2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan stigma, offered practical advantages over three-row midsize crossover SUVs. It lacked the rugged appeal of an SUV but compensated with sliding side doors, making it easier to load children in tight parking spaces. The Pacifica Hybrid's design, while not striking, was functional, and its interior, though not cutting-edge, provided a quality feel with black Nappa premium leather. However, its rounded styling appeared dated compared to more modern, angular designs.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, especially in the Trailhawk trim, aimed for a rugged, upscale look. It featured sky blue exterior detailing, a matte-black hood decal, and unique wheels with all-terrain tires. The interior, however, fell short of luxury expectations, with excessive plastic and glossy surfaces that attracted dust and fingerprints. The leather and artificial suede upholstery were nice, but the overall feel leaned more towards style than substance.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiency and practicality. Its plug-in hybrid drivetrain combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing 260 horsepower. The 16-kWh battery allowed for up to 32 miles of electric-only driving, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The Pacifica Hybrid delivered an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg on a mixed driving loop, outperforming its rival, the Toyota Sienna, in terms of powertrain smoothness and efficiency. However, the driving experience was unremarkable, with light steering, grabby brakes, and a lack of cornering grip.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, on the other hand, boasted a robust 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque from its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 17.3-kWh battery. It offered impressive off-roading capabilities with a standard 4WD system, Selec-Terrain technology, and a height-adjustable air suspension. However, its real-world performance fell short, with an average of 19.3 mpg in hybrid mode and only 21.2 miles of electric range. The driving experience was marred by an unrefined gas engine, uneven power delivery, and intrusive regenerative braking.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and up to 140.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The interior featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone climate control, and ample storage options. 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 third-row seats were reasonably comfortable, and the Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind them.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, while equipped with eight-way power-adjustable front seats and heating/ventilation features, fell short in comfort and practicality. The front seats were firm and flat, and the rear seats lacked support and legroom. The cargo space was limited to 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 70.8 cubic feet with them folded down, which was small for a midsize SUV.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system allowed for five user profiles and included a FamCam overhead camera system for monitoring rear passengers. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the Harman Kardon sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but not essential for tech-savvy teenagers.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe's Trailhawk trim included a 10.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.3-inch front passenger infotainment screen, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Jeep Connect services. However, the low-contrast graphics and average voice recognition detracted from the user experience. The front passenger infotainment screen went unused during testing, and the optional wireless smartphone charger should have been standard.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with 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 needed refinement, as it was slow to resume speed and braked too hard when other vehicles cut in. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Trailhawk trim added an active blind-spot monitoring system, intersection assist, a surround-view camera, and a Night Vision system. However, the lane-departure warning system issued false alerts, and the lane-keeping assist was intrusive in curves. The Grand Cherokee 4xe earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though the latter did not specifically test the 4xe model.