2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered practical advantages that many three-row midsize crossover SUVs lacked. Its sliding side doors made it easy to load children in tight parking spaces, and its plug-in hybrid drivetrain was unique among mainstream brands. However, its rounded, flowing exterior and interior styling appeared soft and dated compared to the more architectural motifs popular at the time. The Pacifica Hybrid was not cheap, with the base Touring L starting at $49,095 and the top Pinnacle version costing $57,645. Our test vehicle, a Limited trim with additional features, had an MSRP of $57,680. The interior, though nice with black Nappa premium leather, did not hide its minivan identity, unlike the more stylish Kia Carnival.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50, on the other hand, featured a blunt nose, long hood, and a cabin pulled back toward the rear wheels, exuding a subtle seductiveness typical of Mazda's design. It also conveyed ruggedness with blistered and boxed fender swells, lower body cladding, and fake skidplates. The CX-50's design elements, including a black grille, mirror caps, and available 20-inch wheels, came together appealingly. The CX-50 offered two engine options: a 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a turbocharged version producing up to 256 hp. Prices ranged from $26,800 to $41,550, with our top-of-the-line test vehicle priced at $43,170. The interior featured black leather with caramel-colored stitching, quality materials, and a driver-focused design, though some storage opportunities were missed.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid's plug-in hybrid drivetrain combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine 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 on a mixed driving loop. The transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible, and the powertrain operated efficiently without requiring driver intervention. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and limited cornering grip.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two powertrain options. The base 2.5 S model had a 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the 2.5 Turbo variants featured a turbocharged version producing up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on 93-octane fuel. The CX-50 2.5 Turbo had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, compared to 2,000 pounds for the base model. The turbocharged engine provided smooth acceleration with minimal turbo lag, and the SUV's driving modes (Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing) worked with G-Vectoring Control technology to ensure natural vehicle behavior. The CX-50's ride quality was firmer than the CX-5, and it handled off-road situations well, though it lacked a downhill assist control system. The CX-50 2.5 Turbo averaged 23.4 mpg in combined driving.

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, bins, and a large floor tray. 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 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 increased to 87.5 cubic feet, and removing the second-row seats expanded it to 140.5 cubic feet.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50's interior featured power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The front seats were comfortable for long drives, though they could use more side bolstering. The back seat was roomy enough for adults, and rear doors opened to nearly a 90-degree angle for easy entry and exit. Storage space was adequate, though some opportunities were missed. The CX-50 offered 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with a maximum of 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The load floor was long but narrow between the wheel wells, and side bins helped secure items.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with 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 camera system. The 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system was standard on the Limited trim, though sound quality required adjustment. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but not widely used by teenagers. The Pacifica Hybrid also had a surround-view camera system and a parking assist system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. The base model had an 8.8-inch display, while higher trims featured a 10.25-inch display. Mazda Connect historically lacked touchscreen control, but the CX-50 allowed touchscreen use for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. The CX-50 also offered an Active Driving Display (HUD) with useful data, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety and security features than any other vehicle in the industry. It included a rear-seat reminder system and a complete package of driver-assist and collision-avoidance features. However, adaptive cruise control needed refinement, particularly in recognizing departing vehicles and moderating speed when other motorists cut in. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection rated four stars.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was expected to rate high for safety, like other Mazda models. It offered a generous standard package of driving assistance systems, with additional features available on the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim. These included Traffic Jam Assist, active blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in, requiring manual braking.