2022 Porsche Macan vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a minivan that didn't shy away from its identity. Despite the stigma some associated with minivans, it offered practical features like sliding side doors, which made loading children in tight parking spaces a breeze. The Pacifica Hybrid was not a plug-in hybrid SUV, but it stood out as a unique option in its category. The base Touring L started at $49,095, with the Limited trim costing $54,095, and the Pinnacle version at $57,645. Our test vehicle, a Limited trim with additional features, had an MSRP of $57,680. The interior, while nice with black Nappa premium leather, felt somewhat dated compared to more modern designs.

In contrast, the 2022 Porsche Macan retained much of its original design since its 2015 debut, despite regular updates. The 2022 model received a styling refresh, larger standard wheels, and a new center console with haptic touch controls. The Macan lineup included the base model, Macan S, and Macan GTS, with the Macan S benefiting from a new twin-turbo V6 engine. Our test vehicle, a Macan S, had an MSRP of $87,670, including nearly $20,000 in extras. The Macan's design, with its sloping clamshell hood and athletic look, conveyed its performance-oriented mission. Inside, the Macan featured a sporty and upscale cabin with red leather and gloss black trim.

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 recharge the battery, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible. During our Los Angeles driving loop, we achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was unremarkable, with light steering, uncommunicative brakes, and a somewhat unnatural ride quality due to the low-mounted battery.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a range of powerful engines. The base model had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 261 horsepower, while the Macan GTS featured a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with 434 horsepower. Our Macan S test vehicle had a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 producing 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. All Macans came with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a fully variable all-wheel-drive system. The Macan S provided an exhilarating driving experience, with precise steering, unyielding grip, and impressive stability. However, its as-tested fuel economy of 18.1 mpg was lower than the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

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 a long storage bin behind the center console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go chairs, but they did not collapse into the floor. 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 seats folded and 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2022 Porsche Macan offered a comfortable experience for the driver and front-seat passenger, especially with the optional Premium Package's 14-way power-adjustable front seats. However, the rear seats were cramped, and taller passengers would struggle for legroom. The redesigned center console with haptic touch controls looked modern but required the driver to look away from the road to use it. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While the Macan provided adequate storage, it was not as spacious as the Pacifica Hybrid.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services. The system allowed for five user profiles and included a FamCam overhead camera system. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss. Our test vehicle also had a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an Amazon Fire TV rear-seat entertainment system, though our teenage passengers preferred their own devices. The Pacifica Hybrid also included a surround-view camera system and a parking assist system.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Porsche Communication Management (PCM). It included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and connected services. The voice recognition system was less reliable than those in competing brands, but the system's overall user experience was intuitive. The Macan also featured stereo volume and tuning controls below the screen, and the climate control system was separate from the touchscreen. The standard 10-speaker sound system could be upgraded to a Bose or Burmester audio 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 with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist needed refinement, as it was slow to resume travel speed and braked too hard 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 Porsche Macan included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a reversing camera. Blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist were optional. The Macan's safety technologies performed as expected, but it lacked more advanced driving assistance features. The Macan offered front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and an optional Park Assist system. However, neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had published safety ratings for the Macan.