2023 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered a unique proposition in the automotive market. It was a plug-in hybrid minivan, a rarity among mainstream brands, providing a practical solution for families needing efficient transportation. While its design didn't attempt to disguise its minivan roots, unlike some crossover SUVs, it offered the convenience of sliding doors and a spacious interior. The Pacifica Hybrid's styling, both inside and out, was more rounded and softer compared to the sharper, more modern designs gaining popularity. Despite its high price tag, the Pacifica Hybrid's interior featured quality materials, such as black Nappa leather, but its overall aesthetic felt somewhat dated.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V adopted a more conservative and refined design, shedding some of the personality of its predecessor. Its exterior featured a blunt nose, long hood, and stretched wheelbase, giving it a cleaner and slightly more aggressive look. The CR-V's interior was simple yet high-quality, with a dashboard inspired by the latest Civic model. The EX-L trim offered leather-wrapped seats and a larger touchscreen infotainment system, enhancing the overall experience. While the CR-V's design was not groundbreaking, it was expected to age well, appealing to those seeking a more traditional SUV appearance.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total output of 260 horsepower. The electric drive system provided immediate torque, ensuring the Pacifica never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded. It could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, contributing to an impressive average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was described as dull, with light steering, unremarkable brakes, and limited cornering grip.

The 2023 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. While the engine provided ample power for a compact SUV, the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) detracted from the driving experience with its droning noise during acceleration. Despite this, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, offering a smooth and engaging drive. It effectively managed body motion and absorbed road imperfections, making it enjoyable to drive on various terrains. The CR-V achieved an average fuel economy of 29.1 mpg, aligning with its EPA rating.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. It featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. The interior provided numerous storage options, including a large floor tray and a long storage bin accessible from the second row. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, though they required removal to maximize cargo space. 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 folded and 140.5 cubic feet with the second row removed.

The 2023 Honda CR-V claimed to be the roomiest yet, though the driver's seat felt more car-like than SUV-like. The second row offered more space, with a high seating position and ample legroom. Storage options were plentiful, with a large bin under the center armrest and various trays and bins throughout the cabin. The CR-V's cargo area provided 39.3 cubic feet of space with the rear load floor in its lowest position, expanding to 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, offering a user-friendly interface and customizable user profiles. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The available FamCam system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the Harman Kardon sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat entertainment, though it was deemed unnecessary by some users.

The 2023 Honda CR-V came with a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the EX trim, while the EX-L trim featured a larger 9-inch display. The EX-L added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an upgraded sound system. However, the CR-V's technology package was considered basic compared to competitors, lacking features like a premium sound system and navigation. The infotainment system was an improvement over the previous generation but did not surpass rivals in terms of innovation.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control system required 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, though its frontal-impact protection received four stars.

The 2023 Honda CR-V improved its driver-assist systems with the Honda Sensing package, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. New features included a seatbelt reminder system, driver monitoring system, and traffic sign recognition. The CR-V's lane-centering assist system needed improvement, as it struggled with certain road conditions. Honda's ACE body structure and new airbag designs aimed to enhance occupant protection, though crash test ratings were pending.