2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid sported the classic minivan design that often evoked mixed feelings among consumers. It was clear that it lacked the rugged allure of a three-row midsize crossover SUV. However, practicality didn’t go unnoticed. Unlike SUVs, the Pacifica Hybrid offered handy sliding side doors, which made loading children in tight parking spaces a breeze, potentially saving backs and nearby car doors from damage.

With no competition in the plug-in hybrid, three-row category from mainstream brands, the Pacifica Hybrid stood alone. It wasn’t aiming for visual stunners, even with the additional S Appearance Package on the Limited-trim test vehicle. The base model started at $49,095, escalating to $57,645 for the Pinnacle version, and our test model added up to $57,680 with extra features. Inside, the black Nappa premium leather added a hint of luxury, but overall, the rounded and flowing design was seen as somewhat outdated compared to the edgy designs gaining popularity.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4, available in six trim levels, offered a more contemporary look, especially in its Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, which retained a two-part face design. The Adventure model we tested had an aggressive grille, black wheels, and beefier cladding, but it was more about appearances than off-road capabilities. Interior touches included orange accents and a frameless rearview mirror, adding a hint of flair. The RAV4’s moonroof reduced the headroom, but its design catered to those who liked a rugged yet urban vehicle, making it a stylish choice for many.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled at efficiently transporting up to seven passengers. Its plug-in hybrid drivetrain, combining a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivered 260 horsepower. The electric drive torque was immediate, allowing the Pacifica Hybrid to handle full loads without feeling underpowered. Notably, it could travel up to 32 miles purely on electricity, perfect for daily commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system further enhanced fuel efficiency, resulting in an average of 37.1 mpg in our tests.

When the gasoline engine kicked in, it did so smoothly and quietly. The Pacifica Hybrid’s powertrain operated efficiently without requiring driver input regarding modes like EV or Sport. However, the driving experience was noted as dull, with light steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and limited cornering grip. The boring drive was cited as a potential deal-breaker, despite the powertrain’s brilliance.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, preferable to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) found in some competitors. However, this setup didn’t impress in terms of acceleration and was considered noisy. The Adventure trim, with its rugged appearance, lacked the true off-road capabilities of the TRD Off-Road model, which featured a TRD-tuned suspension and all-terrain tires.

Minivans excelled in comfort and utility, and the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was no exception. It offered three comfortable rows of seats and significant cargo space. With 32.3 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row tumbled and a massive 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed, it surpassed many full-size SUVs in cargo capacity. The interior featured quality leather upholstery, a triple-zone climate control system, and numerous storage options. However, the second-row seats didn’t fold into the floor, limiting some flexibility compared to the standard Pacifica.

Comparatively, the 2023 Toyota RAV4, seating five, provided 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. While these figures were respectable and better than some competitors like the Mazda CX-5, they fell behind class leaders like the Honda CR-V. The RAV4 offered generous front storage options with ample door pockets and additional convenience elements such as lever-style gear shifters.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was an early adopter of the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. It featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with appealing graphics, user-friendly controls, and rapid responsiveness. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth pairing for two devices, and connected services like Amazon Alexa compatibility and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the voice recognition system showed inconsistencies. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV allowed downloading and streaming of content, although it was largely ignored by the teenagers who tested it, preferring their personal devices.

For 2023, Toyota upgraded the RAV4’s infotainment system. The standard 8.0-inch touchscreen was complemented by a 10.5-inch screen for higher trims, supporting over-the-air updates and featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Our Adventure tester came with the upgraded system, including an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio setup. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version available on higher trims. This upgrade brought the RAV4 up to date with current technology expectations, enhancing its appeal.

Chrysler claimed the 2022 Pacifica offered more standard safety features than any other vehicle, with a package of driver-assist and collision-avoidance features. However, adaptive cruise control paired with lane-centering assist wasn’t available, a minor drawback for long-distance travel. Nevertheless, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist were included but required refinement in certain traffic conditions. The Pacifica earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a slight concern in frontal-impact protection where it received four stars.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with the TSS 2.5 suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was standard from the XLE trim upwards. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, reflecting its strong performance in safety evaluations.