2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh, with its blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield. The cabin was positioned toward the rear wheels, maintaining the subtle allure that Mazda vehicles have been known for over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a rugged aesthetic with its pronounced fender swells, bold lower body cladding, and faux skid plates. The oversized air intakes and vent designs added a performance edge without being visually overwhelming. When combined with the standard black grille, mirror caps, and optional 20-inch wheels, the CX-50's exterior elements created an appealing package. Later in the year, the CX-50 Meridian Edition was set to join the lineup, featuring exclusive wheels, all-terrain tires, splash guards, and a roof-mounted load platform.

Inside, the CX-50's interior was a testament to Mazda's commitment to driver-focused design. The top-of-the-line CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model, with its black leather and caramel-colored stitching, exuded quality. The mix of analog and digital gauges, polished metallic trim, and strategically placed controls contributed to a sophisticated cabin environment. Despite a few design quirks, such as the off-center air vent, the CX-50's interior was both functional and stylish, making it a standout in the compact crossover segment.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, offered a different kind of appeal. Our test vehicle, the mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package, featured body-colored door handles and mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black accents. The 18-inch wheels, described by Chrysler as having a "Foreshadow" finish, added a touch of elegance. The Pacifica Hybrid's split grille and standard LED headlamps, along with LED tail lamps spanning the rear, provided a modern look. While minivans might not have the same allure as SUVs, the Pacifica Hybrid was a practical choice, offering sliding doors and ample cargo space.

Inside, the Pacifica Hybrid's Limited trim featured a dark interior with Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. The chunky HVAC and audio knobs were user-friendly, though their proximity to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion. The interior was comfortable, with heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row seats, while comfortable, were a bit low, and taller passengers might find the seating position awkward. The third row was spacious enough for adults, though competitors like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna offered more legroom. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was generous, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 140.5 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The 2.5 S model featured a 187 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. Mazda estimated a combined fuel economy of 27 mpg for this model. For those seeking more power, the 2.5 Turbo variant provided between 227 hp and 256 hp, depending on the fuel used, with torque ranging from 310 lb-ft to 320 lb-ft. The turbocharged engine, paired with the same transmission and AWD system, offered smooth acceleration and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. Despite Mazda's prediction of 25 mpg combined for the turbo model, real-world testing showed an average of 23.4 mpg. The CX-50's driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, worked with G-Vectoring Control technology to ensure consistent vehicle behavior. The CX-50's ride quality was firm, and it handled like a modern Mazda6 station wagon with a Subaru Outback treatment.

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. The EPA rated it for 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined. In testing, the Pacifica Hybrid 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 would require 14 hours. The Pacifica Hybrid defaulted to all-electric mode before switching to hybrid operation, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The hybrid model was FWD only and lacked a spare tire and towing package. With 260 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque, the Pacifica Hybrid offered sufficient power for highway passing, and its CVT operated smoothly. The battery's placement in the floor improved handling, giving the minivan a lower center of gravity.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50's interior was well-equipped for cold climates, with heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors. The ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control were appreciated during warmer weather. The front seats were comfortable for long drives, though additional side bolstering would have been beneficial. The rear seat offered ample space for adults, with rear air vents and charging ports available on most trims. The rear doors opened wide, facilitating easy entry and exit. Cargo space was adequate, with 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The load floor was long but narrow, with side bins and hooks for securing items.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The heated and cooled front seats and heated steering wheel added comfort, while the driver's seat was easily adjustable. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the third row offered enough space for adults. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was generous, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 140.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, the plug-in hybrid model lacked the Stow 'n Go seats and built-in vacuum cleaner found in the standard Pacifica.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. The base model had an 8.8-inch display, while higher trims offered a 10.25-inch display. Mazda Connect lacked touchscreen control, relying on center console buttons, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. However, the 2023 CX-50 allowed touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. The Active Driving Display, or head-up display, projected useful information within the driver's line of sight.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, known for its user-friendly interface and crisp graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility were included, along with the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with games and streaming capabilities. The Pacifica Hybrid offered numerous charging options, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was expected to perform well in safety tests, though the IIHS had not yet rated it. The CX-50 came with a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, with additional features available on the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim. These included Traffic Jam Assist, active blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The driving assistance systems generally worked well, though the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a range of standard safety features, including 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 provided both visual and audible alerts, while the adaptive cruise control system operated smoothly. Additional features, such as parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist, were available as options. The 2022 Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, with some areas for improvement.