2023 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan status, offered a unique proposition in the automotive market. It was a plug-in hybrid with three rows of seating, a rarity among mainstream brands. While it didn't boast the rugged appearance of a crossover SUV, it provided practical features like sliding side doors, which made it convenient for families. The Pacifica Hybrid's design, both inside and out, was more rounded and flowing, which some might have found dated compared to the sharper, more architectural styles gaining popularity. Despite its high price tag, the Pacifica Hybrid's interior was comfortable, with quality materials like black Nappa leather, though it didn't attempt to disguise its minivan identity.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Sportage arrived with a completely redesigned look that was both exciting and exotic, drawing comparisons to French automakers. Its styling, including distinctive boomerang-shaped daytime running lights and textured metal trim, garnered attention. The Sportage was available in seven trim levels, offering a range of options for buyers. Inside, Kia opted for synthetic leather upholstery, which was durable but not as luxurious as real leather. The Sportage's interior featured a large display and decent storage, though some design choices, like touch-sensitive HVAC controls, were less user-friendly. Overall, the Sportage's design was bold and modern, appealing to those seeking a stylish compact crossover.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. This setup allowed the Pacifica Hybrid to travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless, and the regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was described as dull, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes. Despite this, its powertrain was praised for its efficiency, achieving an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, on the other hand, offered a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. While it was more powerful than the previous model, it lacked the punch of the previous-generation's turbocharged engine. The Sportage was available with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, and it featured an eight-speed automatic transmission. The X-Pro trims added off-road capabilities with all-terrain tires and specific drive modes. However, the naturally aspirated engine struggled to compete with turbocharged rivals, and the X-Pro's off-road features made it less comfortable on-road. Overall, the Sportage's performance was adequate but not exceptional.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in terms of interior space and utility. It offered three comfortable rows of seats and a generous cargo area, with 32.3 cubic feet of space behind the third row and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior featured quality materials, triple-zone automatic climate control, and ample storage options. However, the second-row seats were not as versatile as the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, requiring removal for maximum cargo space. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid provided a spacious and comfortable environment for passengers and cargo alike.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, as a compact crossover, offered impressive interior space for its class. It featured 41.3 inches of rear-seat legroom and 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Sportage's front seats provided decent storage options, but its technology interface was criticized for overcomplicating basic functions. The touch-sensitive HVAC controls, in particular, were frustrating to use. Despite these drawbacks, the Sportage's interior was spacious and practical, making it a strong contender in the compact crossover segment.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display with appealing graphics and a user-friendly interface. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The available FamCam overhead camera system was a useful feature for parents. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the Harman Kardon sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered an optional rear-seat entertainment system, though it was deemed unnecessary for tech-savvy passengers with their own devices.

The 2023 Kia Sportage boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen interface on higher trims, paired with a panoramic driver information display. While the technology was impressive, the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the top interface was puzzling. The icons on the screen were also criticized for being too similar, making it difficult to navigate while driving. Despite these issues, the Sportage offered wireless charging, rear USB-C ports, and a Harman Kardon stereo on higher trims. Overall, the Sportage's technology was advanced and competitive for its class.

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 system was criticized for its slow response in certain situations. The Pacifica Hybrid 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 Kia Sportage offered a robust array of standard collision-avoidance tech and advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and rear backup sensors. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The SX Prestige and X-Pro Prestige trims included advanced safety features like the blind-view monitor and highway driving assist. However, the 2023 Sportage had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.