2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was a standout in the SUV market, outselling its sibling, the Land Rover Discovery, by a significant margin. Its boxy design, reminiscent of the old LR4, appealed to customers who favored its classic truck aesthetic over the Discovery's more Ford-like appearance. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and sharply cut tail, all of which contributed to its rugged, industrial look. Tasteful nods to the original 1980s Defender, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and the body-color square separating the side glass, added to its charm. The Defender was available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—offering a range of options for buyers. Despite its high price, the Defender's interior focused on function and durability, with rubber and plastic surfaces designed to resist moisture and stains, maintaining its hardcore character.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a more practical and family-friendly design. Available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, the Pacifica Hybrid featured a sleek exterior with body-colored door handles and mirrors, a split grille with LED headlamps, and 18-inch wheels. The interior of the Limited trim, with the S Appearance Package, was dark but sophisticated, featuring Nappa leather seats and a well-designed dash. The Pacifica Hybrid's practicality was evident in its sliding doors and ample cargo space, making it a more versatile choice for families. While the interior was comfortable, with heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel, the second-row seats were a bit low for taller passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid's flat-fold Stow 'n Go seats were not available due to the battery placement, but it still offered substantial cargo space.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in off-road performance, with its impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its air suspension allowed it to tackle challenging terrains, although most owners would not utilize its full capabilities. On-road, the Defender's performance was less refined, with noticeable body roll, slow steering, and wind noise. The Defender's engine options included a turbocharged inline-six and a supercharged V8, with the latter delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, providing a balance of power and efficiency. The Defender's fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning 14/19/16 mpg, while the six-cylinder achieved 18/23/20 mpg.

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 minivan available as a plug-in hybrid. It offered an EPA-rated 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, and 82 MPGe. In testing, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these estimates, 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 mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on the highway. The Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only and lacked a spare tire and towing package. It delivered 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, with a smooth continuously variable automatic transmission.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, with the ability to seat up to eight passengers. The Defender 90 featured a jump seat, allowing three across in the front, while the 110 and 130 models offered optional third rows. The Defender's large glass areas and panoramic moonroof provided excellent visibility. Cargo space varied by model, with the Defender 130 offering 77 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender was equipped with features like a console refrigerator, heated windshield, and power-deployable side steps, enhancing its versatility.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The interior included heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and comfortable seating, although the second-row seats were low for taller passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was substantial, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, it lacked the Stow 'n Go seats and built-in vacuum cleaner available in the standard Pacifica.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender came with two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen and optional 11.4-inch screen were quick and easy to use, with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice assistant, and navigation. The Defender S trim added heated power seats and a Meridian stereo, while higher trims offered additional features like air suspension and adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and dual phone connectivity. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with streaming capabilities and games. The Pacifica Hybrid included numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained powered.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations but received five stars in Euro NCAP testing. It included six airbags and standard safety features like lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided both visual and audible alerts. The Pacifica Hybrid had not been rated by the NHTSA for 2023, but the 2022 model received five stars. The IIHS rated it Good in most categories, with some areas for improvement.