2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh. Its styling, characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, maintained the subtle allure that Mazda vehicles have been known for over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a rugged edge with its pronounced fender swells and bold lower body cladding. The oversized air intake and vent designs added a performance-oriented touch without being visually overwhelming. When combined with the standard black grille and mirror caps, as well as the available 20-inch wheels, the CX-50 presented an appealing exterior. The interior, dressed in black leather with caramel-colored stitching, continued Mazda's tradition of driver-focused design, featuring quality materials and a mix of analog and digital gauges.

In contrast, the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid shared its sleek and clean styling with the non-hybrid Pacifica, maintaining a contemporary look despite its long presence in the market. The exterior was free of unnecessary details, with a rounded front fascia and integrated elliptical headlights offering a refined appearance. The Pacifica Hybrid was available in Select and Pinnacle trims, with features like all-LED exterior lighting and 17 or 18-inch wheels. Inside, the Pacifica Hybrid provided a comfortable ride with Nappa leather upholstery in the Pinnacle trim, although some premium elements clashed with lower-level materials. The Pacifica Hybrid's design did not overtly advertise its plug-in hybrid powertrain, aligning with the trend of subtlety in hybrid vehicle styling.

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 grade, with torque ranging from 310 lb-ft to 320 lb-ft. The turbocharged engine offered smooth acceleration and a towing capacity increase to 3,500 pounds. Despite its power, the CX-50 2.5 Turbo averaged 23.4 mpg in real-world testing. The vehicle's driving modes and G-Vectoring Control technology ensured consistent performance across different conditions, although the differences between modes were subtle.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a two-motor hybrid system, powered by a 16-kWh battery pack. This setup produced a total of 260 hp, 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, as the gasoline engine operated less frequently. The transition from electric to hybrid mode was somewhat clunky, and regenerative braking did not achieve one-pedal driving. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a comfortable and quiet ride, with the plug-in hybrid powertrain enhancing the vehicle's overall refinement.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50's interior was equipped with features like power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel, making it suitable for colder climates. The ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control were beneficial in warmer conditions. The front seats provided comfort for long drives, though additional side bolstering would have been appreciated. The rear seat offered ample space for adults, with nearly 90-degree opening rear doors facilitating easy entry and exit. Cargo space was adequate, with 31.4 cubic feet available behind the rear seats and a maximum of 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the narrow space between the wheel wells limited storage options.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in interior space and accessibility, thanks to its minivan design. It offered comparable headroom and legroom to other minivans, with slightly less third-row legroom than some competitors but more headroom. The Pacifica Hybrid featured second-row captain's chairs instead of the Stow 'n Go seats found in other Pacifica models, due to the battery pack's placement. Despite this, it provided 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 Pinnacle trim included the Ultra Console with additional storage, although accessing it was somewhat awkward. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered the Stow 'n Vac built-in vacuum cleaner, a practical feature for a minivan.

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

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and SiriusXM with 360L satellite radio. Built-in navigation and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system were available. The Pacifica Hybrid included up to 12 USB-C ports and the optional FamCam rear-facing camera. The Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system added dual 10.1-inch touchscreens, wireless headphones, and Amazon Fire TV connectivity. While the Pacifica lacked a fully digital instrument cluster, its analog gauges with a 7-inch digital display were functional and easy to use.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was expected to perform well in safety tests, although the IIHS had not yet rated it. It 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, and a surround-view camera system. The adaptive cruise control system had a minor issue with recognizing vehicles cutting into the gap ahead, but overall, the safety systems were effective.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash tests and four stars for frontal and rollover tests. It shared safety features with the non-hybrid Pacifica, including blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure 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.