2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner maintained its rugged SUV roots, tracing back to the 1980s when SUVs were more akin to pickup trucks. Unlike many modern SUVs that have shifted to car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its origins, sharing its underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma pickup. Toyota's decision to keep the 4Runner's traditional design was not out of stubbornness but rather a strategic choice, as the brand already had the Highlander for family duties. This allowed the 4Runner to cater to a niche market of adventure seekers. Its design, from the high ride height to the boxy proportions and sharply angled front bumper, emphasized its off-road capabilities. Inside, the 4Runner's functionality was evident, though the dash layout showed its age, having last been redesigned in 2009.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, offered a more modern and practical approach. Our test model, the mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package, featured body-colored door handles, gloss black accents, and 18-inch wheels. The Pacifica Hybrid's design included a split grille with LED headlamps and tail lamps spanning the rear width. While minivans like the Pacifica Hybrid lacked the SUV's cool factor, they provided practicality with sliding doors and ample cargo space. The interior, though predominantly black in the Limited trim, boasted Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, though dated, was chosen for its reliability and decent initial acceleration. However, in most driving situations, it felt underwhelming. The power was routed through a five-speed automatic transmission to either the rear wheels or an available 4WD system with a low range. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with noticeable body roll, but it excelled off-road, where its suspension absorbed obstacles effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their trail capabilities. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, more than most car-based crossovers.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, making it the only plug-in hybrid minivan. It offered an EPA-rated 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined. In practice, it exceeded these numbers, achieving 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. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode before switching to hybrid mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The Pacifica Hybrid was FWD only and lacked a spare tire and towing package. It delivered 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, with a smooth continuously variable automatic transmission.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo space in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model. With the second-row seats in use, it provided 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The optional third-row seat reduced maximum cargo space to 88.8 cubic feet, with 46.3 behind the second row and just 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window. While not the most spacious SUV, it offered ample storage for gear.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The interior included heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a comfortable driver's seat. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the center pathway allowed easy access to the spacious third row. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement but offered 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubes with the seats folded. With everything folded, it provided 140.5 cubic feet of space.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It included Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. While not the most advanced system, it offered tactile controls, making it user-friendly, especially for those wearing gloves. Navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system were available as upgrades.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, known for its ease of use and crisp graphics. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, with the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, offering games and streaming content. The Pacifica Hybrid had numerous USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense suite, with forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars in NHTSA frontal and side-impact testing and three stars for rollover testing.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided both visual and audible alerts. Optional features included parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist. The 2022 Pacifica received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and Good marks from IIHS, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.