2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered a unique proposition as a plug-in hybrid vehicle. It wasn't the most visually appealing option, even with the S Appearance Package, and its price point was on the higher side, starting at $49,095 for the base model. The interior, while comfortable with black Nappa leather, felt somewhat dated compared to more modern designs. However, the Pacifica Hybrid stood out as a practical choice for families, offering the convenience of sliding doors and the ability to transport up to seven people efficiently. Its plug-in hybrid status made it a rare find in the market, providing an electric-only driving range that was unmatched by other minivans.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder presented a more rugged and modern aesthetic, with its futuristic headlights and angular design elements. The interior was thoughtfully designed, offering a sensible layout that was both easy to look at and live with. The Pathfinder came in various trims, including the off-road-oriented Rock Creek, which featured unique styling elements and enhanced off-road capabilities. The Platinum trim offered premium features like upgraded leather upholstery and a digital instrument panel. Overall, the Pathfinder's design and features aimed to keep it relevant and appealing for years to come.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total output of 260 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid system 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 seamless, and the regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery. However, the driving experience was somewhat uninspiring, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was praised for its efficiency, achieving an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, with the Rock Creek trim offering a slight power boost to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. The engine was paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. The Pathfinder's performance was smooth and quiet, with a rotary drive mode dial offering various settings for different driving conditions. The Rock Creek trim added off-road capabilities with a taller suspension and all-terrain tires, though this resulted in a rougher ride on paved roads. The Pathfinder also boasted a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds with the right equipment.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seating and ample cargo space. With the third-row seats folded, it provided 87.5 cubic feet of cargo space, and removing the second-row seats expanded this to 140.5 cubic feet. The interior featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone climate control, and numerous storage compartments. However, the second-row seats were not as easily stowable as in the standard Pacifica, requiring manual removal for maximum cargo space.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. With all seats upright, it provided 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which was average for its class. The first two rows offered ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips. The Pathfinder featured numerous cupholders and storage compartments, as well as a practical roof rack on the Rock Creek trim. However, the roof rack's proximity to the roof made snow removal challenging in colder climates.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system allowed for multiple user profiles and included features like SiriusXM satellite radio and Amazon Alexa compatibility. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the sound quality of the Harman Kardon audio system required adjustment for optimal performance. The Pacifica also offered an optional rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV, though it was not frequently used by passengers during testing.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with larger 9-inch screens available on higher trims. The system was user-friendly, with logical menu layouts and physical buttons for easy operation. While the graphics were not the most advanced, the Pathfinder offered essential connectivity features like Bluetooth, satellite radio, and voice recognition. Higher trims added wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and additional USB ports, ensuring passengers could stay connected and charged on the go.

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 required refinement, as it was slow to resume speed and overly cautious in traffic. 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 received four stars.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered a robust set of standard driver assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The SV trim added ProPilot Assist with lane centering and adaptive cruise control, while the SL trim included front parking sensors and a 360-degree parking monitor. The Platinum trim added rain-sensing wipers and a head-up display, enhancing safety and convenience for drivers.