2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Kia Seltos

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Soul and the larger Sportage, offering five trim levels: LX, S, EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX. Most trims, except the Seltos S, included standard all-wheel drive (AWD), with prices ranging from $22,590 to $28,080, excluding the $1,255 destination charge. The Nightfall Edition, our test vehicle, featured matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), a black grille, added body cladding, and robust roof rails, priced at $28,045, including the destination charge. The Seltos was an appealing small SUV, though the headlights and intricate wheels had mixed reviews. Inside, it showcased a stylish design with contrast-color dashboard panels and metallic accents, but the abundance of shiny hard plastic detracted from its overall appeal. The controls were logically arranged, though the purple accent color for the infotainment system was not universally liked.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan image, offered a unique package with its plug-in hybrid drivetrain. It was not a standout in terms of looks, even with the S Appearance Package, and came with a hefty price tag, starting at $49,095 for the base Touring L and reaching $57,645 for the Pinnacle version. Our Limited-trim test vehicle, with additional features, was priced at $57,680, including the destination charge. The interior, with black Nappa premium leather, was comfortable but appeared soft and dated compared to more modern designs. The Pacifica Hybrid was a practical choice for those seeking efficiency, offering a $7,500 federal income tax credit, though it still remained an expensive option. Chrysler did not attempt to disguise the minivan's identity, focusing instead on its functionality and efficiency.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque for the LX, S, and EX trims, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Nightfall Edition and SX trims featured a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The turbo-DCT combination made the Seltos more engaging to drive, though the DCT exhibited some quirks. The Seltos offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. The AWD system included a Lock function for power distribution, and the Seltos had a ground clearance of 7.3 inches. The suspension tuning was less appealing, with the vehicle exhibiting lateral rocking motions and a bouncy ride on uneven roads. Despite these issues, the Seltos was easy to park and offered good visibility.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total system output of 260 horsepower. The electric drive system's torque was immediately available, and the Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone. The regenerative braking system captured energy to recharge the battery, and the vehicle achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg on a test loop. The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was impressive, though the driving experience was described as dull. The steering was light and uncommunicative, and the regenerative brakes occasionally felt too grabby. Despite these drawbacks, the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was praised for its efficiency and seamless transition between electric and gasoline power.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy access due to its ride height and large door openings. The Nightfall Edition featured a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The interior included cloth upholstery with Sofino simulated leather bolsters, a single-zone automatic climate control system, and heated front seats. The rear seat provided ample space for adults, with generous footroom and rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space measured 26.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered exceptional comfort and utility, with three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were plentiful, with extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin behind the center console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than those in a standard Pacifica, though they did not collapse into the floor. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, with cupholders and USB ports. Cargo space measured 32.3 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded down, and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2022 Kia Seltos featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard on the EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX trims, with a Bose premium sound system on the SX trim. The system included Bluetooth pairing for two devices, a navigation system, connected services, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the voice recognition system was frustrating without an active subscription to connected services.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system allowed for five user profiles and included a FamCam overhead camera system. The voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, but the system offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV. A surround-view camera system and parking assist were also available.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Seltos EX added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SX offered adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive package of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The adaptive cruise control required refinement, particularly in recognizing lane departures and moderating speed when other vehicles cut in.