2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Buick Encore GX

The 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's storied design history, presenting a style that did not 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 appeal that has drawn many buyers to this segment. 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 dual-zone climate control, but the abundance of plastic reminded occupants of its position at the lower end of Buick's lineup. The interior design, with its blob-like dashboard and door panels, harkened back to less favorable aspects of 1990s automotive design, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid maintained the sleek and clean styling of its non-hybrid counterpart, with only subtle hints like the charge port and badging indicating its plug-in hybrid nature. Despite its age, the Pacifica's design remained contemporary, with a rounded front fascia and integrated elliptical headlights offering a refined look. The Pacifica Hybrid was available in Select and Pinnacle trims, featuring all-LED exterior lighting and wheel options that varied by package. The Pinnacle trim added luxurious touches like Nappa leather upholstery and second-row pillows, though some premium elements clashed with lower-level materials. Overall, the Pacifica Hybrid's design and features reflected Chrysler's mastery of the minivan aesthetic, offering a sophisticated yet practical vehicle.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines, with the standard 1.2-liter engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and the optional 1.3-liter engine delivering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive was standard, while all-wheel drive was available with the 1.3-liter engine. The Encore GX used different transmissions for its drivetrains, with a CVT for FWD models and a nine-speed automatic for AWD models. The 1.3-liter AWD test car provided stronger acceleration than expected, though power delivery was not smooth, requiring a patient driving approach. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, it felt ponderous and awkward in most driving situations, with slow steering and significant body roll.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a two-motor hybrid system and a 16-kWh battery pack, producing a total of 260 horsepower. While it lacked the 287 hp of non-hybrid models and was only available in FWD, the electric motor torque compensated for the horsepower deficit, providing quick acceleration and a quieter ride. The Pacifica Hybrid excelled in maximizing all-electric driving, though the transition to hybrid mode was somewhat clunky. Regenerative braking was not as strong as some might prefer, but the overall driving experience was comfortable and quiet, with a well-tuned chassis that balanced ride comfort and handling.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, the Kia Seltos provided more rear legroom and cargo space. The Encore GX's cargo capacity was respectable, with 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with them folded. The front seats were positioned close 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 information displays and an array of hard buttons for ease of use.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered the unique combination of a plug-in hybrid powertrain and minivan packaging, with easy access to rear seats thanks to its low step-in height and sliding doors. Interior dimensions were similar to the non-hybrid Pacifica, with competitive headroom and legroom across all rows. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow 'n Go second-row seats due to the battery pack, but still provided ample cargo space, with 32.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 140.5 cubic feet behind the first row. The Pinnacle trim featured an Ultra Console with additional storage, though access was somewhat awkward. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered the Stow 'n Vac built-in vacuum cleaner, a practical feature for a minivan.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display, with optional features like navigation, a head-up display, and a Bose audio system. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with graphics that were more appealing than many competitors'. The screen size was adequate, fitting well within the dashboard design.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM with 360L. Optional features included navigation and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Uconnect 5 system remained user-friendly and up-to-date, though the lack of a fully digital instrument cluster was a minor drawback. The Pacifica Hybrid offered up to 12 USB-C ports and an optional FamCam rear-facing camera, though it lacked a rear-seat intercom system. The Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system added dual 10.1-inch touchscreens, wireless headphones, and Amazon Fire TV connectivity.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included standard driver assist 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 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid had not yet received complete IIHS safety ratings, but the non-hybrid Pacifica was a 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick. The Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Pinnacle models added a 360-degree camera system and ParkSense park assist. A new Emergency Vehicle Alert System provided warnings about nearby emergency vehicles or road hazards.