2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 marked a significant evolution from Volvo's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the brand underwent a transformation, developing new platforms for its vehicles. The XC90, launched as a 2016 model, became the flagship SUV, built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The 2022 model boasted a sleek and athletic profile, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches. Its interior was a testament to Scandinavian Modern design, featuring natural wood and metal trim, and luxurious details like a crystal gear selector. Volvo's commitment to sustainability was evident in its leather-free options, though Nappa leather remained available for those desiring ventilated seats.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, offered a practical alternative to SUVs with its minivan design. The Limited trim, enhanced by the S Appearance Package, featured body-colored accents and 18-inch wheels. The Pacifica's exterior included a split grille with LED headlamps and tail lamps. Inside, the Limited trim's dark interior was complemented by Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dashboard. The Pacifica Hybrid's practicality was highlighted by its sliding doors and ample cargo space, though the interior's dark tones might not appeal to everyone. The minivan's design prioritized functionality, with features like chunky HVAC and audio knobs, though their proximity to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the T5 model's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model enhanced this with a supercharged and turbocharged version, delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, achieving a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. The T5 models were available in front-wheel drive (FWD) with optional all-wheel drive (AWD), while the T6 and T8 models were AWD only. The XC90's fuel efficiency varied, with the T5 FWD achieving 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway, and the T8 offering 27 mpg combined on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range. The driving experience was smooth and engaging, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model.

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 available. The EPA rated it for 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined. In practice, the Pacifica exceeded these estimates, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. Charging the battery took about two hours on a Level 2 charger. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The hybrid model was FWD only and lacked a spare tire and towing package. Despite these limitations, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a pleasant driving experience with 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, though it lacked the acceleration of its non-hybrid counterpart.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults might find it lacking in legroom. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both rows down. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the airy feel. The air-conditioning system performed well even in high temperatures, making the XC90 a comfortable choice in various climates.

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 third row offered enough space for adults, though taller passengers might prefer the legroom in competitors like the Honda Odyssey. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement, but still provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the seats down, and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, it fell short of the cargo space offered by the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, offering tablet-like functionality with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. While intuitive, the system was occasionally slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with the former performing better in tests. The XC90 included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display. The standard Harman Kardon sound system could be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins system for audiophiles. The vehicle offered multiple USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a smartphone app for remote functions.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, praised for its ease of use and 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, though its value was questionable given the prevalence of personal devices. The Pacifica Hybrid offered numerous charging options, including USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained powered throughout journeys.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, featuring blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid included standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Some features, like parking assist, required additional packages. The 2022 Pacifica received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and the 2023 model was expected to perform similarly. The IIHS rated it well, though it received lower marks for seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use.