2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant shift in design from its predecessors, presenting a more assertive and truck-like appearance. It was longer and wider, with a muscular stance that was visually evident. The classic D-pillar taillights were modernized with three L shapes, contributing to a more aggressive look. The Sport Touring trim, driven in deep Canyon River Blue, featured special Sport styling elements like black roof rails and mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and 19-inch wheels. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed the design direction of the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with a premium feel enhanced by high-quality materials and attractive contrast stitching.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid shared its styling with the non-hybrid Pacifica, maintaining a sleek and clean exterior. The plug-in hybrid model was distinguished by a charge port and some badging. Despite its age, the Pacifica looked contemporary, with a rounded front fascia and integrated elliptical headlights. For 2024, it was available in Select and Pinnacle trims, featuring all-LED exterior lighting. 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 practical, with a focus on comfort and functionality.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a simplified powertrain lineup, with a choice between turbocharged and hybrid options. The hybrid powertrain combined a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, capable of reaching speeds up to 115 mph. The CR-V Hybrid introduced a fourth drive mode, Snow, alongside Sport, Normal, and Econ, enhancing its adaptability. The new "B" shifter position allowed for increased regenerative braking, contributing to improved fuel efficiency. The front-wheel-drive CR-V Hybrid achieved 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a two-motor hybrid system, powered by a 16-kWh battery pack. It delivered 260 horsepower, slightly less than the non-hybrid model's 287 hp. The Pacifica Hybrid was only available with front-wheel drive and was not recommended for towing. However, the electric-motor torque provided quick acceleration and a quieter ride. The transition from electric to hybrid mode was somewhat clunky, and regenerative braking fell short of one-pedal driving. The Pacifica Hybrid offered a comfortable ride, with the plug-in hybrid powertrain enhancing its quietness.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to increased interior volume, with 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded. Rear seat legroom increased to 41 inches, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The CR-V featured a hands-free power tailgate and wide-opening rear doors for easy access. The interior included a cubby for smartphones, eight cupholders, and a console with best-in-class storage.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered the superior packaging of a minivan, with easy access to rear seats via sliding doors. It provided ample interior space, with 32.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 140.5 cubic feet behind the first row. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow 'n Go second-row seats, but offered second-row captain's chairs and underfloor storage. The Pinnacle trim featured an Ultra Console with additional storage, though its design was somewhat awkward.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with physical buttons, while the Sport Touring trim had a 9-inch touchscreen. Both Hybrid models included USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats. The Sport Touring trim added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system. Honda's smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the route.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available. The Pacifica Hybrid featured up to 12 USB-C ports, an optional FamCam rear-facing camera, and the Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV connectivity.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid included the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, with features like adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, and lane-keeping assist. New safety features for 2023 included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid had not yet received complete IIHS safety ratings, but the non-hybrid Pacifica was a 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick. The Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Pinnacle models included a 360-degree camera system and ParkSense park assist.