2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Volvo XC60

Volvo made subtle styling changes to the 2022 XC60, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look, a redesigned rear bumper that hides the tailpipes, and new wheel designs. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with the XC90, S90, S60, V90 Cross Country, and V60 Cross Country models. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design with a new digital instrument cluster, a portrait-oriented touchscreen, and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model featured aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, adding flair to an otherwise subdued interior. The Inscription trim level offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan image, was a practical and efficient vehicle for transporting up to seven people. It featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, providing a total output of 260 horsepower. The 16-kWh battery pack allowed for up to 32 miles of electric-only driving, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was comfortable, with black Nappa premium leather, triple-zone automatic climate control, and ample storage space. However, its rounded, flowing design appeared soft and dated compared to more modern, architectural motifs. The Pacifica Hybrid was not cheap, with the base Touring L starting at $49,095 and the Limited trim costing $54,095. Despite its high price, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a unique combination of efficiency and practicality.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both powertrains combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain also included an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 offering standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD), and the B6 available only with AWD. The B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), while the B6 achieved the same in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 horsepower and 494 pound-feet, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, providing a total output of 260 horsepower. The 16-kWh battery pack allowed for up to 32 miles of electric-only driving. The Pacifica Hybrid never felt underpowered, even with a full load of passengers. It could travel up to 39 miles on electric power and 29.9 miles on the gasoline V6, resulting in an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg. The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain seamlessly switched between electric and gasoline modes, with regenerative braking capturing energy to recharge the battery. However, the driving experience was unremarkable, with light and uncommunicative steering, grabby regenerative brakes, and limited cornering grip. Despite its dull driving dynamics, the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was praised for its efficiency and smooth operation.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's interior space remained unchanged, offering competitive passenger space within its segment. Front-seat headroom was above average, but rear-seat headroom was tied with the Audi Q5 for the worst in the segment. Legroom in both rows was about average. The mild-hybrid models provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The plug-in hybrid models offered slightly less cargo space, at 21.1 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 49.3 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The XC60's commanding driving position and good visibility were notable features, despite the somewhat pinched roofline.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were plentiful, with extra shelves, a large floor tray, and multiple bins. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, but they did not collapse into the floor, requiring removal for maximum cargo space. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, with cupholders, USB ports, and side window shades. 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 up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The new system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The system also supported over-the-air (OTA) software updates and promised full iPhone compatibility. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions. Optional features included a head-up display and upgraded audio systems from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, appealing graphics, and a simple user interface. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and an Amazon Fire TV-enabled rear-seat entertainment system. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the sound quality of the Harman Kardon system required adjustment for optimal performance.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at the time of writing, but the 2021 model received top ratings from both organizations. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features for 2022 included a Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. The optional Pilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering for highway driving.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety and security features than any other vehicle in the industry. New for 2022 was a rear-seat reminder system to prevent leaving children or pets inside the vehicle. The Pacifica Hybrid included a comprehensive package of standard driver-assist and collision-avoidance features, but it lacked adaptive cruise control paired with lane-centering assist. The adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist needed refinement, as it was slow to resume travel speed and braked too hard when other vehicles cut in. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.