2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Subaru Forester

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 was not a plug-in hybrid SUV, but it stood out as the only plug-in hybrid minivan available, with a starting price of $49,095 for the base Touring L trim and going up to $57,645 for the Pinnacle version. The interior, while nice with black Nappa premium leather, felt somewhat dated compared to more modern designs.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester maintained a consistent, if not particularly exciting, design over the years. The Forester came in various trims, from the Base model at $26,395 to the Touring trim at $36,495. The Touring trim, which we tested, featured appealing 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim. Inside, the Forester offered Saddle Brown leather and a mix of traditional buttons and knobs, making it user-friendly. The Forester's design prioritized function over form, with robust roof rails and a practical interior layout.

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 Pacifica Hybrid 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, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and a lack of cornering grip.

The 2023 Subaru Forester, powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, delivered power to all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Forester's driving dynamics were impressive, with a comfortable yet communicative ride, responsive brakes, and excellent suspension tuning. The Forester's off-road capabilities were enhanced by the X-Mode off-road traction management system, available in various trims. However, the engine was considered merely adequate, and the Forester's fuel economy fell short of its EPA rating, returning 25.9 mpg on the testing route.

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 numerous storage options. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, but 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, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded and 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, with a practical and user-friendly interior. The Premium trim offered features like a panoramic glass sunroof, heated front seats, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Higher trims added dual-zone automatic climate control, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Forester's outward visibility was excellent, and the cargo area was usefully shaped, offering 26.9 cubic feet of space behind the back seat and 69.1 cubic feet with the back seat folded. The Forester's doors were well-sealed, and interior storage was plentiful.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, 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 premium sound system. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the rear-seat entertainment system might be unnecessary for families with their own devices.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology might have appeared outdated, but it was user-friendly. The Base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium audio system was available. The Forester's older Subaru Starlink infotainment system was preferred for its physical controls and ease of use, though the voice-recognition system was nearly useless.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive package of standard driver-assist and collision-avoidance 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 recognize lane departures and overly cautious when other vehicles cut in. The Pacifica 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 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight collection of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies, with updated software and cameras for improved performance. Higher trims added Automatic Emergency Steering and Rear Automatic Braking (RAB). The Forester's DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System monitored driver inattention and provided gesture control for climate settings. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, a notch down from the previous year's Top Safety Pick+ award, and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.