2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Toyota Venza reemerged with a refined design, riding on the proven Toyota New Global Architecture K platform. This midsize crossover SUV measured 186.6 inches in length, 73.0 inches in width, and 65.9 inches in height, with a ground clearance of 7.8 inches. Its sleek exterior, characterized by a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent nose, gave it a modern and sophisticated look, akin to a Lexus. Inside, the Venza offered an elegant and comfortable cabin with high-quality materials, featuring a layered dashboard and a well-placed touchscreen display. The front seats provided excellent support, while the rear seats accommodated three adults comfortably.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, particularly in the mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package, presented a practical yet stylish minivan option. The exterior featured body-colored door handles, gloss black accents, and 18-inch wheels. The split grille and LED headlamps added to its appeal. Inside, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a dark but sophisticated interior with Nappa leather seats and a well-designed dashboard. The controls, though sometimes confusing, were functional. The minivan's practicality shone through with its sliding doors and ample cargo space, making it a family-friendly choice.

The 2022 Toyota Venza combined a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with three electric motors, delivering a total of 219 horsepower. This hybrid setup allowed for a balance between electric and gas drive, optimizing efficiency and performance. Drivers could choose from Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, and the regenerative braking system helped recharge the lithium-ion battery. The Venza offered a sprightly performance with agile handling, making it a suitable midsize family hauler.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, producing 260 horsepower. It was the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid, offering 32 miles of all-electric range and a total range of over 550 miles. The Pacifica Hybrid defaulted to all-electric mode before switching to hybrid mode, which was efficient for city driving but less so on highways. The minivan's front-wheel-drive setup and lack of a towing package were trade-offs for its hybrid capabilities. Despite these limitations, the Pacifica Hybrid provided a smooth and comfortable driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Venza offered seating for five with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row featured a 60/40-split folding bench seat, providing 45.2 inches of hip room. The cabin felt spacious, especially with the optional Star Gaze panoramic glass roof. Convenience features included an overhead console, power-adjustable seats, and an electric parking brake. The Venza's cargo capacity was impressive, with 28.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. Toyota prioritized a quiet cabin, adding sound-blocking materials for a serene ride.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in family-friendly features, such as the FamCam interior camera for monitoring rear passengers. The minivan offered heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a spacious third row. However, the Stow 'n Go seats were unavailable due to the battery placement. Cargo space was generous, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. Despite lacking some features from the standard Pacifica, the Hybrid model provided ample room for passengers and cargo.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no charging infrastructure, making it convenient for drivers without access to home charging stations. The Predicted Efficient Drive program optimized battery charging based on driving habits. The infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Limited trim added a nine-speaker JBL audio system and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Toyota Connected Services offered various trials, and an Advanced Technology Package was available for added features.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its user-friendly interface and crisp graphics. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, though it was an expensive addition. The Pacifica Hybrid offered numerous charging options, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging, ensuring devices stayed powered throughout the journey.

The 2022 Toyota Venza boasted the Toyota Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. It featured eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, offering forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, some features, such as parking assist, required additional packages. The 2022 version received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, and the IIHS gave it Good marks, except for some areas like seat belt reminders and headlights.