2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2024 Subaru Outback

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 rear featured LED tail lamps spanning its width. While minivans like the Pacifica Hybrid might lack the trendy appeal of SUVs, they offered practicality with sliding doors and ample cargo space. Inside, the Limited trim's interior was predominantly black, with Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, particularly in the Wilderness trim, showcased a refreshed front fascia and LED fog lights. The Autumn Green Metallic color of the Touring XT model was striking, contrasting well with the dark gray cladding. The Outback's trims varied in black and chrome fittings, with the Touring trim featuring the most chrome, which was tastefully done. Wheel designs differed by trim, with the Wilderness trim sporting matte black wheels. Inside, the top-trim model boasted Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, offering a luxurious feel. The Outback's interior was a pleasant surprise, given Subaru's reputation for capability over luxury. The vehicle's design and features catered to those seeking comfort and style.

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, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these numbers, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. Charging the battery on a Level 2 home charger took just two hours, while a standard outlet would require 14 hours. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode, which was efficient in city driving but quickly depleted on highways. 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 lb-ft of torque, the Pacifica Hybrid offered adequate performance, though not as powerful as the non-hybrid version.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured a "Boxer" engine, with the base model having a 2.5-liter flat-four producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, and increasing towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. The Touring XT model's turbo engine provided a better driving experience compared to the base engine. The CVT mimicked eight gears, enhancing the driving feel, while the electronic booster-assisted brakes and adequate steering added to the comfort. The Outback's ground clearance was 8.7 inches, with the Wilderness trim offering 9.2 inches and all-terrain tires for off-road adventures.

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

The 2024 Subaru Outback, despite its sleek design, offered ample interior space. It provided more front-row headroom than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, and competitive rear-seat legroom. The Outback's cargo space was 32.6 cubic feet with all seats in place and 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The vehicle featured dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat starting from the Premium trim. Heated rear seats and a powered front passenger seat were available from the Limited trim. The Touring trim offered ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Outback also included a hands-free power liftgate and standard raised roof rails with retractable cross bars.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its user-friendly interface and crisp graphics. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and dual-phone Bluetooth connectivity. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with streaming capabilities and HDMI ports. The vehicle featured numerous USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained charged.

The 2024 Subaru Outback Touring featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, with the base trim retaining dual 7-inch screens. The Subaru Starlink multimedia platform included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity from the Premium trim. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with hard buttons for defoggers and temperature adjustments. Wi-Fi capability was available on all but the base trim, and most trims featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Outback also included Bluetooth, HD Radio, and SiriusXM connectivity.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a range of 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 provided both visual and audible alerts, while the adaptive cruise control system offered smooth braking and acceleration. However, features like parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist required additional packages or the top Pinnacle trim. The 2023 Pacifica Hybrid had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 model received a five-star rating. The IIHS gave it Good marks, with Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, though it fell short of the 2023 model's Top Safety Pick+ designation. The NHTSA awarded both the 2023 and 2024 models five stars overall. The 2024 Outback featured standard reverse automatic braking from the Onyx trim, and the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, automatic pre-collision braking, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency steering. Blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on the Onyx Edition. The Touring trim added a wide-angle camera, digital rearview mirror, and driver-attention monitor.