2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2024 MINI Countryman

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. Inside, the Limited trim featured a predominantly black interior with Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dashboard design. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause some confusion.

The 2024 MINI Countryman embraced its playful and classic Mini styling, with a wraparound windshield, floating roof, and Union Jack tail lights. It offered a variety of paint, roof, and mirror cap options, along with multiple wheel designs. The Countryman lineup included Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper SE, and John Cooper Works models, each with distinct powertrains. Our test vehicle, a Cooper S with the Iconic trim, featured dark-tinted privacy glass, an adaptive damping suspension, and 19-inch wheels. The interior boasted premium leather, power-adjustable front seats, a head-up display, and a semi-autonomous parking system, all contributing to a unique and unmistakable Mini experience.

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 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. 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 delivered 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, with a smooth continuously variable automatic transmission. It was front-wheel drive only and lacked a spare tire and towing package.

The 2024 MINI Countryman offered a range of powertrains, with the John Cooper Works model standing out with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 301 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The Cooper S model, with a 189 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, provided a zippy driving experience, reaching 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. The Countryman excelled in daily driving scenarios, though it wasn't ideal for off-road adventures. Our test vehicle averaged 25.4 mpg in combined driving, slightly below its EPA rating of 28 mpg.

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, while the third row provided ample space for adults. The Pacifica's cargo space measured 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats down. However, the plug-in hybrid model lacked Stow 'n Go seats, a built-in vacuum cleaner, and heated second-row seats.

The 2024 MINI Countryman accommodated four adults comfortably, with premium leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat offered sufficient legroom, though fitting a fifth passenger was challenging. The Countryman provided excellent outward visibility and easy parking, but lacked advanced parking technologies. Interior storage was reasonable, though the smartphone charging pad obstructed access to the tray beneath it. Cargo space was limited, with 17.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 47.6 cubic feet with the 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, though it was costly. 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 MINI Countryman included a small digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, along with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system using BMW's iDrive technology. The system offered five interaction methods, including touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. However, it lacked Android Auto connectivity, providing only Apple CarPlay. The Iconic trim featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, delivering excellent audio quality.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system effectively alerted drivers with visual and audible signals. The Pacifica Hybrid had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 model received a five-star 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 MINI Countryman offered limited advanced driving assistance systems, with Active Driving Assistant providing forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Rear parking sensors and an emergency SOS call button were standard, while adaptive cruise control was optional. The Countryman lacked blind-spot monitoring and other advanced features. The IIHS rated the Countryman Good in crashworthiness evaluations, though some testing was incomplete.