforming its rival, the Toyota Sienna, in terms of efficiency. The transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless, and the regenerative braking system contributed to energy recovery. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe boasted a plug-in hybrid powertrain featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, achieving 56 MPGe. The Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a total driving range of 470 miles, with 25 miles of all-electric range. The vehicle featured E Select powertrain modes, including Hybrid, Electric, and eSave, allowing drivers to optimize efficiency. The regenerative braking system, with a Max Regen setting, enabled one-pedal driving. The Grand Cherokee 4xe excelled in off-road capabilities, with Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II systems enhancing traction and control.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seating and ample cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were abundant, with extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin behind the center console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go chairs, though they required removal for maximum cargo space. The third-row seat provided reasonable comfort, and the Pacifica Hybrid offered 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind it, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, while lacking a third row, provided ample space for passengers in its two-row configuration. Folding the second row expanded cargo space from 37.7 cubic feet to 70.8 cubic feet. The available air suspension facilitated easy loading and unloading. Despite the absence of a third row, the Grand Cherokee 4xe served as a comfortable family vehicle, with sufficient head and legroom for all passengers. The vehicle's standard heated steering wheel was a welcome feature for colder climates.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, offering appealing graphics and a user-friendly interface. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, standard on Limited trim, required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system, with Amazon Fire TV, was available but not widely used by passengers with personal devices. The surround-view camera system and parking assist were standard on higher trims.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe also featured the Uconnect 5 system, praised for its customization options and My Pages feature. The vehicle included a 10.25-inch front-passenger display, standard on base trim but optional on others. The digital driver information display and gauge cluster were customizable, and a wireless charging pad was optional. The optional dual rear-seat entertainment screens ran Amazon's Fire TV for Auto. The 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, available on higher trims, was highly regarded for its sound quality.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive package of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, though the adaptive cruise control required refinement. 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a range of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Optional features included intersection-collision assist, night vision, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. A hands-off driver assistance feature suite was announced but required additional hardware. The Grand Cherokee 4xe had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.