2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Dodge Durango

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a minivan that didn't shy away from its identity. Despite the stigma some people associated with minivans, the Pacifica Hybrid offered practical features like sliding side doors, which made it easier to load children in tight parking spaces. Its design, while not particularly striking, was functional and straightforward. The S Appearance Package added some flair, but it still wasn't a head-turner. The interior, with its black Nappa premium leather, felt high-quality, but the overall styling seemed a bit dated compared to more modern, angular designs.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Durango maintained a familiar yet attractive look, even in its 12th model year without a redesign. Dodge avoided the trend of oversized grilles, opting for clean, car-like styling with slim headlights and a distinctive rear featuring the brand's signature "racetrack" taillights. The SRT models added subtle yet unique features like a Viper-like hood and unique wheels, enhancing its muscular appearance. The Durango's interior, while not as distinctive as its exterior, offered a comfortable and well-appointed space, especially in higher trims with features like Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats.

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 imperceptible, and the regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery. During testing, the Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg, outperforming its main rival, the Toyota Sienna, in terms of efficiency. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light steering, unremarkable brakes, and a lack of cornering grip.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8, standard on the R/T trim, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 model featured a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The SRT Hellcat, with its 6.2-liter supercharged V8, produced 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Durango's performance was impressive, especially in the Hellcat variant, but its size made it somewhat awkward on twisty roads. However, it excelled on highways, offering a thrilling driving experience with minimal wind and tire noise.

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 heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were plentiful, with various bins, shelves, and cupholders. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n’ Go seats but required removal to maximize 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 Dodge Durango offered both seven-seat and six-seat configurations, with the latter featuring second-row captain's chairs. Interior space was competitive with other midsize SUVs, providing adequate headroom and legroom across all three rows. However, the Durango's cargo space was less generous, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.1 cubic feet behind the first row. Small-item storage was ample, and the Durango offered a large wireless charging pad and well-placed USB ports. Towing capacity was a strong point, with V6 models capable of towing up to 6,200 pounds and V8 models up to 8,700 pounds.

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 useful 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 their own devices.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on SXT and GT models, while the Citadel and SRT models featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen used the Uconnect 5 system, which was responsive and easy to use. The SRT models included the Performance Pages app, providing performance information such as timers and a g-force meter. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available with the Premium Package on the SRT Hellcat model.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, the adaptive cruise control system needed refinement, as it was slow to recognize departing vehicles and overly aggressive in braking when other motorists cut in.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings. The IIHS awarded it top marks in some tests but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating, with five stars in the side crash test but four stars in the frontal crash test. RWD models received four stars in the rollover test, while AWD models got three stars. Standard driver-assist features were limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert standard on all trims, but forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking were only standard on the Citadel trim.