2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an extended version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, adding 11.4 inches to accommodate a third row of seats. The wheelbase stretched five inches, providing more legroom in the second row and wider rear doors. The additional length and mass blended seamlessly into the body, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Jeep introduced the L first as a 2021 model, delaying the two-row version until 2022. This design choice resulted in an elegant and recognizable Jeep, featuring a modernized seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and a blunt front end. The lighting was updated to be slimmer and brighter, and the paint finish and panel fit were significantly improved. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims added black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome, with new exterior paint colors like Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee L offered a luxurious experience with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof. The interior layout felt premium, reminiscent of a Mercedes in style and tactile quality. Even in all-black, the interior provided enough detail and contrast to keep passengers comfortable and visually stimulated. The lighter tan leather option added a touch of luxury, making it a space where passengers would be mindful of cleanliness.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims. The mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package featured body-colored door handles and exterior mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black accents. The exterior was completed with 18-inch wheels in a "Foreshadow" finish. The front split grille was surrounded by standard LED headlamps, and the LED tail lamps spanned the entire rear width. While minivans lacked the cool factor of SUVs, they were more practical, offering sliding doors and more cargo space. The Limited's interior, though dark, featured handsome Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash with sweeping lines. The chunky HVAC and audio knobs were user-friendly but could be confused with the transmission selector dial due to their close proximity.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). A 48-volt hybrid system was available on Ram pickup trucks but not on the Grand Cherokee. However, the 4xe plug-in hybrid, which paired a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 17.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack and two electric motors, provided emissions-free 4WD with 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Our test vehicle had the V6, which produced 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The V6 felt underpowered for the vehicle's weight, requiring high revs to summon power, and the engine noise was intrusive. The transmission's early upshifts didn't help, and while Sport mode kept the revs high, it never allowed them to settle. The V8, with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, was a better option, available only on the Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims with 4WD.

Fuel economy for the V6 was decent, with an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. The V8 was less efficient at 14/22/17. Estimates for the 4xe plug-in hybrid were not yet available. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was stellar, with ride composure and steering feel that were taut and direct. The optional air suspension offered five ride height settings, including an Access height for easier entry and exit and two off-road modes for up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance. The driving modes modulated various systems for different terrains, and the Overland trim with the Off-Road Group option package earned the Jeep Trail-Rated badge. The Grand Cherokee L had a maximum towing capacity of 6,200 pounds for RWD models and 7,200 with 4WD.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two small electric motors, offering 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined fuel economy. In our tests, we saw better numbers, with 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. The combined mpg exceeded the EPA estimate, but keeping the battery topped off was essential for maximum efficiency. Charging the battery on a Level 2 home charger took two hours, while a standard outlet required 14 hours.

The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode first, switching to hybrid mode once the EV range was depleted. This was efficient for city driving but less so for highway commutes. The Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive (FWD) only, lacked a spare tire, and couldn't be equipped with a towing package. The non-hybrid Pacifica offered all-wheel drive (AWD) and a towing capacity of up to 3,600 pounds. The Pacifica Hybrid's 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque were sufficient for highway passing, but acceleration was not blistering. The continuously variable automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the steering was light but adequate for a minivan. The battery's placement in the floor improved handling by lowering the center of gravity.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a sleek and sharp interface. Physical switches for climate, seat climate controls, and stereo functions were easy to use, with a damped click for each action. The central rotary shifter was intuitive, and there was ample storage, including a wireless phone charging bin and a large central cubby. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel, while higher trims had a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Some legibility issues were noted with small graphics and text, and occasional lag occurred when switching menus.

The Grand Cherokee L offered ample space in all rows, with the third row accommodating average adults comfortably. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a 60/40 split bench seat available for $695. A panoramic roof, large windows, and multiple USB ports enhanced long journeys. However, the air vents were small and didn't direct enough airflow, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was noisy.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The camera included a view of rear-facing child seats and a zoom function. Our tester had heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a comfortable driver's seat. The center armrest was soft, and the second-row seats were comfortable but low, making taller passengers feel cramped. The center pathway allowed easy access to the spacious third row, though taller passengers might prefer the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna for more legroom.

The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the seats folded and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats down. The plug-in hybrid model lacked the flat-fold Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement, and it also missed out on the built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats available in the standard Pacifica.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims offered premium features like multiple massage modes for the 16-way power adjustable front seats, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, a 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system could take over the instrument panel, providing a zoomed-in view of the next corner. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, and two phones could be connected simultaneously. New for 2022, Jeep added an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat passengers.

Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. Optional features on higher trims included automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, and traffic sign recognition. The Summit Reserve trim came with a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, while lower trims had nine-speaker or six-speaker systems.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. Our tester had the optional rear seat entertainment system, adding two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers with games and streaming content from Amazon Fire TV. However, the feature was expensive at $2,795, and most kids already had devices that could perform similar functions.

Charging devices was easy with multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging. No phone should ever be without a charge in the Pacifica Hybrid.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert for possible unattended passengers, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid had plenty of standard safety features, including 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. The forward collision warning system provided both visual and audible alerts, and the adaptive cruise control system operated smoothly. Optional features included parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist, available through packages or on the top Pinnacle trim. The 2023 Pacifica Hybrid had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 version received an overall safety rating of five stars. The IIHS gave it Good marks except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.