2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered a practical and efficient solution for families. It featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, a rarity among three-row vehicles. The Pacifica Hybrid's design, even with the S Appearance Package, wasn't particularly striking, and its price tag was steep, starting at $49,095 for the base Touring L and reaching $57,645 for the Pinnacle version. Our test vehicle, a Limited trim with additional features, cost $57,680. The interior, adorned with black Nappa premium leather, felt high-quality but somewhat dated compared to more modern designs. Chrysler didn't attempt to disguise the Pacifica's minivan identity, unlike Kia's approach with the Carnival. Despite its drawbacks, the Pacifica Hybrid's unique plug-in hybrid capability made it a compelling choice for those prioritizing efficiency.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line package, exuded style and ruggedness. The X-Line treatment added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails, enhancing its already attractive appearance. Our test vehicle, an SX Prestige X-Line, came with extra-cost Wolf Gray paint and Rust-colored leather, totaling $45,310. The base LX trim started at $29,590, making the Sorento more accessible. Regardless of the trim, the Sorento's interior quality was impressive, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim. The cabin construction felt solid, and the design was thoughtful, even in the base model. The Sorento's interior style and practical storage space made it a standout in its class.

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 powertrain seamlessly switched between electric and gasoline modes, providing a smooth driving experience. However, the driving dynamics were unremarkable, with light steering, grabby regenerative brakes, and limited cornering grip. Despite its efficient powertrain, the Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was dull, though it excelled in efficiency, achieving an average of 37.1 mpg on a mixed driving loop.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered multiple powertrain options, with the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine being the most recommended. This engine produced 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, providing a satisfying driving experience. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, the Sorento felt energetic and responsive. The X-Line's raised suspension and 20-inch alloy wheels contributed to a sporty driving experience, with excellent body control and communication. However, the Sorento's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 20.5 mpg during testing, below the EPA's estimate of 24 mpg. Despite this, the Sorento's performance and driving dynamics were impressive, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a more engaging driving experience.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone automatic climate control, and numerous storage solutions. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats but required removal to maximize cargo space. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, and the Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. With the third-row seats folded, cargo space expanded to 87.5 cubic feet, and removing the second-row seats increased it to 140.5 cubic feet. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was well-designed for family use, though creating maximum cargo space required effort.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, especially in the SX Prestige X-Line trim. The front seats offered excellent comfort and adjustability, with heated and ventilated options. The second-row captain's chairs were designed for kids, with cupholders, USB ports, and rear air conditioning vents. However, the third-row seat was cramped and uncomfortable for adults, making it better suited for occasional use. The Sorento provided 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 38.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 75.5 cubic feet with the second row folded. The smart power tailgate made loading easier. Overall, the Sorento's interior was well-appointed and practical, though the third-row space was limited.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and speedy response times. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the Harman Kardon premium sound system required adjustment for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but might be unnecessary for families with personal devices. The surround-view camera system and parking assist were useful features, enhancing the Pacifica Hybrid's technology offerings.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, except for the base LX trim, came with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was feature-rich and intuitive, though the graphics and colors might not appeal to everyone. The voice recognition system was less effective than Hyundai's equivalent. The SX Prestige X-Line trim included a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, providing excellent audio quality. Wireless smartphone charging was standard from the EX trim onwards. Overall, the Sorento's infotainment system was comprehensive and user-friendly, though some features were limited to higher trims.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. However, it lacked adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. The adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist needed refinement, as it was slow to resume speed and overly cautious in traffic. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection received four stars.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's Kia Drive Wise package varied by trim level, with our test vehicle featuring the full suite of safety technologies. Notable features included a rear-seat reminder system with ultrasonic sensors, Junction Assist, and a Blind View Monitor system. The Sorento also offered Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Highway Driving Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. The Sorento earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with the highest rating for its LED headlights on the SX and SX Prestige trims. The NHTSA awarded the Sorento a four-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact protection and rollover resistance.