2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a minivan that, despite its practical advantages, struggled with an image problem. It lacked the rugged appeal of a three-row midsize crossover SUV, which many consumers preferred for its active lifestyle connotations. However, the Pacifica Hybrid offered unique benefits, such as sliding side doors that made loading children in tight parking spaces easier and prevented back injuries and vehicle dents. Despite its higher price tag, the Pacifica Hybrid stood out as a plug-in hybrid minivan, a rarity in the market, offering an electric-only driving range and a spacious interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a "modernist" and "reductive" design philosophy, focusing on clean and simple aesthetics. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, but it exuded understated elegance. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, looked sophisticated. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, combined with aluminum and shiny black trim, created a luxurious ambiance. The Range Rover Sport's design highlights included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED taillights, contributing to its sleek and aerodynamic profile.

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's powertrain seamlessly transitioned between electric and gasoline modes, providing a smooth and efficient driving experience. However, the minivan's driving dynamics were unremarkable, with light steering, grabby regenerative brakes, and limited cornering grip. Despite these drawbacks, the Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiency, achieving an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The plug-in hybrid variant, exclusive to the Autobiography P440e, delivered 434 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 51 miles of electric driving range. The Range Rover Sport's performance was impressive, with the SE Dynamic P400 accelerating to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and achieving a combined fuel economy of 22.3 mpg. However, its driving dynamics fell short of sport-tuned SUVs from competitors like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, with noticeable body roll and less engaging steering.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seats and ample cargo space. The minivan's interior featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone automatic climate control, and numerous storage compartments. 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 for adults and children, and the Pacifica Hybrid offered up to 140.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second-row seats removed.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained the brand's Command Driving Position, providing a tall and airy feel. The front seats were comfortable, with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. However, the rear seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and hard front seatback panels. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Range Rover Sport's interior featured high-quality materials, but storage space was limited, and the rear seat's reclined angle forced a slouched posture.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system allowed for five user profiles and included features like FamCam, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the rear-seat entertainment system was underutilized by tech-savvy teenagers.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating to use, with inconsistent voice recognition and difficulty accessing certain features. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system, enhancing the driving experience.

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 needed refinement, as it was slow to respond to changing traffic conditions. The Pacifica Hybrid 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 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The adaptive cruise control with steering assist was slow to respond and struggled with lane-keeping on freeway curves. The Range Rover Sport also featured Remote Park Assist, allowing the SUV to park itself while the driver directed it using a smartphone app.