2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a minivan that embraced its identity without attempting to disguise itself as something else. Despite the stigma often associated with minivans, the Pacifica Hybrid offered practical features like sliding side doors, which made it convenient for families, especially in tight parking spaces. Its design, while not particularly striking, was functional, and the interior, with its black Nappa premium leather, provided a sense of quality. However, the styling appeared somewhat soft and dated compared to more modern, angular designs. The Pacifica Hybrid was a unique offering as a plug-in hybrid minivan, with no direct competitors in the market, making it a rare choice for those seeking efficiency and practicality in a family vehicle.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design. While it was easily recognizable as an EV, the ID.4 didn't possess the traditional SUV look, lacking the upright profile and ground clearance that many SUV buyers sought. Despite this, it offered a spacious interior with a minimalist design and quality materials, providing a comfortable experience for both front and rear passengers. The ID.4's design was more in line with current EV trends, offering a modern and sleek appearance that appealed to those looking for an electric vehicle with practicality and style.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total output 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 transition between electric and gasoline modes were praised.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a choice between a 62-kWh battery pack for the base models and an 82-kWh pack for higher trims, with options for RWD or AWD. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower, while the dual-motor AWD models delivered 295 horsepower, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The ID.4's acceleration was competitive, especially with AWD, but its handling was less engaging due to noticeable body roll. The regenerative braking system allowed for energy recovery, but VW's approach didn't support one-pedal driving, which might disappoint some EV enthusiasts. Overall, the ID.4 provided a comfortable and refined driving experience, suitable for long-distance travel.

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 options were abundant, with various bins and shelves 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 offered 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 cargo capacity to 140.5 cubic feet, surpassing many SUVs.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more interior space than other affordable EVs, with generous legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. It offered 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in terms of interior space, it was a practical choice among entry-level EVs. The ID.4 also offered some towing capability, with a capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console and improved phone storage.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, offering appealing graphics and a user-friendly interface. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system allowed for simultaneous Bluetooth pairing and included a FamCam overhead camera system for monitoring rear passengers. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, though its default settings required adjustment for optimal sound quality. The available rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was a notable feature, but not essential if passengers had their own devices.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and a choice of user interfaces. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as natural-language voice recognition. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less intuitive than traditional buttons. The ID.4 also featured ID.Light, an ambient lighting system that provided visual cues for navigation and drive modes. While the infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, the user experience remained largely unchanged, with voice recognition serving as a convenient alternative to the touch controls.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, though the adaptive cruise control required refinement. 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 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. While IIHS ratings for the 2023 model were not available, the 2022 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The ID.4 included a robust set of standard driver-assist features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were cyclist detection, Park Assist Plus, and an automated lane-change feature.