2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The fifth-generation 2022 Nissan Pathfinder took design cues from the new era of Nissan’s SUV design. It featured a new take on the V-motion grille, similar to the Rogue and Armada, with the new Nissan logo on its three-slot grille, paying homage to the first-generation Pathfinder. LED headlights and slim LED daytime running lights flanked the grille, leading to a bulky, slated C-pillar reminiscent of the original Pathfinder. The 2022 Pathfinder was available in 14 paint jobs and color combinations, with an optional black roof that extended onto the C-pillar.

The side panels and hood gave the SUV a beefier look compared to the fourth-generation Pathfinder, aligning more with the design of the Kia Telluride than the Toyota Highlander. The sleek, thin taillights wrapped around the large liftgate, which featured bold, gate-wide badging. The Pathfinder was 0.6 inches wider with a track 1.2 inches wider, giving it a planted look. It was 0.2 inches higher and 0.8 inches shorter end-to-end, with more legroom than the previous generation. The design changes aimed to position the vehicle as more capable and rugged, and it succeeded.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims. The mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package added body-colored door handles and exterior mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black accents. The exterior was topped off with 18-inch wheels with a “Foreshadow” finish. The split grille was surrounded by standard LED headlamps, and the LED tail lamps spanned the entire width of the rear. While minivans lacked the cool cachet of SUVs, they were more practical, offering sliding doors and more cargo space.

The Limited’s interior was dark but featured handsome Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash with sweeping lines. The chunky HVAC and audio knobs were user-friendly, though they were close to the transmission selector dial, which could cause confusion. The driver’s seat was comfortable and easily adjustable, with a center armrest that could swivel up for more room. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the center pathway allowed easy access to the spacious third row. However, taller passengers might prefer the legroom in the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission from ZF, replacing the old CVT. The transmission was smooth, with an electronic shift-by-wire drive selector and paddle shifters. The Pathfinder was available in FWD and AWD configurations, with FWD models featuring a five-position drive mode selector and AWD models offering seven drive and terrain modes.

The Pathfinder had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined for FWD models. AWD models maintained the 23 mpg combined but gained one mpg on the highway. The fully-equipped Pathfinder Platinum with AWD achieved 20 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. The SUV had a 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity, with a Class II tow hitch and trailer harness standard on the Platinum grade. The suspension setup provided a stable ride, and the tight turning radius made it easy to park and steer.

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 practice, it achieved 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range, with combined mpg exceeding EPA estimates. Charging the battery on a Level 2 home charger took two hours, while a standard outlet predicted a 14-hour charge time.

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 FWD only and lacked a spare tire and towing package. It had 260 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, with a smooth continuously variable automatic transmission. The steering was light, but the lower center of gravity improved handling.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder’s interior was designed for comfort and flexibility. Improved insulation, acoustic laminated glass, and thicker second-row glass reduced road and engine noise. The rear door Intelligent Key, wide-opening doors, optional second-row captain’s chairs, and the ability to fit three car seats across the second-row bench seat were customer-driven features. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology allowed easy third-row access, even with a forward-facing car seat installed.

The Pathfinder offered 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 45.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 80.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. The flush rear cargo space sides made it easy to load large items, and the under-floor cargo space provided additional storage. The front and second-row seats were spacious and comfortable, with heated seats standard on all models above base. The Pathfinder Platinum also featured ventilated seats and a motion-activated power liftgate.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The tester had heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a comfortable driver’s seat with an adjustable center armrest. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the center pathway allowed easy access to the spacious third row. The Pacifica Hybrid had 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, the Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow ‘n Go seats available in the non-hybrid model due to the battery placement. It also missed out on the built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats. Despite these omissions, the Pacifica Hybrid offered ample cargo space and a comfortable interior for long trips.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came loaded with technology, including a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Siri Eyes Free, Google Assistant Voice Recognition, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, Bluetooth, satellite radio, hands-free text messaging, a 7-inch digital driver-information display, two 12-volt DC power outlets, and four USB ports. Upper trims featured a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, door-to-door connected navigation, and a 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with games and streaming content from Amazon Fire TV. 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 Nissan Pathfinder featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. It also had a driver alertness monitor, rear door alert, forward-collision warning, and a rearview camera. Upper trims offered a surround-view monitor, and the Pathfinder Platinum had 11 airbags.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid included 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 visual and audible alerts, and the adaptive cruise control system offered smooth braking and quick acceleration. However, features like parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist required additional packages or the top Pinnacle trim. The 2023 Pacifica Hybrid had not been rated by NHTSA, but the 2022 version received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and Good marks from IIHS.