2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered a unique blend of practicality and efficiency. While it didn't boast the rugged image of a crossover SUV, it provided the convenience of sliding side doors, making it ideal for families. The Pacifica Hybrid stood out as a plug-in hybrid minivan, a rarity in the market, offering an electric-only driving range that was unmatched by any three-row SUV from mainstream brands. However, its styling was considered soft and dated, and it came with a hefty price tag, even after accounting for federal tax credits. The interior, though comfortable with quality leather, didn't hide its minivan identity, unlike some competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue presented a more traditional SUV appearance with its chiseled styling and rugged detailing. It was available in multiple trims, with the Platinum trim offering a range of upscale features. The Rogue's interior was equipped with premium materials, including diamond-pattern leather seats, and provided a comfortable ride for four adults. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, and the key fob design was criticized for its lack of user-friendliness. Despite these drawbacks, the Rogue's design and features made it an appealing choice for those seeking a compact SUV with a touch of luxury.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was powered by a plug-in hybrid drivetrain combining a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total of 260 horsepower. The electric drive system provided immediate torque, ensuring the Pacifica never felt underpowered, 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 driving experience was described as dull, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes. Despite this, the powertrain's efficiency and seamless operation were highly praised.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. The CVT transmission, paired with this engine, offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. While the Rogue felt responsive in urban settings, it lacked passing power on the highway. The engine's unique sound and vibration were noted, potentially affecting perceived refinement. The Rogue's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 28.9 mpg. Despite these issues, the Rogue's ride quality and handling were generally well-balanced, though the steering lacked feedback.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. It featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage solutions were abundant, with various bins and trays throughout the cabin. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, though they 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, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded. Removing the second-row seats increased capacity to 140.5 cubic feet, surpassing many SUVs.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical family vehicle, accommodating four adults comfortably. It featured a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a panoramic sunroof, and premium leather upholstery. The front seats, designed with Nissan's Zero Gravity concept, were comfortable, though the rear seats lacked support. Storage was plentiful, but unlined compartments could lead to noise. The Rogue offered 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for versatile cargo configurations, and a hands-free power liftgate added convenience.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen with user-friendly controls and customizable profiles. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The FamCam system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers, and a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system was standard on higher trims. However, the voice recognition system was inconsistent, and the rear-seat entertainment system was deemed unnecessary by some users.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle featured a 9-inch screen, a Bose audio system, and a wireless charging pad. Alexa Built-in was standard on the Platinum trim, though voice recognition was unreliable. The Rogue also had a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a head-up display, both of which performed well. However, the infotainment system was considered outdated compared to newer offerings.

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 respond to changing traffic conditions. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came with Safety Shield 360, offering a range of driver assistance features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims included ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The system performed well, though braking could be abrupt. The Rogue received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, but its performance in updated crash tests was mixed. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact protection.