2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX was available in standard and Type S versions, each with trim packages that enhanced its equipment. The standard MDX offered a base level with Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the MDX Type S came in standard spec or with an Advance package. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, plus a destination charge of $1,195. The test vehicle was a Type S Advance trim with Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid interior, priced at $74,995. Despite its high price, the MDX Type S didn't fully meet expectations for quality, luxury, and driving dynamism. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to feature the Type S badge, which stood for subtlety. It had chicane-design LED lights, automatic high-beam headlights, and 21-inch wheels. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard, but some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls difficult to use.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims. The test vehicle was the mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package, which added body-colored door handles, gloss black grille surround, and black accents. It 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 practicality with sliding doors and more cargo space. The Limited's interior was dark, with Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. The HVAC and audio knobs were chunky but could be confused with the transmission selector dial. The Pacifica Hybrid was a practical choice for families, offering comfort and convenience.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was distinguished by its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, an increase over the standard 3.5-liter V6. However, the Type S weighed 285 pounds more than the lightest standard MDX with AWD. It used a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The Integrated Dynamics System offered various driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode. Despite performance enhancements, the MDX Type S fell short, with issues like an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. It averaged 16.9 mpg, below the EPA rating of 19 mpg. The MDX Type S struggled as a driver's SUV, with transmission confusion and brake pedal response issues. The Continental self-sealing performance all-season tires squealed early, and the suspension lacked compliance. Overall, the MDX Type S didn't deliver a cohesive driving experience.

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 fuel economy. In testing, it exceeded these numbers, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. The Pacifica Hybrid defaulted to all-electric mode before switching to hybrid mode, which was efficient in the city but less so on the highway. It lacked AWD and a towing package, but offered a smooth driving experience with 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. The continuously variable automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the lower center of gravity improved handling. The Pacifica Hybrid was a nice-driving minivan, though not as powerful as the non-hybrid version.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats with flexible second-row seating options and a spacious cargo area. The test vehicle featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, wrapped in quilted leather. The MDX provided seven-passenger seating, with a removable second-row center section for pass-through access. The third row was best for children due to limited space. The cabin prioritized style over storage, with limited space under the front center armrest. The power liftgate revealed ample cargo space, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The test vehicle had heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and comfortable second-row seats. The third row offered enough space for adults, though taller passengers might prefer more legroom. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement but offered 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. It lacked features like a built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen wasn't touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. The TTI design limited storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The test vehicle had a Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers, delivering clear sound. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its ease of use and crisp graphics. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. The test vehicle had an optional rear seat entertainment system with two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, though it was costly. The Pacifica Hybrid featured numerous USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained charged.

The 2023 Acura MDX included Acura Watch, a suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. It featured forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional front and rear parking sensors. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided visual and audible alerts. The adaptive cruise control system operated smoothly. Optional features included parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist. The 2022 Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.