2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, offered a practical yet stylish option for families. The mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package featured body-colored door handles and mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black accents, all complemented by 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The minivan's split grille and LED headlamps, along with LED tail lamps spanning the rear, added to its appeal. Inside, the Limited trim's dark interior boasted Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design, though the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid, starting at $33,700 for the Sport Hybrid, presented a sporty exterior with black 18-inch wheels and trim. The Sport Touring Hybrid, priced at $39,850, featured Canyon River Blue paint and a conservative design with a technical front resembling an angry robot. The rear quarter view, with Volvo-adjacent taillights, gave the CR-V an upscale look. Inside, the Sport Touring offered leather seats with orange stitching and quality details like a soft-touch dashboard and metal mesh air vent covers, creating a sophisticated cabin atmosphere.

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 all-electric range, 520 miles of 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 took two hours on a Level 2 charger, while a standard outlet required 14 hours. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode, which was efficient in city driving but quickly depleted on highways. With 260 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, it provided adequate highway passing power, though it lacked the AWD and towing capabilities of its gasoline-only counterpart.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 204 horsepower. The system operated transparently, with the gasoline engine sometimes acting as a generator. The CR-V Sport Touring, with standard AWD, was rated at 37 mpg combined by the EPA, but our test returned 32.4 mpg. The SUV offered a quiet ride, predictable handling, and impressive grip, though the steering was notably heavy. While the CR-V was easy to drive, it wasn't designed for off-road adventures or spirited driving.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered family-friendly features like the FamCam interior camera, heated and cooled front seats, and a spacious interior. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the third row provided ample space for adults. However, the plug-in hybrid lacked the Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement, offering 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 140.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. It also missed out on features like a built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in form and function, with quality materials, intuitive controls, and comfortable seating. The 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat provided excellent support, while the rear seats offered generous legroom and adjustable backrests. The CR-V's cargo area ranged from 34.7 to 36.3 cubic feet, expanding to 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The SUV's wide rear doors and ample storage made it ideal for families, though the glove compartment was smaller than expected.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for $2,795, though most kids might prefer their own devices. The Pacifica provided numerous charging options, including USB-A, USB-C, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 9-inch display available. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a premium audio system were reserved for higher trims. The Sport Touring trim included navigation and a 12-speaker Bose system. The CR-V's voice recognition system was basic, but the walk-away automatic locking feature provided peace of mind.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid included standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was effective, and the adaptive cruise control was smooth. However, features like parallel parking assist required additional packages. The 2022 model received a five-star NHTSA rating and Good IIHS marks, except for Marginal seat belt reminders and Average headlights.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured Honda Sensing, with forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The system performed well, though it struggled with some road conditions. The CR-V earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS for 2023, though NHTSA ratings were pending.