2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered practical advantages that many three-row midsize crossover SUVs lacked. Its sliding side doors made it easy to load children in tight parking spaces, and its plug-in hybrid drivetrain 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 reaching $57,680 for the Limited trim with options. The interior, while nice with black Nappa premium leather, felt dated compared to more modern designs.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood out with its imposing size and luxurious presence. Towering nearly six-and-a-half feet above the ground and stretching up to 19 feet in length, it was a motorized cargo container with three rows of leather seats and advanced technology. The Escalade's design, with thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits on the Sport Platinum trim, masked its mass and gave it an athletic look. Inside, the first row featured a curved array of screens and high-quality materials, though some parts borrowed from cheaper GM vehicles detracted from the overall luxury feel.

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 van could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible, and the regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was unremarkable, with light steering, grabby brakes, and a lack of cornering grip.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, providing adequate power for towing up to 8,200 pounds. However, it felt heavy and sluggish in passing situations. The Escalade-V variant, with a supercharged Corvette V8 producing 682 horsepower, addressed the acceleration issue but seemed like overkill. An optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 provided smoother torque delivery and better fuel economy at 22 mpg combined. The Escalade's magnetic dampers and air suspension improved handling and ride quality, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go chairs, though they didn't fold into the floor. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, and the van provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind it, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 140.5 cubic feet with the second row removed. Storage solutions were plentiful, and the triple-zone climate control kept the cabin comfortable.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted the most space-efficient interior among large SUVs, with 25 cubic feet behind the third row, 73 cubic feet behind the second row, and 121 cubic feet with both rows down. The Escalade ESV variant offered even more space. The independent rear suspension allowed for generous headroom and legroom in all rows. The controls were user-friendly, and features like a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience. However, the second-row seats were not powered like the third row.

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

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear displays. The front camera displayed a high-res feed with navigation overlays, and Super Cruise offered hands-free highway driving with eye-tracking cameras. The Escalade also included night vision with pedestrian detection, a 36-speaker AKG audio system, and massaging front seats. The rear-seat entertainment system could stream apps like Hulu, and the LED headlights were very bright.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety features than any other vehicle, including a rear-seat reminder system. It had adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, though the adaptive cruise control needed refinement. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. It included standard features like forward automatic emergency braking, a Safety Alert seat, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included reverse emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and Super Cruise.