2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Ford Bronco was a standout with its retro-cool styling and modern engineering, offered in nine distinct trim levels. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights were unmistakable, even from afar. The Base trim had a primitive, bare-bones look with steel wheels, while the Raptor trim showcased a wide stance, elevated height, and massive tires. The Heritage trim added nostalgic touches with a white grille, roof, and wheels, along with unique plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's styling was not just for show; functional elements like cleats above the headlights and raised "fins" aided in cargo securing and obstacle navigation. Inside, the rugged theme continued with a broad dash, sealed switches, and waterproof upholstery, designed for durability rather than luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, offered a more practical and sophisticated look. The mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package featured body-colored door handles, gloss black grille accents, and 18-inch wheels. The split grille and LED headlamps added a modern touch, while the interior, though dark, was sophisticated with Nappa leather seats and sweeping dash lines. The Pacifica Hybrid was praised for its practicality, with sliding doors and ample cargo space, making it a more family-friendly choice compared to the Bronco's rugged appeal.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices, starting with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, available with a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-liter V6 engine increased power to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the top-tier Raptor featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All models came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, making them capable off-roaders. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than a typical SUV but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler, with a quieter interior. However, its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curvy roads.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. It was the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid, with an EPA-rated 32 miles of all-electric range and 82 MPGe. In real-world testing, it exceeded these numbers, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. The Pacifica Hybrid defaulted to all-electric mode before switching to hybrid, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. It lacked all-wheel drive and a towing package, available on non-hybrid models, but offered a smooth driving experience with a continuously variable automatic transmission.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, with the four-door model offering easier access to rear seats. Up front, there were numerous storage options, including netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for phones. The two-door model had 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 52.3 cubic feet with seats folded, while the four-door offered 35.6 cubic feet, expanding to 77.6 cubic feet. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, limiting cargo versatility. The Bronco's fenders and doors were easily removable, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The interior offered heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and comfortable second-row seats, though taller passengers might find them low. The third row was spacious, but competitors like the Honda Odyssey offered more legroom. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow 'n Go seats due to battery placement but still provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 140.5 cubic feet with seats folded. It also missed out on features like a built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats.

The 2023 Ford Bronco featured G.O.A.T. drive modes, optimizing engine and suspension settings for various terrains, making off-roading accessible to novices. It also offered numerous camera views and the Trail Turn Assist feature for sharp turns. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional 12-inch display for ease of use.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, praised for its ease of use and crisp graphics. It included 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 an expensive addition. The Pacifica Hybrid offered multiple charging options, ensuring devices stayed powered throughout the journey.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with the four-door model earning four out of five stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from NHTSA. IIHS awarded it "Good" in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and hill-start assist. Optional packages added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted numerous standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was particularly effective, providing both visual and audible alerts. The Pacifica Hybrid had not been rated by NHTSA for 2023, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall safety rating. IIHS gave it "Good" marks, with some areas needing improvement.