2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite being a minivan, offered practical advantages that many three-row midsize crossover SUVs couldn't match. Its sliding side doors made it easy to load children in tight parking spaces, and its plug-in hybrid status was unique among mainstream brands. However, it wasn't a head-turner, even with the S Appearance Package, and its price tag was steep, starting at $49,095 for the base Touring L and climbing to $57,645 for the Pinnacle version. The interior, while nice with black Nappa premium leather, felt somewhat dated compared to more modern designs.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Venza, which re-emerged in 2021, rode on the proven Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform. It measured 186.6 inches long, 73.0 inches wide, and 65.9 inches tall, with a 105.9-inch wheelbase. The Venza's exterior design was modern and could easily fit into the Lexus lineup, with a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent nose. Inside, the Venza offered an elegant layout with high-quality materials, supportive front seats, and a spacious rear seat that could comfortably accommodate three adults.

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 delivered an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg on a mixed driving loop. However, the driving experience was unremarkable, with light steering, grabby regenerative brakes, and a somewhat unnatural ride quality due to the low-mounted battery weight.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, combined a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with three electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. The Venza offered a balanced performance with options for electric-only operation for short distances and drive modes like Normal, Eco, and Sport. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, and the Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program optimized battery charging based on driving habits. The Venza provided a sprightly performance and agile handling, making it a pleasant drive for a midsize family hauler.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and numerous storage options. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Stow n’ Go chairs, though they didn't 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 folded and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with good headroom and legroom in both. The second row offered 45.2 inches of hip room, making it comfortable for three adults. The interior featured numerous convenience features, including an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, electric parking brake, and ample storage options. The Venza's lithium-ion battery pack had minimal impact on cargo capacity, offering 28.8 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. Toyota also focused on making the Venza's cabin a quiet oasis with extensive sound-blocking and absorbing materials.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system allowed for five user profiles and included features like FamCam, a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and an available rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the sound quality of the Harman Kardon system required adjustment for optimal performance.

The 2022 Toyota Venza offered an eight-inch touchscreen on LE and XLE models, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Limited trim. The infotainment system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Limited trim added a nine-speaker JBL audio system, intelligent touch-capacitive controls, and navigation. Toyota Connected Services provided features like Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect. An Advanced Technology Package was available for the Limited trim, including a head-up display and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control needed refinement, particularly in recognizing departing vehicles and moderating speed when other motorists 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 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, including stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. It also featured eight airbags, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of driver aids. This included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.