2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite being a minivan, offered practical advantages over three-row midsize crossover SUVs. It featured sliding side doors for easy access in tight spaces, making it convenient for families. However, its rounded, flowing exterior and interior design appeared soft and dated compared to the more modern, architectural styles gaining popularity. The Pacifica Hybrid was not a looker, even with the S Appearance Package, and its pricing started at $49,095 for the base Touring L trim, reaching up to $57,645 for the Pinnacle version.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling update, shedding some of its quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The HR-V Sport trim featured 18-inch black alloy wheels, a black rear spoiler, and a more aggressive grille, while the EX-L trim offered perforated leather seats and dual-zone climate control. The interior design followed the trend set by the 2022 Civic, with premium touches like a metal honeycomb grille and touch-sensitive lights.

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 achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing, thanks to its regenerative braking system. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and limited cornering grip.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. The updated CVT with Step-Shift function aimed to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. Drivers could choose from Normal, Snow, ECON, and Sport modes to suit different driving conditions. The HR-V's new front and fully independent rear suspensions, along with widened tracks, made it surprisingly fun to drive on mountain roads, though it was not overpowered. The HR-V's competitors, like the Kia Seltos and Ford Bronco Sport, offered multiple powertrain options, including turbocharged engines.

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 extra shelves, large floor trays, and multiple bins. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go chairs, though they did not collapse into the floor. The third-row seat provided reasonable comfort, and the Pacifica Hybrid offered 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 seats removed.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, being a subcompact SUV, had a well-thought-out interior despite its smaller size. The center console featured a shelf for storing cords and devices, and the rear seats offered a higher seating position for easier entry and egress. The HR-V's cargo space measured 24.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded, slightly smaller than the previous model. The new HR-V had 98.7 cubic feet of passenger volume in LX and Sport trims and 97.3 in EX-L. Rear-seat legroom decreased slightly to 37.7 inches, while front-row legroom improved to 41.9 inches.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, offering appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and speedy response. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but not widely used by teenagers during testing.

The 2023 Honda HR-V's infotainment system featured a tablet-style touchscreen rising above the dash. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across the lineup, with wireless versions available on EX-L trim. The EX-L also offered a 9-inch infotainment display with six programmable shortcuts and a Smart Shortcuts feature. Standard features included three USB-A ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and a four-speaker audio system. Sport trims added a six-speaker audio system, Smart Entry, remote start, and walkaway auto lock, while EX-L trims included an eight-speaker audio system, WiFi capability, and SiriusXM and HD Radio.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive package of standard driver-assist and collision-avoidance features, including a rear-seat reminder system. However, it lacked adaptive cruise control paired with lane-centering assist. The adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist needed refinement, as it was slow to recognize lane departures and overly aggressive in braking. 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 Honda HR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, road-departure mitigation, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. New features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and automatic high-beams. The EX-L trim added front and rear parking sensors and low-speed braking control. The 2023 HR-V had not yet been crash-tested, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and mostly "Good" scores from the IIHS.