2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a unique offering in the minivan segment, standing out as a plug-in hybrid with three rows of seating. Despite its minivan label, which some consumers found unappealing, it offered practical features like sliding side doors for easy access in tight spaces. The Pacifica Hybrid was not designed to hide its minivan identity, unlike some competitors, and its styling was considered soft and somewhat dated. The interior, while comfortable with quality materials like black Nappa leather, did not attempt to disguise its minivan roots, which could be a drawback for those seeking a more stylish vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 presented a more refined and upscale appearance, with new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, and a redesigned grille. The interior remained unchanged but was already considered luxurious, especially in the Signature trim with Nappa leather and real wood trim. The CX-5's seats were new for 2022, offering improved comfort and support. Mazda's attempt to position the CX-5 as a premium brand was evident in the body-color lower exterior trim and the overall upscale feel of the vehicle.

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, delivering a total of 260 horsepower. The electric drive system provided immediate torque, ensuring 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, contributing to an impressive average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and a turbocharged version delivering up to 256 horsepower on premium fuel. All CX-5 models came with standard all-wheel drive, and the revised six-speed automatic transmission provided responsive performance. The CX-5's driving dynamics were praised for their sporty feel, with improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning. The vehicle offered a blend of compliance and composure, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. However, the fuel economy for the turbocharged engine was lower than expected, with an observed 21.1 mpg during testing.

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 heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were plentiful, with various bins and trays throughout the cabin. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, but they did not fold into the floor, requiring removal for maximum cargo space. 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 folded and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second row removed.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and seating comfort with new furnishings. The front seats offered improved support and a sportier driving position, while the back seat remained snug but comfortable with heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents. The control layout was a source of frustration due to the lack of a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. Cargo space was adequate, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, comparing favorably to entry-level luxury SUVs but less impressive against mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, offering a user-friendly interface and customizable user profiles. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the Harman Kardon premium sound system 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 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, operated via center console and steering wheel controls. The lack of a touchscreen and natural voice recognition was a drawback, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The CX-5 offered a three-year trial subscription to connected services, excluding WiFi. Starting with the 2.5 S Premium trim, a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system was included, providing satisfactory audio quality. SiriusXM satellite radio was also standard from this trim level.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite 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 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with the i-Activsense package, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, making it one of the safest options in its class.