2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, distinct from its predecessor, the original Ioniq. It was the first model under the new Ioniq sub-brand, which focused solely on electric vehicles. The Ioniq 5's exterior design was a mix of minimalistic character lines and intricate Parametric Pixel elements, giving it a concept car-like appearance. The interior, however, was a stark contrast with its "Living Space" theme, offering a serene environment with sustainable materials and a unique Relaxation mode for the driver's seat. The Ioniq 5 was a blend of futuristic design and eco-friendly innovation.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a more traditional minivan aesthetic with practical enhancements. The Limited trim with the S Appearance Package added sleek black accents and 18-inch wheels, giving it a modern touch. Inside, the Pacifica Hybrid featured a dark, sophisticated interior with Nappa leather seats and user-friendly controls. The minivan's design prioritized functionality, with features like the FamCam interior camera and comfortable seating arrangements for families. While it lacked some of the Ioniq 5's futuristic flair, the Pacifica Hybrid excelled in practicality and family-friendly features.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, catering to different driving preferences. It came in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with rear-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. The base SE Standard Range model featured a 128-kW rear motor with 168 horsepower and a range of 220 miles. The extended-range variants, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, boasted a 168-kW rear motor producing 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 303 miles. The AWD version, with a dual-motor system, delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5's performance was solid for a midsize crossover, with a focus on comfort and control rather than sporty dynamics. It featured four drive modes, including Sport, which added excitement but reduced range. The Ioniq 5's quiet cabin and advanced regenerative braking system further enhanced the driving experience.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, making it the only plug-in hybrid minivan available. It offered an EPA-rated 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined fuel economy. In real-world testing, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these figures, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. The minivan's charging capabilities were efficient, with a Level 2 home charger taking just two hours to fully charge the battery. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's default to all-electric mode first limited its flexibility, especially on highway commutes. The minivan's 260 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque provided adequate performance for highway driving, though it lacked the acceleration of its non-hybrid counterpart. The Pacifica Hybrid's handling was surprisingly good, thanks to its low center of gravity.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which maximized interior space and utility. Despite its hatchback appearance, it was sized like an electric SUV, with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. The Ioniq 5 offered a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. Its passenger volume of 106.5 cubic feet prioritized comfort over cargo space, with a moveable center console and retro front bench seat adding to its versatility. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to a range of driver sizes.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in family-friendly features and interior space. It offered the FamCam interior camera for monitoring rear passengers and comfortable seating arrangements. The minivan's second-row seats were comfortable but low, while the third row provided ample space for adults. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space remained generous, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the plug-in hybrid model lacked the Stow 'n Go seats and built-in vacuum cleaner found in the standard Pacifica. Despite these limitations, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a spacious and practical interior for families.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was packed with advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes, and offered unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years through Electrify America. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and AI-powered voice recognition. Its 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for clear visibility.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its ease of use and crisp graphics. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, though it was an expensive addition. The Pacifica Hybrid provided ample charging options, with USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, and wireless charging, ensuring devices stayed powered throughout the journey.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and collision avoidance. It also offered Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5's head-up display with augmented reality overlays was a notable addition, though it could be distracting. While crash-safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record with IIHS Top Safety awards suggested high marks for the Ioniq 5.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided both visual and audible alerts, while the adaptive cruise control offered smooth braking and acceleration. However, features like parallel parking assist required additional packages or the top Pinnacle trim. The 2022 Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and Good marks from IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.