2024 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh. Its styling was characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and a rakish windshield, with the cabin positioned towards the rear wheels. This design language was consistent with Mazda's subtle yet seductive aesthetic seen in their cars and SUVs over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a ruggedness with its blistered and boxed fender swells, lower body cladding, and faux skid plates. The oversized air intake and vent designs added a performance edge without being visually offensive. When combined with the standard black grille, mirror caps, and optional 20-inch wheels, the CX-50's exterior elements created an appealing look. Later in the model 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.

In contrast, the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica maintained its contemporary appeal without frequent redesigns. Its smooth exterior styling and modest grille offered a refreshing alternative to the flashier designs of competitors like the Toyota Sienna. Unlike the Kia Carnival, Chrysler didn't attempt to disguise the Pacifica as an SUV, resulting in a clean look with hidden sliding-door tracks. The Pacifica was available in several trims, including Touring, Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle, with a de-contented Voyager version for commercial fleets. Standard features included LED lighting and a range of wheel options. The S Appearance and Road Tripper Packages added unique trims and features, while new paint options like Baltic Gray and Red Hot expanded the color palette. Inside, the Pacifica's dashboard was minimalist and sculpted, with controls integrated seamlessly. The Pinnacle trim featured luxurious brown Nappa leather upholstery, though some interior elements felt less premium.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The 2.5 S model featured a 187-horsepower 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 type, with torque ranging from 310 lb-ft to 320 lb-ft. The turbocharged engine offered smooth acceleration and a towing capacity increase from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. The CX-50's driving modes and G-Vectoring Control technology ensured consistent vehicle behavior across different conditions. Despite a firmer ride quality compared to the CX-5, the CX-50 handled well on various terrains, though it lacked a downhill assist control system.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The Pacifica's V6 engine, known as the Pentastar, was a reliable choice, offering peppy acceleration and a towing capacity of 3,600 pounds. The minivan's chassis tuning prioritized comfort and stability, with the suspension effectively absorbing road imperfections. While some weight transfer was noticeable during acceleration and deceleration, the Pacifica remained quiet and comfortable, living up to Chrysler's reputation for refinement.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50's interior was equipped with features like power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control provided comfort in warmer conditions. The driver's seat and front passenger's seat were comfortable for long drives, though additional side bolstering would have been beneficial. The back seat offered ample space for adults, with rear air vents and charging ports available on most trims. The CX-50's cargo space measured 31.4 cubic feet, expanding to 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While storage space was adequate, there were missed opportunities for additional storage solutions.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica featured Chrysler's Stow 'n Go seating, allowing the second-row seats to fold flat into the floor, creating large in-floor storage bins. The Pacifica offered a seven-seat configuration with second-row bucket seats and a 60/40 split-folding third-row bench seat. An eight-seat configuration was available on the Touring L trim but couldn't be combined with Stow 'n Go or AWD. The Pinnacle and Limited models included a power-folding third-row seat and a power liftgate. The Pacifica's passenger space was competitive, with ample headroom and legroom across all rows. Cargo space was generous, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 140.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Stow 'n Vac built-in vacuum cleaner was a convenient feature, though the raised center console's storage area was difficult to access.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with a Mazda Connect infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. The base 2.5 S model had an 8.8-inch display, while other trims included a larger 10.25-inch display. Mazda Connect historically lacked touchscreen control, relying on center console buttons, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. However, the 2023 CX-50 introduced touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. An Active Driving Display, or head-up display, projected important information within the driver's line of sight.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM with 360L, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The instrument cluster included analog gauges with a 7-inch digital display. The Pacifica offered up to 12 USB-C ports, built-in navigation, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Uconnect 5 system was intuitive and user-friendly, though a shortcut for the 360-degree camera view would have been appreciated. The Uconnect Theater system provided rear-seat entertainment with dual 10.1-inch touchscreens, wireless headphones, and Amazon Fire TV connectivity. The FamCam interior camera allowed parents to monitor rear-seat occupants.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was expected to perform well in safety tests, though the IIHS had not yet evaluated it. Mazda provided a comprehensive standard package of driving assistance systems, with additional features available on the CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. 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 2024 Chrysler Pacifica received a 2023 Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, with some areas for improvement. The NHTSA awarded the Pacifica a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and rear park assist. Optional features included a 360-degree camera system, front park assist, and a parallel/perpendicular park assist system. The new Emergency Vehicle Alert System provided warnings about nearby emergency vehicles or road hazards.