2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2024 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, particularly in the mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package, presented a sleek and modern aesthetic. This package added body-colored door handles and exterior mirrors, a gloss black surround on the grille, and black accents, all complemented by 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The minivan's front featured a split grille surrounded by standard LED headlamps, while the rear boasted LED tail lamps spanning its width. Despite the minivan's practical nature, the interior of the Limited trim was predominantly dark, with handsome Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause some confusion.

The 2024 Ford Bronco embraced a retro design reminiscent of the 1960s, with the two-door model capturing the essence more effectively than the four-door. The Sasquatch Package, a notable upgrade, enhanced the Bronco's rugged appearance with a suspension lift and 35-inch mud-terrain tires. The Bronco offered nine trim levels, including the Raptor performance model, and a choice between two-door and four-door body styles. Our test vehicle, a four-door Big Bend trim, featured Hot Pepper Red paint, LED signature lighting, and the Sasquatch Package, priced at $55,415. While the marine-grade upholstery was practical, it lacked breathability, potentially causing discomfort in hot conditions. The Bronco's interior was equipped with an 8-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with grab handles aiding entry due to the suspension lift.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering a unique plug-in hybrid experience. It was the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid, boasting an EPA-rated 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined fuel economy. In practice, the Pacifica exceeded these numbers, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. However, the vehicle defaulted to all-electric mode first, which was less efficient on highways. The Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only, with a 260 horsepower output, and lacked features like all-wheel drive and a towing package available in gasoline-only models.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend came standard with a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco offered a seven-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine delivered 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the Raptor's 3.0-liter V6 cranked out 418 hp and 440 lb-ft. The Bronco's part-time four-wheel-drive system and various off-roading technologies, including Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist, enhanced its off-road capabilities. However, the Bronco's fuel efficiency was a concern, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway for the Big Bend Sasquatch. During testing, the Bronco averaged 16.9 mpg, highlighting its need for an electrified version.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a family-friendly interior with features like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The minivan's heated and cooled front seats, along with a heated steering wheel, provided comfort, while the second-row seats were comfortable but low. The Pacifica's cargo space was generous, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubes with the seats folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with everything down. However, the plug-in hybrid lacked the flat-fold Stow 'n Go seats and built-in vacuum cleaner available in the standard Pacifica.

The 2024 Ford Bronco's interior was spacious, with the four-door model offering more room than its two-door counterpart. The Bronco's marine-grade vinyl upholstery was practical but lacked breathability, while cloth seats were available in the Heritage Edition. The Bronco's removable roof panels and doors allowed for an open-air driving experience, with various configurations available. Interior storage was ample, with MOLLE panels on the front seat backs for customizable storage solutions. The Bronco's cargo space varied, with the two-door model offering 22.4 cubic feet, expanding to 53.3 cubic feet with the seats down. The four-door model provided 38.3 cubic feet with the soft top and 83 cubic feet with the seats down, though these numbers decreased with the optional hardtop.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its ease of use and crisp graphics. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. Our test vehicle had the optional rear seat entertainment system, adding two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, though the cost was difficult to justify given the prevalence of personal devices. The Pacifica offered numerous charging options, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2024 Ford Bronco came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen version of its Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect services, and a seven-speaker stereo system. Higher trims offered a connected navigation system and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. However, the Bronco's Sync 4 technology experienced connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay and inconsistent voice recognition performance. The Bronco Trail App provided access to maps and information for trails across North America, accessible through the Sync 4 touchscreen display.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with numerous 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 was particularly effective, providing both visual and audible alerts. However, features like parallel parking assistance and front and rear parking assist required additional packages or the top Pinnacle trim. The 2022 Pacifica received a five-star overall 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.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, and a backup camera with guidance grid lines. The Mid Package added Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system were available as options. The IIHS rated the Bronco four-door favorably, except for its headlight performance, while the NHTSA provided a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.