2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

For those who grappled with the aesthetics of a minivan, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid presented the quintessential challenge. Minivans typically conjured images of family trips and suburban life, often misconstrued as antithetical to the rugged individualism many aspired to. Despite the allure of the three-row midsize crossover SUV, which outwardly matched the essence of minivans sans the utility of sliding doors, the Pacifica Hybrid offered unparalleled practicality.

Visually, the Pacifica Hybrid was not a stunning vehicle. Even with the S Appearance Package enhancing our test model's Limited trim, it did not shy away from its minivan identity. Priced initially at $49,095 for the base Touring L and escalating to $57,680 for the Limited trim with extras like a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system, the vehicle did not guarantee affordability. However, a federal income tax credit managed to bring down its cost by $7,500.

Internally, the Pacifica Hybrid was clad in premium black Nappa leather, exuding a high-quality aura. However, its rounded and smooth design perspective, both inside and out, somewhat dated it amidst the contemporary shift towards more angular and defined aesthetics prevalent in vehicles today. Nonetheless, Chrysler did not misrepresent the minivan for what it truly was: a practical family vehicle equipped with a compelling plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna took a markedly different approach. Fighting against the oft-derided minivan aesthetic, Toyota's commitment to vanquishing the stigma was evident. The front-end styling emulated a sleek Japanese bullet train, complemented by 18-inch wheels on most trims, and 20s on specific XSE and Platinum FWD models. Toyota positioned the Sienna’s design as an argument against the stereotypes, seamlessly balancing larger cargo capacity and ease of access with an elevated style quotient.

Offered in multiple trims—from the base LE to the luxurious Platinum— and including a special 25th Anniversary Edition, the Sienna diversified its appeal. The XLE trim level, popular amongst value-conscious buyers, was well-equipped with standard features like LED fog lights, power sliding doors, and a power liftgate.

The Sienna’s interior was not only utilitarian but also charming. Brown leather upholstery in the Platinum trim, paired with wood-grain accents on the console, immediately caught one’s attention. Additionally, available with both seven and eight-passenger configurations, the Sienna could cater to diverse family setups, with the potential for three-across car seating in the middle row in specific trims.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a robust and efficient powertrain, embodying a 3.6-liter V6 engine coupled with a dual-motor electric system. This configuration delivered an impressive 260 horsepower, ensuring that the van never felt underpowered, even with a full cabin. A 16-kWh battery afforded the Pacifica Hybrid a useful 32 miles of electric-only range, ideal for daily commutes and errands. On our Los Angeles driving loop, the Pacifica Hybrid returned a commendable 37.1 mpg, demonstrating its advanced fuel efficiency.

Despite its powerhouse under the hood, driving the Pacifica Hybrid lacked excitement. It adeptly handled city driving, even taking speed humps at 35 mph comfortably, yet the driving dynamics were uninspired. The steering was decidedly light, lacking feedback, and the regenerative brakes felt inconsistent. However, the transition between electric and gasoline power was virtually seamless, an aspect in which the Pacifica Hybrid excelled.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna opted for a hybrid-only powertrain, using a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with two front-mounted electric motors, and an additional rear-mounted motor in the AWD version. This setup produced a combined 245 horsepower. While it trailed the Pacifica Hybrid in sheer power, the Sienna’s steering and chassis design delivered a driving experience that felt more agile and engaging. However, the lack of power was palpable, particularly with the CVT’s tendency to stretch the engine’s rev band, resulting in a somewhat laborious and noisy acceleration.

Despite these shortcomings, the Sienna’s platform shone through in city driving. Its light steering and tight turning radius were standout features, making it surprisingly nimble. The Sienna also featured multiple driving modes—EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport—with Normal mode providing the best balance.

When it came to comfort and utility, both minivans excelled, yet with distinct characteristics. The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid presented an interior that was spacious and thoughtfully designed for practicality. Triple-zone automatic climate control, comfortable leather upholstery, and numerous storage solutions underscored its family-friendly design. However, the second-row seats lacked the stowable feature found in a standard Pacifica, necessitating manual removal for maximized cargo space. That said, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a colossal 140.5 cubic feet of cargo area with the second row removed, outperforming full-size SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe.

In comparison, the 2023 Toyota Sienna leveraged its minivan platform to provide exceptional utility. Offering 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a total of 101 cubic feet with the seats down, it outperformed many three-row crossovers but fell short of other minivans that featured removeable second rows or stowable seats. Despite this, the second-row captain’s chairs, particularly with extending ottomans in higher trims, provided unmatched comfort. The Sienna also came equipped with extensive storage cubbies, and several cupholders, ensuring abundant space for all passengers.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the advanced Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which offered a user-friendly 10.1-inch touchscreen, customizable user profiles, and dual-device Bluetooth pairing. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Amazon Alexa and connected services such as a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available FamCam ensured parents could keep an eye on rear-seat passengers, an essential feature for families.

The Sienna, however, used Toyota's older infotainment system, lagging behind in terms of modern amenities. Consisting of a 9-inch touchscreen and supporting common features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via a wired connection, the interface, though functional, felt outdated. Despite these drawbacks, it performed reliably, and the optional 12-speaker JBL audio system offered good sound quality.

On the safety front, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was packed with advanced driver-assistance systems, although it lacked lane-centering assistance paired with adaptive cruise control. Refinements were needed for its adaptive cruise system’s response to lane-changing vehicles and gap management. Despite these minor issues, the Pacifica achieved top ratings: a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection received four stars.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna matched up with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It upheld its prestigious safety reputation with a five-star NHTSA rating and a likely Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, based on the 2022 model’s accomplishments.