2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Nissan Ariya

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's design, while not particularly striking, was functional and aimed at efficiency. The interior, with its black Nappa premium leather, felt high-quality, but the overall styling appeared somewhat dated compared to more modern vehicles.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Ariya boasted a modern and striking design, setting it apart from traditional gas-powered SUVs. Nissan avoided sharp creases and angles, opting for a smooth, oval shape that gave the Ariya a unique look. The front featured thin LED headlights and a black space mimicking a grille, while the rear had a thin taillight spanning the width. Inside, the Ariya showcased beautiful craftsmanship with minimal hard plastic, dual 12-inch monitors, and illuminated haptic buttons, creating a futuristic and airy cabin.

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 transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible, and the regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was described as dull, with light steering, unremarkable brakes, and limited cornering grip.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya offered a range of trims and powertrains, starting with the Engage FWD model, which had a 63-kWh battery and a 160-kW motor producing 214 horsepower. Higher trims like the Venture+ FWD featured an 87-kWh battery and a 178-kW motor with 238 horsepower. The top-tier Platinum+ AWD trim boasted a dual-motor setup with 389 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. The Ariya's steering was quick and direct, and its suspension provided a comfortable ride. The AWD system's torque-split tuning enhanced grip and stability, making the Ariya a delight to drive.

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

The 2023 Nissan Ariya's ground-up EV architecture created a spacious and airy interior, with plenty of legroom for both front and rear passengers. However, headroom in the back was slightly compromised by the large sunroof. The Ariya offered 59 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to other electric crossovers but less than traditional SUVs. Notable interior features included a powered bin under the center stack, a power-adjustable center console, and haptic buttons for various functions.

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 surround-view camera system, and a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the rear-seat entertainment system was deemed unnecessary by some users.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya featured dual 12-inch displays for driver information and infotainment, with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. The Ariya also included a head-up display on all but the base trim and offered Alexa compatibility for smart home integration. The infotainment system was user-friendly and modern, enhancing the overall tech-forward feel of the vehicle.

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 system 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 rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya introduced ProPilot Assist 2.0 on higher trims, offering hands-free driving capabilities and lane-change assist. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a driver-attention monitor, and traffic-sign recognition. While the Ariya had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, its advanced safety features and driver-assistance systems were promising.