2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged take on the traditional station wagon, offering a higher ride height and a more adventurous aesthetic. With 9.5 inches of ground clearance, it was equipped with all-terrain tires and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. The exterior featured a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, while the interior was dominated by dark gray and black StarTex water-repellant upholstery. Despite its utilitarian design, the Outback Wilderness lacked ventilated seats, which could have enhanced comfort in warmer climates. The model was positioned between the Onyx XT and Limited XT in Subaru's lineup, with a price tag of $36,995 plus destination charges.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a minivan that prioritized practicality and efficiency over rugged aesthetics. It featured a rounded, flowing design that some might find dated compared to more modern, angular styles. The Pacifica Hybrid was not cheap, with the base Touring L starting at $49,095, and the Limited trim reaching $54,095. Despite its higher price, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, providing an electric-only driving range that was unmatched by other minivans. The interior boasted quality leather upholstery, triple-zone climate control, and a spacious cabin, making it a comfortable choice for families. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for the midsize crossover, which weighed 3,896 pounds and had a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Wilderness trim featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios, though some drivers found the transmission's performance less satisfying compared to a dual-clutch automatic. The Outback Wilderness excelled off-road, thanks to its 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a dual-function X-Mode traction system. It was capable of tackling steep grades and challenging terrain, making it the most capable Outback model.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total output of 260 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain allowed the Pacifica Hybrid to travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, contributing to an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing. While the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was praised for its seamless operation, the driving experience was less engaging, with light steering and limited cornering grip. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was considered brilliant for its efficiency and ease of use.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a practical interior with dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered power adjustments, and the rear seat provided ample space for passengers. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seating and ample cargo space. The interior featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone climate control, and numerous storage solutions. The second-row seats were more comfortable than those in a standard Pacifica, though they did not fold into the floor. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded. Removing the second-row seats increased cargo capacity to 140.5 cubic feet, though this required manual effort.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which required the use of the touchscreen for most functions. While physical knobs were provided for volume and tuning, the voice recognition technology was not as responsive as desired. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, offering better voice assistant functionality. The Outback Wilderness also featured a PIN code entry system, allowing drivers to leave the key fob inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display with appealing graphics and a user-friendly interface. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a FamCam overhead camera system, a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and an available rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the sound quality required adjustment for optimal performance.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Wilderness trim also featured steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the 2022 model were not available, the 2021 Outback received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control system required refinement, as it was slow to respond to changes in traffic. The Pacifica Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.