2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered a practical and efficient solution for families. It might not have been the most stylish vehicle, even with the S Appearance Package, but it provided unique features like sliding side doors, which made loading children in tight parking spaces a breeze. The Pacifica Hybrid was not cheap, with the base Touring L starting at $49,095 and the Limited trim costing $54,095. Our test vehicle, a Limited trim with additional features, had an MSRP of $57,680. The interior, adorned with black Nappa premium leather, felt high-quality, though the overall design appeared somewhat dated compared to more modern, angular styles.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan maintained a more conservative yet gracefully aging design. The SEL R-Line trim, priced at $38,975, featured sporty styling and sizable 20-inch machined-finish wheels. The Atlantic Blue paint and Storm Gray leather interior added to its appeal, though customization options were limited based on trim levels. The Tiguan's design included adaptive front lighting and a light bar across the grille, enhancing its nighttime appearance. Inside, the cabin felt upscale with quality materials, digital instrumentation, and a panoramic sunroof, though some materials reminded us of its more affordable base price.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiently transporting up to seven people. Its plug-in hybrid drivetrain, based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, produced a total system output of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. During our Los Angeles driving loop, it achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg. The transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible, and the regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was unremarkable, with light steering, grabby brakes, and limited cornering grip.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The SEL R-Line trim came standard with AWD and offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport. On our Southern California testing loop, the Tiguan averaged 22.6 mpg. While the turbo-four engine provided adequate power, it struggled at higher revs, and the automatic transmission occasionally stumbled. The Tiguan's dynamic qualities were otherwise rewarding, with light and lively steering, excellent tire grip, and a stable, predictable feel in corners. However, the brake pedal required more effort than expected, and road noise was noticeable.

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 heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were impressive, with various bins and shelves throughout the cabin. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go chairs, though they did not collapse into the floor. The third-row seat provided reasonable comfort for two adults or three children. The Pacifica Hybrid offered 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 140.5 cubic feet with the second row removed.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan provided a roomy and affordable SUV option, with FWD models offering a standard third-row seat. Our SEL R-Line test vehicle featured exceptionally comfortable front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The dashboard, however, had questionable ergonomics, with touch-sensing controls that were difficult to use. The Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space, with generous legroom, headroom, and foot room in the rear seats. The cargo area was cavernous, offering 37.6 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. FWD models had slightly less cargo space due to the third-row seat.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and speedy response to inputs. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss. The Pacifica Hybrid also had a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, though the sound quality required adjustment. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but not widely used by our test passengers.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan came with digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line featuring a 10.25-inch display. The larger display offered a sophisticated appearance and a full-panel navigation map. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and a nine-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the system's user interface was complex, with sub-menus appearing as your hand approached the screen. The voice-recognition system did not perform well, likely due to the lack of an active Car-Net Hotspot subscription. The touch-sensing controls on the steering wheel and climate control panel were also problematic.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive package of standard driver-assist and collision-avoidance features. It included a rear-seat reminder system, 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 departing vehicles and braked too hard when other motorists cut in. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection rated four stars.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in safety features, offering tech often found in luxury models. Standard features included Front Assist with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, Side Assist with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and an Automatic Post Collision Braking System. The IQ.Drive package added adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and semi-autonomous driving assist. The Tiguan's safety technology worked well, with minimal false alerts. However, its crash-test ratings were incomplete, and the NHTSA noted a safety concern with the driver's door unlatching during a side-impact test. The IIHS gave the 2023 Tiguan a Top Safety Pick+ rating for the 2022 calendar year, but this did not apply for 2023.