2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, and introduced the sporty ST-Line. The King Ranch model, tested with 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, had an MSRP of $59,880. Despite its high-end features, the King Ranch's visual distinction was subtle, with unique emblems, shiny 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a tapering greenhouse, creating a sporty look. Inside, the King Ranch boasted exclusive Del Rio leather seating with King Ranch branding, but the cabin mixed quality with some less impressive materials.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, was tested in the mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package. This package added body-colored door handles, gloss black grille accents, and 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The Pacifica's split grille and LED headlamps and tail lamps gave it a modern look. While minivans lacked the SUV's cool factor, they offered practicality with sliding doors and ample cargo space. The Limited's interior was dark with black Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. The HVAC and audio knobs were chunky but could be confused with the transmission selector dial. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was comfortable, though the second-row seats were low, and taller passengers might find the third row cramped compared to competitors like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and RWD, with 4WD optional. It had a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and achieved up to 24 mpg combined. The hybrid drivetrain, available for the Limited and Platinum trims, combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine for 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs and returning 27 mpg combined. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, produced 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,600 lbs with 21 mpg combined. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and felt athletic in daily driving, especially in the sport-tuned ST trim.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined. In testing, it achieved 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles total range. Charging the battery on a Level 2 home charger took two hours, while a standard outlet predicted a 14-hour charge time. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode, which was efficient in city driving but quickly depleted on highways. The plug-in hybrid model was FWD only, lacked a spare tire, and couldn't be equipped with a towing package. The Pacifica Hybrid delivered 260 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque, with smooth transmission performance and a lower center of gravity for better handling.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families of four, with a second-row bench seat accommodating five occasionally. The third-row seat was suitable only for children due to the rear-drive platform and low roofline. The King Ranch model featured triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, and massaging front seats. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, while the third-row seat was difficult for adults to access. Storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for additional storage solutions. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, offering 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The tester had heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel. The driver’s seat was comfortable and adjustable, while the second-row seats were low, and taller passengers might find the third row cramped. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked Stow ‘n Go seats due to the battery placement but offered 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 140.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. The plug-in hybrid model did not include a built-in vacuum cleaner or heated second-row seats.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. The King Ranch model included FordPass Connect, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, wireless charging, a surround-view camera, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Sync 3 system had limitations, particularly in voice recognition, and Ford needed to upgrade to Sync 4. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, praised for its ease of use and graphics. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and dual phone connectivity via Bluetooth. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens with games and streaming capabilities, though it was costly. The Pacifica Hybrid featured numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with five-star ratings from the NHTSA except for rollover resistance. It included Ford Co-Pilot360 with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had post-collision braking and MyKey programmable functions.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured standard safety equipment, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was effective, and the adaptive cruise control was smooth. Parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist required additional packages. The 2022 Pacifica received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, except for seat belt reminders, headlights, and LATCH ease of use.