2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented itself as a luxury SUV with a range of trims, including the standard and Type S versions. The Type S, in particular, was designed to offer a subtle yet sporty appearance, featuring chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. Inside, the Type S Advance trim boasted perforated Milano leather, open-pore wood, and a leather-wrapped dashboard, aiming to deliver a premium feel. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard and the electronic transmission switchgear, detracted from the overall user experience. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MDX Type S remained an attractive option for those seeking a luxury SUV with a sporty edge.

In contrast, the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid maintained a sleek and contemporary design, sharing its styling with the non-hybrid Pacifica. The plug-in hybrid model subtly distinguished itself with a charge port and specific badging. The Pacifica Hybrid was available in Select and Pinnacle trims, both featuring all-LED exterior lighting and a choice of 17 or 18-inch wheels. The Pinnacle trim elevated the interior with Nappa leather upholstery and small pillows for the second-row seats, though some premium elements clashed with leftover bits from lower-level models. Overall, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a clean and sophisticated look, with a focus on practicality and comfort.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S featured various driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the performance upgrades didn't fully integrate, leading to issues like an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg during testing, falling short of its EPA rating, and struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, on the other hand, combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a two-motor hybrid system, powered by a 16-kWh battery pack. This setup delivered 260 horsepower and was only available with front-wheel drive. While the Pacifica Hybrid couldn't match the non-hybrid's horsepower or towing capacity, it excelled in electric-motor torque, providing quick acceleration and a quieter ride. The transition from electric to hybrid mode was slightly clunky, and regenerative braking didn't achieve one-pedal driving. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's well-tuned chassis offered a comfortable ride, making it a practical choice for families seeking a plug-in hybrid minivan.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats and a flexible second-row configuration. The Type S Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, though the seats didn't provide the expected support for spirited driving. The MDX's third row was best suited for children, and the interior design prioritized style over storage space. The cargo area provided 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat. The hands-free liftgate with Walk Away Close function added convenience for loading and unloading cargo.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered the practicality of a minivan with a low step-in height and sliding doors for easy access. While it lacked the Stow 'n Go second-row seats due to the battery pack, it still provided ample cargo space, with 32.2 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Pinnacle trim featured an Ultra Console with dual-level storage, though accessing it was somewhat awkward. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered the Stow 'n Vac built-in vacuum cleaner, adding to its family-friendly features.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, operated via a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. While the TTI aimed to improve driver interaction, it fell short due to its non-touchscreen design and space-consuming layout. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, along with a top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread speed limits.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. The system remained user-friendly and up-to-date, despite the lack of a fully digital instrument cluster. The Pacifica Hybrid offered up to 12 USB-C ports, an optional FamCam rear-facing camera, and the Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV connectivity. These features made it a tech-savvy choice for families.

The 2023 Acura MDX included the Acura Watch suite of safety features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four stars in frontal-impact tests.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid shared safety features with the non-hybrid model, including blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Pinnacle models added a 360-degree camera system and ParkSense park assist. The Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a five-star side crash-test rating and four-star frontal and rollover ratings. A new Emergency Vehicle Alert System provided additional safety information.