2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Buick Encore GX

The 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's storied design history, presenting a style that didn't echo the brand's past nor forge a new path. Its rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that failed to capture the SUV allure that many buyers sought. Even with the optional Sport Touring Package, which added subtle enhancements like different bumpers and a black mesh grille, the changes were barely noticeable unless compared directly to a standard model. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered expected features like leather upholstery and power-adjustable seats, but the abundance of plastic reminded us of its position at the lower end of Buick's lineup. While the fit and finish were commendable, the interior design felt uninspired, reminiscent of outdated 1990s styles, with the instrument cluster being the only standout feature.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, particularly in the mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package, offered a more cohesive design. The package added body-colored elements and black accents, enhancing its visual appeal. The split grille and LED lighting provided a modern touch, and while minivans might lack the trendiness of SUVs, the Pacifica Hybrid's practicality shone through. Its interior, though predominantly dark in the Limited trim, exuded sophistication with Nappa leather seats and a well-designed dashboard. The controls, while functional, had a slight ergonomic issue with the proximity of the HVAC and transmission selector dials. Overall, the Pacifica Hybrid's design was more aligned with its purpose, offering practicality and a touch of elegance.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The base 1.2-liter engine delivered 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the optional 1.3-liter engine produced 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for the 1.3-liter variant. The FWD models used a CVT, whereas the AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 1.3-liter AWD model provided a stronger acceleration than expected, though power delivery was not smooth, requiring a patient driving style. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, its driving dynamics were less impressive, with slow steering and significant body roll.

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 electric range and 520 miles of total range, with 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. In practice, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these numbers, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. Charging the battery on a Level 2 charger took about two hours, while a standard outlet would require 14 hours. The Pacifica defaulted to electric mode first, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The hybrid model was limited to FWD and lacked a spare tire and towing capability. Despite these limitations, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a pleasant driving experience with 260 horsepower and a smooth CVT, benefiting from a lower center of gravity for better handling.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX provided competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, the Kia Seltos offered more rear legroom. The Encore GX's cargo space was respectable, with 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with them folded. The front seats were positioned closely together, reducing the sense of spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite the limited cabin size, Buick optimized small-item storage with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless phone charger. The instrumentation was well-executed, with clear notifications and an array of hard buttons for ease of use.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor rear passengers. The front seats were heated and cooled, with a comfortable and adjustable driver's seat. The second-row seats, though comfortable, were low, and taller passengers might find the seating position awkward. The third row was spacious enough for adults, though competitors like the Honda Odyssey offered more legroom. 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 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 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included a navigation system, head-up display, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with appealing graphics, though the screen size was modest by current standards.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, known for its ease of use and crisp graphics. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and dual Bluetooth connections. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens with games and streaming capabilities, though its value was questionable given the prevalence of personal devices. The Pacifica Hybrid offered numerous charging options, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, and wireless charging.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick, though it had an "Average" score for child-seat anchor ease of use.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered standard safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was particularly effective, providing clear alerts. Some features, like parallel parking assist, required additional packages. The 2022 Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star 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.