2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a minivan that didn't shy away from its identity. Despite the stigma some associated with minivans, it offered practical features like sliding side doors, which made loading children in tight parking spaces a breeze. The Pacifica Hybrid was not a plug-in hybrid SUV, but it stood out as the only plug-in hybrid minivan available, with a starting price of $49,095 for the base Touring L trim. The Limited trim, which included extra-cost paint, the S Appearance Package, and a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system, brought the MSRP to $57,680. The interior featured quality black Nappa premium leather, but the overall design felt soft and dated compared to more modern, architectural styles.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Bronco offered nine distinct trim levels, each with a blend of retro-cool styling and modern engineering. The Bronco's blocky shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights were unmistakable. The Base trim had a primitive look with steel wheels, while the Raptor trim showcased a wide stance and massive tires. The new Heritage trim added nostalgic touches like a white grille and plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's rugged interior featured a broad dash, sealed switches, and waterproof marine-grade vinyl upholstery. It also included practical elements like drain plugs and replaceable handholds, making it easy to clean after off-road adventures.

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 Pacifica Hybrid's 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. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and a lack of cornering grip.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 with 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 in the Raptor trim with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. The base four-cylinder engine was adequate for most on- and off-road adventures, while the 2.7-liter V6 was better suited for the heavier four-door model. The Raptor's EcoBoost engine provided excessive power, making it a thrilling choice. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than a typical SUV but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler, and it tracked straight on highways. However, its high-riding dimensions and all-terrain tires required careful handling on curving roads.

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 included extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin behind the center console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go chairs, but they needed to be removed 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 seats folded and 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, especially in the four-door model. The two-door Bronco offered 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 52.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, while the four-door model provided 35.6 cubic feet and 77.6 cubic feet, respectively. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo and sleeping comfortably. The Bronco's interior featured netted door pockets, a rubberized tray for phones, and accessory rails atop the dash. The fenders and doors could be easily removed for hardcore off-roading, with the exception of the Raptor's oversized fenders.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with 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 FamCam, a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and an available rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the sound quality required adjustment for satisfaction. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a surround-view camera system and parking assist, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces.

The 2023 Ford Bronco incorporated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, including G.O.A.T. drive modes, numerous camera views, and Trail Turn Assist. These features made it easier for novices to tackle challenging terrain and provided seasoned off-roaders with manual control options. The Bronco also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Ford's SYNC 4, and an available 12-inch infotainment touchscreen. A wireless charging pad was optional, and the Bronco's tech features extended to safety and convenience, with options for a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise control.

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, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control needed refinement, as it was slow to recognize lane departures 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 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it a "Good" rating in most crashworthiness tests but an "Acceptable" rating for head restraints and seats. Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, hill-start assist, and hill-descent control. The Mid package added blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and rear parking sensors, while the High package included front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system. The Luxe package offered adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist.