2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line treatment, exuded a rugged and stylish presence. Rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails added definition and purpose to this midsize SUV. Our test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package, featured all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard, along with extra-cost Wolf Gray paint, Rust-colored leather, floor mats, and a cargo net, bringing the total MSRP to $45,310, including the $1,215 destination charge. Even without the X-Line package, the Sorento maintained a high level of quality and style, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim enhancing the interior's luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, offered a more practical yet sophisticated look. Our mid-trim Limited model with the S Appearance Package featured body-colored door handles and exterior mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black accents, topped off with 18-inch wheels. The split grille with standard LED headlamps and LED tail lamps spanning the rear added a touch of modernity. While minivans like the Pacifica Hybrid might lack the cool factor of an SUV, they made up for it with practicality, including sliding doors and ample cargo space.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came with a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which took nearly 9.5 seconds to accelerate the 3,715-pound SUV to 60 mph. This sluggish performance made the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, a more appealing option. This engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, powered the front wheels or an optional torque-vectoring AWD system, achieving 0-60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. Despite the X-Line’s raised suspension, the Sorento drove more like a sports sedan, with excellent body motion control and communication. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 20.7 mpg during our week-long test, compared to the EPA’s 24 mpg estimate.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined fuel economy. Our test saw even better numbers, with 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. Charging the battery on a Level 2 home charger took just two hours, while a standard outlet predicted a 14-hour charge time. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode first, which was efficient in city driving but less so on the highway. The 260 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque provided sufficient power for highway passing, though not blistering acceleration. The continuously variable automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the lower center of gravity improved handling.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s interior felt luxurious, with the SX Prestige offering a 14-way power driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Second-row captain’s chairs, standard from the EX trim, were heated in the SX Prestige X-Line. However, the third-row seat was less comfortable, with limited legroom and head restraints flush against the rear window. Cargo space was 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 38.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 75.5 cubic feet with the second row down. The “smart” power tailgate was convenient but could open unintentionally.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, heated and cooled front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The driver’s seat was comfortable and easily adjustable, with a soft center armrest. Second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the center pathway allowed easy access to the spacious third row. Cargo space was 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats down. However, the plug-in hybrid model lacked the Stow ‘n Go seats, built-in vacuum cleaner, and heated second-row seats available in the standard Pacifica.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the larger screen required a cable for smartphone integration, unlike the base 8-inch system. The infotainment system was intuitive but had a unique font style and color scheme. The SX Prestige X-Line included a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system and wireless smartphone charging from the EX trim.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, offering 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 with two 10-inch screens, games, and Amazon Fire TV streaming. Charging options included USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s Kia Drive Wise package varied by trim, with our test vehicle featuring a full suite of safety technologies, including a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, Blind View Monitor, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick, with the highest rating for LED headlights on the SX and SX Prestige trims. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid included 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. Additional features like parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist were available in higher trims. The 2022 Pacifica received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.