2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a minivan that didn't shy away from its identity. Despite the stigma some people felt about driving a minivan, it offered practical advantages over a three-row midsize crossover SUV, such as sliding side doors for easier access in tight parking spaces. The Pacifica Hybrid was unique in its class as a plug-in hybrid minivan, offering an electric-only driving range that no other mainstream brand could match. However, its styling was considered soft and dated, and it came with a hefty price tag, even after federal tax credits.

Inside, the Pacifica Hybrid featured quality materials like black Nappa premium leather, but its rounded design felt less modern compared to more angular competitors. The S Appearance Package added some flair, but Chrysler didn't try to disguise the minivan's true nature. Despite its high cost, the Pacifica Hybrid provided a comfortable and practical interior, making it a compelling option for those who prioritized efficiency and utility over style.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. Toyota had a long history with minivans, and the Sienna continued this tradition with a design that aimed to appeal to modern families. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, featured a macho front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a more assertive stance. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering ample storage, comfortable seating, and a spacious third row that could easily be stowed away.

The Sienna's interior was practical and family-friendly, with features like second-row captain's chairs with ottomans and a spacious three-across bench in the third row. The third-row seats could be quickly folded into the floor, creating a large cargo area. The Sienna also offered power-operated sliding doors and a rear tailgate with foot-motion triggers, making it convenient for families with their hands full. Overall, the Sienna's design and functionality made it a strong contender in the minivan market.

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 never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, contributing to an impressive average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing.

However, the Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was described as dull, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and limited cornering grip. The low-mounted battery sometimes resulted in an unnatural ride quality. Despite these drawbacks, the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was praised for its efficiency and seamless operation, making it a strong performer in its class.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, but all-wheel drive was available on all trim levels, adding a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which contributed to its smooth and efficient power delivery. Drivers could choose from four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport.

The Sienna's handling was better than expected for a minivan, thanks to its Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform, which provided a comfortable and stable ride. The big news for the Sienna Hybrid was its impressive fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for front-wheel-drive models and 35 mpg for all-wheel-drive models. The Sienna's 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack was tucked under the front seats, and it came with a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty, adding to its appeal as a reliable and efficient family vehicle.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats ensured a pleasant ride, even during a heatwave. Storage options were plentiful, with extra shelves, large floor trays, and multiple USB ports. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, but they couldn't be collapsed into the floor, requiring removal for maximum cargo space.

The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, with cupholders, USB ports, and side window shades. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which could be expanded to 87.5 cubic feet by folding the seats. Removing the second-row seats increased the cargo capacity to 140.5 cubic feet, surpassing many full-size SUVs. However, the process of removing the seats was less convenient than the Stow n' Go system.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity, making it versatile for various needs.

The standard 60/40-split third-row bench could be easily stowed into the floor, and each row had ample storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience for families. The Sienna's interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering plenty of storage and comfortable seating for all passengers.

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 quick response times. The system supported five user profiles, simultaneous Bluetooth pairing, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers, and a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system provided premium audio quality.

For 2022, the Pacifica offered Amazon Fire TV for its rear-seat entertainment system, allowing passengers to stream or download content. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the rear-seat entertainment system might be unnecessary for families with their own devices. The surround-view camera system and parking assist were useful features, but the adaptive cruise control needed refinement.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen as standard, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which was a notable omission. The Sienna offered a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect telematics services, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect.

Higher trim levels featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also offered a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and Qi wireless phone charging on select models. The technology package was comprehensive, providing a range of features to enhance the driving experience and keep passengers entertained.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, the adaptive cruise control needed improvement, as it was slow to recognize lane changes and overly aggressive in braking when other vehicles cut in.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and tire-pressure monitoring.