2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Mazda CX-30

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, presented a sleek appearance with the Limited trim's S Appearance Package. This package added body-colored door handles and exterior mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black accents, complemented by 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The minivan's split grille was flanked by standard LED headlamps, and the LED tail lamps spanned the rear width, enhancing its visual appeal. Despite minivans lacking the allure of SUVs, the Pacifica Hybrid offered practicality with sliding doors and ample cargo space. Inside, the Limited trim featured a dark interior with Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered two models: the 2.5 S with a 191-horsepower engine and the 2.5 Turbo with up to 250 horsepower. All models featured a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The CX-30's design was artful yet marred by excessive gray body cladding. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model, with its Soul Red paint and stainless steel rear bumper guard, had a MSRP of $37,505. Inside, the upscale cabin boasted quality materials, with off-white leather, a chocolate brown center console, and black accents. The interior resembled an entry-level luxury SUV, justifying its premium pricing.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 260 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. It was the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid, with an EPA rating of 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined. In testing, it exceeded these figures, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles total. Charging the battery on a Level 2 home charger took two hours, while a standard outlet predicted a 14-hour charge time. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode, which was efficient in city driving but quickly depleted on highways. The hybrid model was FWD only, lacked a spare tire, and couldn't be equipped with a towing package. Despite these limitations, it offered a smooth driving experience with a continuously variable automatic transmission and a lower center of gravity for better handling.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S models gained five horsepower, totaling 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with improved fuel economy of 29 mpg combined. The 2.5 Turbo, using premium gas, delivered 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with regular gas. Both engines paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The CX-30 had eight inches of ground clearance and an Off-Road traction assist function. Weighing 3,525 pounds, the 2.5 Turbo provided robust acceleration but could be flat-footed in traffic. The small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited range to about 250 miles. The CX-30 excelled on twisty roads, with G-Vectoring Control Plus and excellent steering, but felt soft due to its compliant suspension. On highways, it was quiet and refined, though the brake pedal required more effort than expected.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The test model included heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a comfortable driver's seat. The second-row seats were low, but the center pathway allowed easy access to the spacious third row. Cargo space was 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubes with seats folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats down. However, the plug-in hybrid lacked Stow 'n Go seats, a built-in vacuum cleaner, and heated second-row seats.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a power sunroof. The Turbos added a heated steering wheel. The driver's seat was comfortable, but the front passenger seat had limited adjustment. Rear air conditioning vents were standard, but legroom was tight. Storage space was reasonable, with bins and compartments throughout the cabin. The power liftgate revealed 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 45.2 cubic feet with rear seats folded. However, the cargo area lacked nooks, nets, or underfloor storage.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, featuring 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 games and streaming capabilities. Charging options included USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had three significant flaws: no touchscreen, lack of conversational voice-recognition technology, and no tuning knob. The 8.8-inch display was integrated into the dashboard, with Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. Turbos added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system. Wireless smartphone charging was an extra-cost accessory.

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

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from IIHS, with improved side-impact crash protection. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, adaptive front lighting, traffic sign recognition, and a head-up display. The Turbo Premium Plus included a surround-view camera, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and Traffic Jam Assist.