2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

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 a unique offering in its category. It wasn't particularly stylish, even with the S Appearance Package, and it came with a hefty price tag. The interior, while nice with black Nappa premium leather, felt somewhat dated compared to more modern designs. Chrysler didn't try to disguise the Pacifica's minivan nature, which could be a drawback for those seeking a more rugged image.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender was a hit with its boxy, classic truck design, reminiscent of the old LR4. The Defender's industrial design was consistent and appealing, with square-jawed features and steep angles. It paid homage to the original 1980s Defender with tasteful accents like faux-metal step plates and skylights. The Defender was available in three body styles: 90, 110, and 130, each offering different seating configurations. The interior, while functional and durable, lacked the opulence of other luxury SUVs, sticking to a mission of practicality. Despite its high price, the Defender's build quality and unique character made it a popular choice.

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 electric drive system provided immediate torque, making the Pacifica feel adequately powered 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 unremarkable, with light steering, grabby brakes, and a somewhat unnatural ride quality due to the low-mounted battery.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with exceptional grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its Terrain Response 2 system adapted the vehicle's powertrain and chassis to various surfaces, making it a formidable off-road machine. On-road, however, the Defender's performance was less impressive. It suffered from excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The V8 engine, with 518 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque, provided thrilling acceleration but felt out of place in such a top-heavy vehicle. The six-cylinder engine, part of a mild hybrid system, offered 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, delivering a smoother and more efficient performance. The Defender's fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning a poor 14/19/16 mpg, while the six-cylinder achieved a more reasonable 18/23/20 mpg.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone climate control, and numerous storage options. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats but required removal 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. With the third-row seats folded, cargo space expanded to 87.5 cubic feet, and removing the second-row seats increased it to 140.5 cubic feet.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, with the ability to seat up to eight passengers in the 130 model. The 90 model could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 offered an optional third row. The Defender's large windows and skylights provided excellent visibility, and the 130 model featured a panoramic moonroof. Cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering 77 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The 110 provided 79 cubic feet with the second row folded, while the 90 offered 58 cubic feet. The Defender also boasted numerous off-road and utility features, including a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, and power-deployable side steps.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system allowed for five user profiles and included a FamCam overhead camera system for monitoring rear-seat passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also featured a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, though its default settings required adjustment for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but seemed redundant for tech-savvy teenagers with their own devices.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system with either a standard 10-inch or optional 11.4-inch touchscreen. The system was quick and easy to operate, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and connected apps. The Defender's base model included manual fabric seats and a basic stereo, while higher trims offered heated power seats, a Meridian sound system, and additional features like adaptive cruise control and a head-up display. The X trim added air suspension, a locking rear differential, and an upgraded Terrain Response 2 system.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, its adaptive cruise control system needed refinement, as it was slow to recognize lane changes and overly cautious in moderate traffic.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations but received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP. It came with six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. However, it lacked front knee airbags and rear side thorax airbags.