2023 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered a practical and efficient solution for families. It might not have been the most stylish vehicle, even with the S Appearance Package, but it provided the convenience of sliding side doors and a spacious interior. The Pacifica Hybrid's design, both inside and out, leaned towards a softer, more rounded aesthetic, which some might have found dated compared to the sharper, more modern designs of its competitors. However, the black Nappa premium leather interior added a touch of quality, even if the overall look didn't hide its minivan roots.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer embraced a sportier, more road-car-like appearance. With a low roofline, sleek profile, and a bold grille framed by stacked headlights, the Blazer stood out in the crowded crossover market. The RS trim, in particular, with its blackout trim, Red Hot paint, and 21-inch wheels, made a striking impression. The Blazer's interior continued this sporty theme, featuring an upright dashboard, large round air vents reminiscent of the Camaro, and a mix of cloth and available leather upholstery. The material quality, especially in the RS trim, was commendable, adding to the vehicle's overall appeal.

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 transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly seamless, and the regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery during driving. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was described as dull, with light steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and a lack of cornering grip. Despite these drawbacks, the powertrain's efficiency and the ability to handle speed humps impressively earned it high marks.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer offered two powertrain options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The V6 engine provided impressive acceleration and a sporty exhaust note, but the Blazer's handling was affected by its considerable weight and top-heavy design. The Blazer's AWD system required manual engagement, which was less convenient than some competitors' automatic systems. Despite these quirks, the Blazer offered a pleasant highway ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and Active Noise Cancellation.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seating and ample cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and numerous storage solutions, including a large floor tray and multiple bins. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, though they did not fold into the floor, requiring removal for maximum cargo space. 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 140.5 cubic feet with the second row removed.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer, a two-row, five-seat vehicle, offered nearly identical front-seat headroom to its rivals but slightly less rear-seat headroom. The Blazer's cargo space was 30.5 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, which was less than some competitors. Despite these numbers, the Blazer felt spacious from behind the wheel, with good visibility and functional interior details like well-placed USB ports and intuitive climate controls. The Blazer's relatively short overhangs made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came equipped 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 a Wi-Fi hotspot and the FamCam overhead camera system. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the Harman Kardon premium sound system required adjustment for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but might not be necessary if passengers had their own devices.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer received tech upgrades, including a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen and available wireless device charging. The infotainment system featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims included built-in navigation and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The Blazer's infotainment system was intuitive, with a user-friendly layout and large touchscreen. However, the optional 360-degree camera system lacked a dedicated button for easy access.

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, as it was slow to resume speed and overly cautious when other vehicles 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 2023 Chevrolet Blazer's standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and automatic high beams. Adaptive cruise control was newly available on the 2LT and 3LT trims. Optional features included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. The Blazer received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in all six IIHS crash-test categories.