2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a new Onyx Edition trim level, which featured a blacked-out exterior trim that gave the SUV a sporty appearance. This trim level included black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and special interior trim. The seats were wrapped in water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather, which was available in a gray two-tone scheme with light gray stitching. The Onyx Edition was priced at $37,995, with an additional $2,000 option package that included a panoramic moonroof, a navigation system, and a cargo cover. While the blacked-out treatment added a sporty look, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making it less comfortable on hot days.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite being a minivan, offered a unique plug-in hybrid drivetrain that combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system. This setup provided a total system output of 260 horsepower and allowed the van to travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone. The Pacifica Hybrid Limited trim, priced at $54,095, featured black Nappa premium leather upholstery, triple-zone automatic climate control, and a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage options and a user-friendly infotainment system. However, the Pacifica's rounded, flowing exterior and interior styling appeared soft and dated compared to more modern designs.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Ascent's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, though it averaged 20.5 mpg during testing. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, allowing for brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds and offered off-road capabilities with its X-Mode traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. However, the advanced adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology lacked refinement, making the driving experience less enjoyable when these features were engaged.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid's plug-in hybrid drivetrain combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, providing a total system output of 260 horsepower. The van could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone and achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing. The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain seamlessly transitioned between electric and gasoline power, offering a smooth and efficient driving experience. However, the driving dynamics were less engaging, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and limited cornering grip. The Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiency and comfort but lacked the excitement of a more performance-oriented vehicle.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could carry up to eight passengers with its second-row bench seat, though the third-row seats were best suited for children. The Onyx Edition trim featured water-resistant seat material, triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. The Ascent offered ample storage options, including a useful shelf running the width of the dashboard and large cupholders in the second row. Cargo capacity was 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seats and ample cargo space. The Limited trim featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats but required removal to maximize cargo space. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 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 the second row removed. The van also included numerous storage options and a user-friendly power liftgate.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. The system's voice recognition technology needed improvement, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo speakers lacked sonic quality. Additional technology features for the Touring trim included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The system allowed for five user profiles and included the FamCam overhead camera system. The Limited trim came with a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, though the sound quality required adjustment. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered an Amazon Fire TV rear-seat entertainment system, a surround-view camera system, and a parking assist system.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Ascent came standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance technology, which included adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology. However, the system's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights, automatic high-beam assist, and available blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The Pacifica Hybrid came with a comprehensive package of standard driver-assist and collision-avoidance features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control needed refinement, as it was slow to recognize departing vehicles and braked too hard when other motorists cut into the gap ahead. The Pacifica Hybrid also included a rear-seat reminder system to prevent accidentally leaving a child or pet inside the vehicle.