2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, extending its length by 1.6 inches compared to the 2021 model. The updated front and rear fascias, enhanced LED lighting, and new character lines gave the Kona a more sophisticated appearance. The sporty new body lines were complemented by lower body cladding, and new alloy wheel designs rounded out the exterior changes. Inside, the instrument panel and center console were separated to emphasize a more horizontal layout, creating a wider, more spacious look. New ambient lighting for the front cupholders and footwells added a touch of sophistication, while a rear USB port increased convenience for back-seat passengers.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, featured body-colored door handles and exterior mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black accents with the S Appearance Package. The exterior was topped off with 18-inch wheels. The split grille was surrounded by standard LED headlamps, and the LED tail lamps spanned the entire width of the rear. The interior of the Limited trim was dark but sophisticated, with Nappa leather seats and a dash featuring sweeping lines. The chunky HVAC and audio knobs were user-friendly, though they were situated close to the transmission selector dial, which could cause confusion.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a variety of engines and transmissions. The SE and SEL trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The N Line and Limited trims had a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 195 hp and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed DCT. The Kona N boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 276 hp and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed wet DCT. The Kona N also featured exclusive driving modes and performance enhancements like launch control and high-performance brakes and tires. Our test vehicle, a Kona N Line with AWD, had more than adequate power and was a pleasure to drive, with composed handling and a quiet cabin.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. It was the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid, with an EPA rating of 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined fuel economy. Our test saw better numbers, with 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. The Pacifica Hybrid defaulted to all-electric mode first, which was efficient in city driving but less so on the highway. The Pacifica Hybrid was FWD only and lacked a spare tire and towing package. Despite these limitations, it was a nice-driving minivan with smooth transmission and better-than-expected handling due to its lower center of gravity.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona's front seats were comfortable, with ample headroom and legroom, even for taller drivers. However, rear-seat occupants faced small door openings, limited headroom, and compromised legroom. Cargo space was tight, with 19.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Towing was not recommended.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, heated and cooled front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the third row was spacious enough for adults. The Pacifica Hybrid did not have Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement, but it offered 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, it lacked the built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats available in the standard Pacifica.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona added more tech for 2022, including an 8-inch display with Bluetooth connectivity on the base SE trim. The SEL trim added SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and Hyundai Blue Link. The Limited and Kona N featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and traffic information. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard with the base 8-inch screen, while the larger screen only offered wired versions. The Kona also had a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster on higher trims, wireless device charging, and Hyundai Blue Link services.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. Our tester had the optional rear seat entertainment system with two 10-inch screens, games, and Amazon Fire TV streaming. The Pacifica Hybrid also had multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona had standard safety features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, lane-following assistance, driver attention warning, and rear occupant alert. Available technologies included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, Highway Drive Assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. The Kona received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crashworthiness tests, though it did not achieve Top Safety Pick status due to "Marginal" child-seat anchor ratings.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid had standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included parallel parking assistance and front and rear parking assist. The 2022 Pacifica Hybrid received five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, except for "Marginal" seat belt reminders and "Average" grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.