2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2024 Kia Sorento

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 entire width of the rear, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Limited trim featured a dark interior 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.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual update, aligning it more closely with its siblings like the Telluride and EV9. The new front end featured a large grille, vertically-stacked LED projector-beam headlights, and wing-like amber LED daytime running lights, giving it a more robust and intimidating presence. The rear updates were subtler, with higher trims receiving LED taillights and new bumpers. Inside, the Sorento boasted a new dashboard with a vast horizontal expanse, combining the gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The cabin materials were upgraded, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on the optional leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats, offering a more upscale feel.

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. However, real-world testing showed slightly better numbers, with 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode first, which was efficient in city driving but quickly depleted on the highway. The hybrid model was front-wheel drive only and lacked a spare tire and towing package, unlike its gasoline-only counterpart. With 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, the Pacifica Hybrid provided sufficient power for highway passing, though it didn't match the non-hybrid's 287 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained most of its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine struggled with the Sorento's weight, resulting in a nearly 10-second 0-60 mph time. Higher trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, offering more lively performance. The Sorento was front-wheel drive by default, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The X-Line and X-Pro trims provided more aggressive styling and off-road capabilities, with the X-Pro offering a smoother ride and improved towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. The Sorento's fuel economy was average for its class, with non-turbo models achieving 25-26 mpg combined and turbo models getting 23 mpg combined.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered family-friendly features like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor the second and third-row seats. The heated and cooled front seats, along with a heated steering wheel, provided comfort for the driver. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, while the third row offered enough space for adults on short trips. The Pacifica's cargo space was 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubes with the seats folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats down. However, the plug-in hybrid model lacked the Stow 'n Go seats, built-in vacuum cleaner, and heated second-row seats found in the standard Pacifica.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was upscale and modern, with comfortable seating in the first two rows and a tighter third row. It offered 41.4 inches of legroom in the front and 41.7 inches in the second row, providing more space than many two-row SUVs. The third row had 29.6 inches of legroom, making it suitable for occasional use by children. The Sorento's cargo space was 12.6 cubic feet with the third row in use, expanding to 38.5 to 45 cubes with the third row folded, and up to 72.1 cubic feet with all seats down. The new dash design was ergonomic, with plenty of small-item storage space.

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 ample charging options, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2024 Kia Sorento adopted a single-pane, twin-screen setup for its gauge and infotainment displays, with all models featuring a 12.3-inch screen. The new "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC) software prioritized popular features and offered a clean, legible interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the system supported over-the-air updates. The Sorento included USB-C outlets in all three rows and an auxiliary jack. Higher trims featured a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system and Digital Key 2.0, allowing phone-based vehicle access.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with 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 forward collision warning system was effective, and the adaptive cruise control provided smooth operation. However, features like parallel parking assistance 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 Kia Sorento's Drivewise suite included a comprehensive array of standard and optional safety features. Standard features encompassed adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, intersection assistance, lane-following and lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Optional features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, and Highway Driving Assist 2 with automated lane changes. The Sorento's adaptive cruise control systems were enhanced with machine-learning capabilities. The IIHS had not fully evaluated the 2024 Sorento, but it received Good ratings in several tests. The NHTSA had not yet rated the 2024 model, but previous models received four-star overall ratings.