2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a minivan that didn't shy away from its identity. Despite the stigma some people associated with minivans, it offered practical features like sliding side doors, which made loading children in tight parking spaces a breeze. The vehicle's design, while not particularly striking, was functional and aimed at efficiency. The Limited trim, with its S Appearance Package, added some visual flair, but the Pacifica Hybrid remained a minivan through and through.

Inside, the 2022 model featured a comfortable and well-appointed interior with black Nappa premium leather. However, its rounded, flowing design felt somewhat dated compared to the more modern, angular styles gaining popularity. Despite its high price tag, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a unique combination of plug-in hybrid efficiency and minivan practicality, making it a compelling choice for those who prioritized functionality over aesthetics.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid continued to offer the same practical benefits as its predecessor, with a few updates. The Limited trim with the S Appearance Package added body-colored door handles and exterior mirrors, along with black accents and 18-inch wheels. The split grille and LED headlamps gave it a modern look, while the LED tail lamps spanned the entire width of the rear. Despite its minivan status, the Pacifica Hybrid remained a practical choice for families.

Inside, the 2023 model featured a dark interior with Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dashboard design. The HVAC and audio knobs were chunky and easy to use, though their proximity to the transmission selector dial could be confusing. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the third row offered enough space for adults on extended trips. However, the Pacifica Hybrid lacked some features available in the non-hybrid version, such as Stow 'n Go seats and a built-in vacuum cleaner.

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. This setup produced a total of 260 horsepower, with the electric drive system providing immediate torque. The 16-kWh battery pack allowed for up to 32 miles of all-electric driving, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible.

During testing, the Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg, outperforming the Toyota Sienna in terms of efficiency. However, the driving experience was somewhat dull, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and limited cornering grip. Despite these drawbacks, the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was impressive, offering a seamless and efficient driving experience.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid retained the same 3.6-liter V6 engine, 16-kWh battery, and dual-motor electric drive system, delivering 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. The EPA rated it for 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined fuel economy. In real-world testing, it exceeded these estimates, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range.

Charging the battery on a Level 2 home charger took just two hours, while a standard outlet required 14 hours. The Pacifica Hybrid defaulted to all-electric mode first, which was efficient for city driving but less so for highway commutes. The vehicle lacked the ability to hold electric-only mode, limiting driver control over power usage. Additionally, the hybrid model was front-wheel drive only and couldn't be equipped with a towing package or spare tire. Despite these limitations, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a smooth and efficient driving experience, with a lower center of gravity for better handling.

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 kept the interior comfortable. Storage options were plentiful, with extra shelves, a large floor tray, and multiple bins and cupholders. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow 'n Go seats, though they couldn't collapse into the floor. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, and the cargo space behind it measured 32.3 cubic feet, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the seats folded and 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid continued to offer practical features, including the FamCam interior camera for monitoring rear passengers. The heated and cooled front seats and heated steering wheel added to the comfort, while the second-row seats were comfortable but low. The third row provided enough space for adults, though taller passengers might prefer the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna. The hybrid model lacked Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement, but cargo space remained the same, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. However, the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey offered more overall cargo space.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and quick response times. It supported 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 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 available but might be unnecessary for families with personal devices.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid also came with the Uconnect 5 system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with streaming capabilities and HDMI ports. However, the cost of this feature might not be justifiable for families with personal devices. The vehicle offered multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging, ensuring that devices remained charged throughout the journey.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It offered 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 safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid also came with a robust set of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking assist, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was effective, and the adaptive cruise control performed smoothly. However, features like parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist required additional packages or the top Pinnacle trim. The 2023 model had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 version received a five-star overall safety rating, and the IIHS gave it Good marks in most categories.