2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Cadillac XT5

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite being a minivan, offered practical advantages that many three-row midsize crossover SUVs lacked. Its sliding side doors made it easier to load children in tight parking spaces, and its plug-in hybrid drivetrain was unique among mainstream brands. However, its rounded, flowing exterior and interior styling appeared soft and dated compared to the more architectural motifs becoming popular. The Pacifica Hybrid was not a looker, even with the S Appearance Package, and it came with a hefty price tag, starting at $49,095 for the base Touring L and going up to $57,645 for the Pinnacle version.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 aimed to deliver affordable luxury but fell short in some areas. The cabin, while intuitively laid out and spacious, featured materials that seemed more fitting for a Buick or a top-trim Chevy. The XT5 offered good headroom and legroom in both rows, and its above-average cargo space was a redeeming feature. However, the interior felt dated, and there was nothing particularly memorable or unique about it. The XT5's cabin lacked the refinement and modernity seen in competitors like the Porsche Macan and Volvo XC60.

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 dull, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and a lack of cornering grip. Despite these drawbacks, the powertrain's efficiency and seamless operation earned it high marks.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5 came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. An available V6 engine offered 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, providing a more suitable driving experience. However, the XT5 lacked driving excitement with either engine. Handling was decent, but ride quality suffered on broken pavement, with more vibration and noise in the cabin than expected. The XT5's performance lagged behind competitors like the Porsche Macan S and BMW X3, which offered better handling and more powerful engine options.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone automatic climate control, and numerous storage options. The second-row seats were more comfortable than those in a standard Pacifica, and the third-row seat provided reasonable comfort for two adults or three kids. The Pacifica Hybrid offered 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5's interior had more hard plastics and cheaper materials than expected, but it offered useful storage spaces and good ergonomics for front-seat passengers. The maximum 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats was easy to access, and folding the rear seats expanded the space to 63 cubic feet. These specs were generous for the XT5's class, but the interior storage space for rear passengers was less impressive. The XT5's cargo area shape was more accommodating than some competitors, making it easier to load larger or taller items.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, offering appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and speedy response to inputs. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services. The available FamCam overhead camera system was a great feature for parents. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the Harman Kardon premium sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was a pricey option that might be unnecessary if passengers had their own devices.

The 2023 Cadillac XT5's CUE (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment system offered an intuitive, responsive interface with crisp graphics and smooth navigation on an 8-inch touchscreen. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and dual-zone climate controls. Cadillac retained physical buttons for the climate system and steering wheel controls, making the system easier to use compared to all-touch interfaces. The XT5 also offered a Bose premium audio system with 14 speakers, wireless charging, and navigation. While not as advanced as Volvo's Google-based system, the CUE system was more than acceptable and not distracting for the driver.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety and security features than any other vehicle in the industry. It included a rear-seat reminder system and a complete package of standard driver-assist and collision-avoidance features. However, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist was not available. The Pacifica Hybrid 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 2023 Cadillac XT5's last full crash test results were for the 2021 model, which earned top "Good" scores in all crash test areas but missed a Top Safety Pick award due to a "Marginal" score for its headlights. The XT5 offered standard safety tech, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and lane-keep assist. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and rear pedestrian braking. The XT5's car seat anchors were found to be near other hardware that could be confused for the anchor points.