2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among its competitors with a design that was both creased and symmetrical, leaning towards a conservative aesthetic. This approach, while not overly emotional, appealed to fans of simplicity and minimalism, ensuring the vehicle aged gracefully. The refreshed front styling aligned the Tiguan with Volkswagen’s larger Atlas models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and available illuminated grille bar. Standard LED headlights, new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate, and redesigned aluminum wheels added to its updated look.

The Tiguan lineup for 2022 was simplified, offering S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims with either FWD or AWD. Prices ranged from $25,995 to $36,995, with a destination charge of $1,195. The SEL R-Line test vehicle, priced at $37,970 MSRP, featured a sportier look with Atlantic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the SEL R-Line boasted a richer cabin with leather upholstery, new technology, touch-sensing controls, and ambient lighting in 15 colors. However, the hard plastic in the lower half of the cabin revealed its mass-market status.

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 mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black accents, topped off with 18-inch wheels. The split grille was flanked by standard LED headlamps, and the LED tail lamps spanned the rear width. Despite minivans lacking the cool factor of SUVs, the Pacifica Hybrid was a practical choice with sliding doors and ample cargo space.

The Limited’s interior, though dark, featured handsome Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. The chunky HVAC and audio knobs were user-friendly but could be confused with the transmission selector dial. The driver’s seat was comfortable and 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 extra legroom in the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. The Pacifica Hybrid’s cargo space was 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubes with the seats folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with everything down.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at 1,900 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission transferred power to the front wheels, with an optional 4Motion AWD system that could send up to half the power to the rear wheels. The AWD system decoupled the rear axle when not needed to save fuel. Drivers could choose between Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional Offroad settings for 4Motion models.

The Tiguan’s Hill Descent Control system engaged in Offroad mode, operating at speeds up to 19 mph. However, with just 7.6 inches of ground clearance, it was best suited for well-traveled paths. The suspension system included MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link independent rear suspension, with variable assist steering that adjusted based on speed. The engine’s torque arrived later than some turbocharged engines, resulting in momentary turbo lag when accelerating from a stop. Despite this, the Tiguan was enjoyable to drive, though it could benefit from more power and performance. The EPA rated the R-Line with 4Motion at 24 mpg combined, and our test drive in Malibu averaged 24.7 mpg.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined. Our test saw better numbers, with 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. 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, which was efficient in city driving but less so on the highway.

The Pacifica Hybrid’s 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque were sufficient for highway passing, though not as powerful as the non-hybrid Pacifica’s 287 hp and 262 lb-ft. The continuously variable automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the steering was light but adequate for a minivan. The battery’s placement in the floor improved handling with a lower center of gravity. However, the hybrid model lacked AWD, a spare tire, and a towing package, which were available on the gasoline-only Pacifica.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was spacious for a compact crossover, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered a standard third-row seat in FWD models, though not in 4Motion versions. The SEL R-Line’s front seats were leather-wrapped, with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The tall driving position and excellent outward visibility, along with a panoramic sunroof, enhanced comfort. The second row was roomy and comfortable for adults, with rear air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and ample storage.

The Tiguan’s switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard in 2022 added sophistication but could be challenging to use. Cargo space was among the best in its class, with 12 cubic feet behind the third row in FWD models, expanding to 33 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with the second row down. The 4Motion model offered 37.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, rivaling midsize SUVs.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows, with a zoom function for specific seats. Our tester had heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a comfortable, adjustable driver’s seat. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the center pathway allowed easy access to the spacious third row. Taller passengers might prefer the extra legroom in the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.

The Pacifica Hybrid’s cargo space was 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubes with the seats folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with everything down. However, the hybrid model lacked the flat-fold Stow ‘n Go seats due to the battery placement, as well as the built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats available in the standard Pacifica.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital instrumentation, with an 8-inch display in most versions and a 10.25-inch display in the SEL R-Line. The MIB3 infotainment system, introduced last year, carried over in all but the base Tiguan S, which used MIB2 with a 6.5-inch touchscreen. The MIB3 system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, App-Connect smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The SEL R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system.

Natural voice recognition was a touted feature of MIB3, but it required a Plus Speech upgrade and an active Car-Net Hotspot subscription, which cost $9 annually. The Remote Access plan was complimentary for five years, allowing remote engine start, door lock operation, vehicle location, and Family Guardian alerts. The Safe & Secure plan included automatic crash notification and emergency assistance, while the Hotspot plan provided a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system, standard on the SEL R-Line.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. Our tester had the optional rear seat entertainment system, adding two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers with games and streaming content from Amazon Fire TV. Devices could be charged through various USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard Front Assist (forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection) and Side Assist (blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert). The IQ Drive collection of advanced driving assistance systems added Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, and Emergency Assist, which slowed the SUV and brought it to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model’s new features could improve that score.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid had standard 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, parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist were only available with a package or the top Pinnacle trim. The 2023 Pacifica Hybrid had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 version received a five-star overall safety rating. The IIHS gave it Good marks except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.