2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2024 Hyundai Palisade

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, particularly in the mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package, presented a sleek and modern exterior. 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 the minivan's practical nature, it offered a sophisticated interior with Nappa leather seats and a dash featuring sweeping lines. However, the interior was predominantly dark unless upgraded to the top trim. The controls, including chunky HVAC and audio knobs, were user-friendly, though their proximity to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its distinctive styling, especially in the Calligraphy Night Edition trim. This version featured a blacked-out appearance with dark chrome and gloss black exterior trim, badges, and wheels, available in Abyss Black or Hyper White paint. The interior boasted a luxurious feel with an artificial suede headliner, quality upholstery, metal speaker grilles, and sophisticated dashboard and door trim. The Palisade's design and features made it resemble a luxury SUV, offering a premium experience in a mass-market midsize family SUV.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two small electric motors, making it the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid. It offered an EPA-rated 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined fuel economy. In real-world testing, it exceeded these numbers, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. However, the Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode first, which was less efficient on highways. The hybrid model was FWD only, with 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, providing adequate highway passing power but not blistering acceleration. The battery's placement improved handling, but the steering was light.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and eight inches of ground clearance. The Palisade provided several driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Smart, and Snow, with AWD models offering a lockable system for off-road conditions. The V6 engine delivered satisfying acceleration, and the transmission was responsive. The Palisade averaged 18.8 mpg in Comfort mode during testing, slightly below the EPA's 21 mpg combined estimate. The SUV's suspension offered a firm yet comfortable ride, with excellent visibility and handling on various terrains.

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

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade offered a range of seating options, from cloth seats in the base SE trim to premium Nappa leather with microfiber inserts in the Calligraphy Night Edition. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an Ergo Motion massage function for the driver were available in higher trims. The Palisade provided configurable storage, with a large bin between the front seats and additional storage under the center console. Second-row passengers enjoyed captain's chairs with optional heating and ventilation, while the third row offered more comfort and space than most rivals. The Palisade's cargo space ranged from 18 cubic feet behind the third row to 86.4 cubic feet with all seats folded.

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 second-row passengers, but its value was questionable given the prevalence of personal devices. The Pacifica provided numerous charging options, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, supporting Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, Bluelink+ connected services, Wi-Fi access, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a USB-A cable. The Palisade offered a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a digital key function, a digital rearview mirror, and a semi-autonomous remote parking system. The head-up display provided comprehensive data, though it struggled with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid included standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure 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 version received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, except for some areas.

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade featured the SmartSense collection, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Highway Driving Assist paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, working effectively during testing. The Palisade offered additional safety features in higher trims, like front parking sensors and a surround-view camera system. It earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA crash tests were incomplete.