2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, offered a sleek appearance with the S Appearance Package on the Limited trim. This package added body-colored door handles and mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black accents, complemented by 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The split grille was framed by standard LED headlamps, and the LED tail lamps spanned the rear width. While minivans lacked the allure of SUVs, the Pacifica Hybrid provided practicality with sliding doors and ample cargo space. The interior of the Limited trim was dark but sophisticated, featuring Nappa leather seats and a well-designed dash. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, available in multiple trims including LE, XLE, XSE, Woodland Edition, Limited, and Platinum, maintained a distinctive look. Despite the end of the "swagger wagon" commercials, the Sienna's style persisted with sleek fascias and vibrant color options like deep blue, red, or green. Standard LED lighting was enhanced in upper trims with Bi-LED projector headlamps. The XSE trim, considered sporty, featured a black metallic mesh grille, black heated mirrors, and 20-inch dark wheels. The Woodland Edition, with exclusive colors, offered off-road readiness with roof rails, a tow hitch, and increased ground clearance. The Sienna's interior boasted cloth seats, three-zone climate control, and room for eight, with the XSE trim offering additional luxury features like leather-trimmed heated and cooled seats.

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. It offered an EPA-rated 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles 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 on a Level 2 home charger took two hours, 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. The hybrid model was FWD only, lacked a spare tire, and couldn't tow, unlike its gasoline counterpart. With 260 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, it provided adequate highway passing power, though not rapid acceleration. The CVT operated smoothly, and the low center of gravity improved handling.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, a hybrid minivan, combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 245 horsepower. AWD models had an additional motor for the rear wheels. Despite a sport-tuned suspension and Sport mode, the Sienna felt sluggish, with the CVT contributing to a slow ride, especially on highways. Around town, it offered a smooth, if unremarkable, experience, with Normal or Eco mode being preferable. The brakes were occasionally grabby, but steering was light and visibility excellent. For more driving pleasure, alternatives like the Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, or Chrysler Pacifica with V6 engines were recommended.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The heated and cooled front seats and heated steering wheel added comfort, though second-row seats were low for taller passengers. The center pathway allowed easy access to the spacious third row, though competitors offered more legroom. The Pacifica's flat-fold Stow 'n Go seats were unavailable in the hybrid due to battery placement, but cargo space remained at 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 140.5 cubic feet with seats folded. However, it lacked a built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage, with a lower pass-through for bulkier items and multiple cupholders. The second-row captain’s chairs offered 40 inches of legroom and an ottoman in upper trims, though the slide function was complex, and seats couldn't be removed, limiting cargo space. The third row was accessible, with 39 inches of legroom when the second row was forward. Tri-zone climate control was standard, with an additional zone in the XSE trim. The rear liftgate revealed 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 101 cubes with seats folded.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for $2,795, though many kids already had personal devices. Numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging ensured devices stayed powered.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna used an older infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While physical buttons were convenient, the backup camera's grainy view was disappointing. A Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM, and an optional JBL stereo were available. USB ports and a 1500-watt inverter with a 120-volt outlet were included, though activation required a button near the driver’s seat.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was effective, and adaptive cruise control operated smoothly. However, parallel parking assistance required an upgrade. The 2022 model received a five-star NHTSA rating and Good IIHS marks, except for seat belt reminders and headlights.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna included the Toyota Safety Sense suite with lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. While lane-keeping assist was inconsistent, airbags and seat belt reminders provided safety. The Sienna received a four-star NHTSA rating for frontal crash and rollover protection, five stars for side crash protection, and Good IIHS scores, though front crash prevention was rated Average.