2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2024 Volvo XC90

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 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 allure of SUVs, they offered practicality with sliding doors and ample cargo space. Inside, the Limited trim's interior was predominantly dark, 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 confusion.

The 2024 Volvo XC90, available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 models, showcased a refined exterior with a subdued and earthy paint palette. The Recharge T8, in Ultimate trim, featured a luxurious interior with wool-blend or ventilated Nappa leather upholstery, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim. The exterior design included various wheel options up to 21 inches, with most models sporting a Bright theme that contrasted with the blacked-out trend. The XC90's interior, though dated, was rich in materials, and Volvo allowed for customization in paint, wheels, and upholstery. The Recharge T8 model, equipped with a Lounge Package, offered massaging front seats, a premium headliner, and a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system, enhancing the luxury 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 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 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 required 14 hours. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The hybrid model was front-wheel drive only, with 260 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate highway passing power. The battery's placement improved handling, but the steering was light.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kWh battery and a 107-kW electric motor with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered 32 miles of electric-only range and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode. The SUV accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds in Power mode. Charging took 12 hours on a standard outlet, reduced by half with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. During testing, the XC90 fell short of its electric range and fuel economy estimates, but it performed well in suburban driving. The SUV's handling was firm, with impressive grip but less thrilling dynamics, and the ride quality was affected by the 21-inch wheels.

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 front seats were heated and cooled, with a comfortable driver's seat and adjustable center armrest. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the third row was spacious enough for adults. The Pacifica's cargo space was 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 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, but their design could catch on clothing. The XC90 seated seven, with a comfortable second-row bench and a tight but accommodating third row. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use but expanded to 65.5 cubic feet with it folded and 85.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

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 Bluetooth connections. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with streaming capabilities and games, though it was an expensive addition. The Pacifica offered numerous charging options, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. These features were free for four years, with a subscription required afterward. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with premium audio options available. The infotainment system was intuitive, despite its small size, and included a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The XC90 also had a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid included 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 was smooth. However, features like parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist required additional packages. The 2023 model had not been rated by NHTSA, but the 2022 version received five stars overall. IIHS gave it Good marks, except for Marginal seat belt reminders and Average headlights and LATCH ease of use.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating in all but rollover resistance, where it received four stars. IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) lagged behind competitors. The XC90 included standard safety features and unique systems like large-animal detection but lacked innovative ADAS. Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, was tested extensively but struggled with certain road conditions. A significant error during testing affected confidence in the system.