2023 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 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. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. 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, while the Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

For 2023, the 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. It also featured 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The Pacifica Hybrid had a split grille with standard LED headlamps and LED tail lamps spanning the rear. While minivans lacked the cool factor of SUVs, they offered practical benefits like sliding doors and more cargo space. The Limited trim's interior was dark but sophisticated, with Nappa leather seats and sweeping dash lines. However, the HVAC and audio knobs were easily confused with the transmission selector dial.

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 an integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 also featured an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 delivered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 offering FWD or AWD and the B6 exclusively AWD. The B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

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. In testing, it achieved 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range, exceeding EPA estimates. Charging the battery on a Level 2 home charger took two hours, while a standard outlet required 14 hours. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode before switching to hybrid, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The Pacifica Hybrid had 260 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque, with a smooth continuously variable automatic transmission. However, it lacked AWD, a spare tire, and a towing package, which were available on the non-hybrid model.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's interior space remained unchanged, offering competitive passenger space. Front-seat headroom was above average, but rear-seat headroom was tied with the Audi Q5 for the worst in the segment. Legroom was average in both rows. Mild-hybrid models provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them down. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo space at 21.1 and 49.3 cubic feet, respectively. The XC60 offered a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The Limited trim had 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 had 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, it lacked the Stow 'n Go seats, built-in vacuum cleaner, and heated second-row seats available in the non-hybrid model.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Optional features included a head-up display and upgraded audio systems from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins. The new system integrated Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The system supported over-the-air updates and was compatible with iPhones, though without Google profile syncing. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

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. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with games and streaming content from Amazon Fire TV. The Pacifica Hybrid had multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging, ensuring devices were always charged.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for the 2022 model year, but the 2021 model received the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. 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 Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. The optional Pilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid had standard safety features like 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. Optional features included parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist. The 2023 model had not been rated by NHTSA, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall 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.