2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 INFINITI QX60

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a comprehensive redesign, marking the beginning of its second generation. This transformation included a striking new exterior with a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and a floating roof effect, especially pronounced in the Autograph trim with its contrasting black roof. The interior was equally impressive, featuring a spacious and open feel, accentuated by horizontal lines and layers on the dash. The Autograph trim boasted quilted leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and a TFT instrument panel, all contributing to a luxurious driving experience. Built in Tennessee, the QX60 exemplified high craftsmanship and build quality, maintaining Infiniti's reputation for premium vehicles.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, while not a visual standout, offered practicality and efficiency. Its design was more rounded and flowing, which some might find dated compared to the sharper lines of contemporary vehicles. The interior, however, was comfortable and functional, with black Nappa leather upholstery and a spacious cabin. The Pacifica Hybrid's standout feature was its plug-in hybrid drivetrain, allowing for up to 32 miles of electric-only driving. Despite its higher price point, the Pacifica Hybrid provided a unique combination of minivan utility and hybrid efficiency, making it a practical choice for families prioritizing eco-friendly transportation.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup offered a more engaging driving experience compared to the previous CVT, with smooth and crisp shifts. The QX60's suspension, with MacPherson struts in the front and an independent multilink setup in the rear, provided a comfortable ride, though it wasn't designed for aggressive cornering. Fuel economy was respectable, with FWD models achieving 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway/23 mpg combined, and AWD models slightly lower. The QX60 excelled on highways and suburban streets, offering a serene ride for passengers.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total of 260 horsepower. The electric drive system provided immediate torque, ensuring the van never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded. The Pacifica Hybrid 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. While the Pacifica Hybrid's driving dynamics were not particularly exciting, its powertrain was efficient and seamless, transitioning smoothly between electric and gasoline power.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 offered a spacious and versatile interior, with three rows of seating and ample storage options. The second-row seats could slide to adjust legroom, and the third row was accessible and comfortable for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 14.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 75.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. The QX60 also had a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds with the optional towing package, adding to its practicality.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, with three rows of comfortable seating and a vast cargo area. 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 Pacifica Hybrid offered 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. This made it an excellent choice for families needing to transport large amounts of cargo or people efficiently.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 came equipped with a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive display, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity. The Autograph trim featured a 10.8-inch head-up display and a smart rearview mirror, enhancing safety and convenience. The QX60 also included a 17-speaker Bose Performance series sound system in higher trims, providing an immersive audio experience.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The available FamCam system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system offered Amazon Fire TV. The Pacifica Hybrid also included a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, though its default settings required adjustment for optimal sound quality.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, forward emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. ProPilot Assist was standard on all but the base trim, offering advanced driver assistance. While crash-test ratings were not available, the previous model received high marks, suggesting similar performance for the 2022 version.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control required refinement for smoother operation. The Pacifica Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection received four stars.