2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2023 Audi Q5 presented a blend of elegance and sportiness with its exterior design, featuring subtle curves and angular accents. It was available in two body styles: the standard Q5 SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which boasted a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker look. Despite the typical reservations about "coupelike" styling, the Q5 Sportback stood out with a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from hatch to tail section. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined yet simple layout, though its age was beginning to show. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen was a nod to traditional design amidst a trend of larger screens, and while materials were of good quality, the Q5 no longer felt as special compared to newer non-luxury competitors. The build quality was robust, with no squeaks or creaks, making it a solid choice among luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, offered a practical alternative to SUVs with its minivan design. The mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package added stylish touches like body-colored door handles and gloss black accents. The Pacifica Hybrid featured a split grille with LED headlamps and tail lamps that spanned the rear width. Inside, the Limited trim had a dark interior with Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. The controls were user-friendly, though the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion. The Pacifica Hybrid was praised for its practicality, with sliding doors and ample cargo space, though the black interior might not appeal to everyone.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, and was the sole engine for the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid powertrain delivered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 23 miles of electric-only range. All Q5s came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery due to the transmission, making initial acceleration feel sluggish. However, once underway, the power was adequate, and the handling was sporty, with precise steering. The Q5 balanced compliance and cornering well, with a quiet engine and minimal road noise.

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. It offered an EPA-rated 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. Charging the battery took two hours on a Level 2 home charger. 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 was front-wheel drive only and lacked a spare tire and towing package. It delivered 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, with a smooth continuously variable automatic transmission. The steering was light, and the battery's placement improved handling.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design had remained largely unchanged since 2018 but continued to be functional. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned for easy visibility, and traditional dials and buttons were used for climate controls. Outward visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The Q5 offered ample space for taller passengers, with the Sportback model only slightly reducing headroom. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 provided 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, with the Sportback offering 24.7 cubic feet.

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 comfortable seating. The second-row seats were low, and taller passengers might find the third row cramped compared to competitors. 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, expanding to 140.5 cubic feet with seats folded. However, it lacked features like a built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring sharp graphics and quick responses. However, the system took time to boot up, and Apple CarPlay activation was slow. Both CarPlay and Android Auto were available wirelessly. Higher trims included a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, with features like unlocking and temperature pre-conditioning. Mid-range trims had a customizable digital instrument panel.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, known for its ease of use and crisp graphics. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with streaming capabilities and games. The Pacifica Hybrid offered numerous charging options, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five out of five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, with four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ with "Good" scores in all crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. Higher trims added features like lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera system, and matrix-design LED headlights.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with standard safety features such as 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 offered smooth braking and acceleration. The Pacifica Hybrid had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 version received five stars. The IIHS gave it "Good" marks, except for seat belt reminders and headlights.