2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Ford Escape

The 2023 Ford Escape presented a departure from its earlier, more rugged design, embracing a European-inspired aesthetic. The refresh introduced a more traditional front end, replacing the previous grille with a Ford blue oval logo and a stylish LED light bar. The ST-Line Elite trim, which we tested, featured 19-inch wheels and body-color mirror caps, giving it an upscale appearance akin to a Mazda CX-5. Inside, the Escape boasted diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt somewhat hard and plasticky. Despite this, the seats were comfortable, and the 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat allowed for easy customization. However, the interior was dominated by plastic materials, some of which felt cost-cutting.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid maintained the sleek and clean styling of its non-hybrid counterpart, with subtle distinctions like a charge port and specific badging. The Pacifica Hybrid was available in Select and Pinnacle trims, featuring all-LED exterior lighting and options for 17 or 18-inch wheels. The Pinnacle trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and small pillows for the second-row seats, though some premium elements clashed with lower-level model features. The Pacifica Hybrid’s design was contemporary, with a well-integrated front fascia and elliptical headlights, setting it apart from other minivans. However, some interior elements, like the piano-black dashboard trim, appeared less premium.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered multiple powertrain options, including a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine could be configured with either FWD or AWD. The ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, exclusively with AWD. Despite the impressive output, the Escape was not a performance crossover, with a soft suspension and no paddle shifters. The brakes provided predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness seen in some competitors.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a two-motor hybrid system and a 16-kWh battery pack, producing a total of 260 horsepower. Unlike the non-hybrid Pacifica, the hybrid was only available with FWD and was not recommended for towing. The electric-motor torque compensated for the horsepower deficit, providing quick acceleration and a quieter ride. The transition from electric to hybrid mode was slightly clunky, and regenerative braking did not achieve one-pedal driving. The Pacifica Hybrid’s chassis offered a comfortable ride, and the powertrain enhanced the vehicle’s quietness, making it ideal for conversations with passengers.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided comfortable seating and excellent ergonomics, with well-positioned armrests and convenient cupholders. However, it fell short in cargo space, offering 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the second row folded, lagging behind competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Rear-seat legroom was also slightly less than rivals, though headroom was impressive, and the front-seat backs were designed to maximize space for tall passengers.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in interior space, benefiting from the minivan’s superior packaging. It offered comparable headroom and legroom to other minivans, with slightly less third-row legroom than the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna but more than the Kia Carnival. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow ‘n Go second-row seats, instead featuring captain’s chairs due to the battery pack. Cargo space remained generous, with 32.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 140.5 cubic feet behind the first row. The Pinnacle trim included an Ultra Console with additional storage, though access was somewhat awkward.

The 2023 Ford Escape featured the Sync 4 infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 13.2-inch screen standard on the ST-Line Elite and Platinum. The larger screen enhanced the cabin’s look, and Sync 4 was well-organized, with easy navigation between applications. However, the system was occasionally slow to respond, and the volume knob’s placement was inconvenient. Despite these minor issues, the technology package was impressive and user-friendly.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. The system remained current due to strategic updates, though it lacked a fully digital instrument cluster. The Pacifica Hybrid offered up to 12 USB-C ports and an optional FamCam rear-facing camera. The Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system included 10.1-inch touchscreens, wireless headphones, and Amazon Fire TV connectivity, providing ample entertainment options for passengers.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side-crash tests. However, the IIHS did not award it a Top Safety Pick due to a Marginal score in the side-impact test. The Escape came standard with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite, including features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid had not received complete IIHS ratings at the time of publication, but the non-hybrid Pacifica was a 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick. The NHTSA awarded the Pacifica Hybrid a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Pinnacle models added a 360-degree camera system and ParkSense park assist. A new Emergency Vehicle Alert System provided warnings about nearby emergency vehicles or road hazards.