2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, presented a sleek appearance with the mid-trim Limited featuring the S Appearance Package. This package added body-colored door handles and exterior mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black accents, all complemented by 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The 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. The interior of the Limited trim, though predominantly black, boasted handsome Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dashboard design. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse, available in LS, LT, Z71, and RS trims, introduced the Z71 as a new addition for those interested in moderate off-roading. While not designed for extreme terrains like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, the Z71 was capable of handling rugged paths. The Traverse's pricing was competitive, with the LS starting at $38,995 and the RS reaching $55,595. Our Z71 test model, priced at $47,795, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint. The interior, with Jet Black and "Torch Red" accents, offered optional synthetic leather seating for an additional $1,000. The standard cloth seats, however, provided satisfactory comfort and breathability.

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. The EPA rated it for 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined. In practice, it exceeded these numbers, 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, with 260 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, offered sufficient highway passing power, though it lacked the acceleration of the non-hybrid version. The front-wheel-drive Pacifica Hybrid couldn't be equipped with all-wheel drive or a towing package, unlike its gasoline-only counterpart.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This new engine offered 18 more horsepower and 50 more lb-ft of torque than the discontinued V6. All-wheel drive was optional on all trims, with the Z71 featuring a more advanced dual-clutch system. The Traverse provided acceptable acceleration and passing power, with a pleasant exhaust growl. The steering was adequate, though the vehicle's 204.5-inch length was noticeable. The ride quality was commendable, even with the Z71's all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes were progressive, and the stop-and-start feature was seamless. EPA estimates for fuel economy ranged from 18 mpg city, 26 highway, 21 combined for the Limited with FWD, to 17/25/20 for the Limited with AWD.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The heated and cooled front seats, along with a heated steering wheel, provided comfort. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, while the third row offered enough space for adults on extended trips. The Pacifica's flat-fold Stow 'n Go seats were unavailable on the hybrid due to battery placement, but cargo space remained at 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with seats folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats down. However, competitors like the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey offered more space. The hybrid model also lacked features like a built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse's base LS model came with standard seating for eight, while the LT offered second-row captain's chairs. The Z71 and RS trims were seven-seaters with standard captain's chairs, allowing easier access to the third row, which accommodated average-size adults. Chevy's Smart Slide second-row seats were easy to use and available on both sides. The power-folding third row, standard on the RS, increased cargo capacity, aided by the Autosense power liftgate. Cargo volume was 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to approximately 96 cubic feet with seats folded. The cabin featured numerous storage nooks, including a hidden area under the center console and an underfloor storage bin in the cargo bay. Visibility was generally good, though the third row's view was limited by the rear fender's design. The Z71's power-operated driver's seat was convenient, but the front passenger seat had manual controls.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, known for its user-friendly interface and crisp graphics. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and dual-phone Bluetooth connectivity. The optional rear seat entertainment system, priced at $2,795, included two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, offering games and streaming content from Amazon Fire TV. However, the cost was hard to justify given the prevalence of personal devices. The Pacifica provided numerous charging options, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse introduced a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, replacing the previous 8-inch screen. The system, standard on all models, offered rapid response times and easy navigation. An 11-inch digital instrument display provided configurable information, enhancing navigation. The Google-based software supported intuitive voice commands, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The wireless charging pad in the Z71 securely held smartphones during cornering. Physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were retained, though the driving mode button was less accessible. Headlight functions were integrated into the infotainment system, which some found inconvenient. The Traverse offered Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, expanding its functionality to over 750,000 miles of roads by 2025. Super Cruise could be activated on pre-mapped single-lane roads, though it disengaged at intersections.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with standard safety features, including 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 forward collision warning system provided both visual and audible alerts, while the adaptive cruise control offered smooth braking and acceleration. However, features like parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist required additional packages or the top Pinnacle trim. The 2023 model had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 version received a five-star overall safety rating. The IIHS gave it Good marks, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of the test drive. However, it offered a comprehensive suite of driver aids at no extra cost. Standard features included automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, side-exit assist, rear pedestrian alert, and a surround-view parking camera. These systems provided peace of mind, though they were not tested during the drive.