2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a unique offering in the minivan segment, standing out as a plug-in hybrid with the ability to transport up to seven people efficiently. Despite its minivan label, which some might find unappealing, it offered practical features like sliding side doors that made it easy to load children in tight parking spaces. The Pacifica Hybrid was not designed to hide its minivan identity, unlike some crossover SUVs that shared similar platforms but aimed for a more rugged appearance. It was priced on the higher side, with the base Touring L starting at $49,095 and the Limited trim reaching $54,095. The interior featured quality materials, such as black Nappa premium leather, but its styling was considered somewhat dated compared to more modern designs.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander presented a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window. Inside, it offered a spacious cabin with clever storage solutions, making it practical for families. The Highlander came in various trims, with the XSE trim standing out for its bold red leather interior and sport-tuned suspension. The base L trim included features like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims added more luxury and tech features. The Highlander was praised for its comfortable ride and well-weighted steering, making it a versatile choice for both city and highway driving.

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 system output 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. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was praised for its seamless operation and efficiency.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with a drive-mode button for Sport, Normal, and Eco modes. The Highlander's V6 engine provided good pickup, especially at cruising speeds, and delivered a throaty exhaust note. The XSE trim featured a sport-tuned suspension that reduced body roll while maintaining a comfortable ride. The Highlander could tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for those needing to haul trailers or boats.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. It 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 accessible from the second row. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, though they required removal to maximize 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 seats removed.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. With the second-row seats in use, it provided 48.4 cubic feet, and 16 cubic feet with all seats deployed. The Highlander's interior was designed for practicality, with deep cargo pockets, extra ledges, and a spacious center console. The XSE trim featured second-row captain's chairs, providing a center aisle to the third row. While the second row was spacious for adults, the third row was best suited for short trips.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display with appealing graphics and a user-friendly interface. 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. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, though its sound quality required adjustment. The rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, but passengers often preferred their own devices.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. While it lacked wireless connectivity, it offered a straightforward layout with hard buttons for easy operation. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system were available on higher trims.

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 Toyota Highlander came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view parking monitor. The lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist systems were active but could be overly sensitive.