2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that might have gone unnoticed by many. Up close, the new Mercedes star logos on the front grille were a clever addition, and changes to the headlights and taillights were more apparent when compared side-by-side with the previous model. The GLE 450e we tested was finished in a striking Twilight Blue metallic and featured 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which added a touch of elegance and sportiness. The interior of our GLE 450e tester exuded luxury with its Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of choices for both exterior and interior customization, ensuring a high-quality and robust-looking cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, featured the mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package. This package added body-colored door handles and exterior mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black accents, all topped off with 18-inch wheels. The split grille was surrounded by standard LED headlamps, and the LED tail lamps spanned the entire width of the rear. The interior of the Limited trim was dark with handsome Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. However, the interior color options were limited unless upgrading to the top trim. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was practical, with comfortable second-row seats and a spacious third row, although taller passengers might find the legroom lacking compared to competitors.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains to suit various SUV shoppers, starting at approximately $63,805. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with two additional AMG models, the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. Engine options ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. Our GLE 450e tester featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, delivering a total of 381 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This power was sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission, allowing the GLE 450e to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The GLE 450e's electric-only driving range was estimated at 40 miles, and it could operate as a silent-running EV on the highway at speeds up to 87 mph. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth and comfortable ride.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two small electric motors, making it the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid. The EPA rated it for 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined fuel economy. In real-world 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 required 14 hours. The Pacifica Hybrid defaulted to all-electric mode first, which was efficient for city driving but less so for highway commutes. The Pacifica Hybrid's 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque provided sufficient power for highway passing, and the continuously variable automatic transmission operated smoothly. However, the Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only and lacked some features available on the non-hybrid model, such as all-wheel drive and a towing package.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered ample space and comfort for adults in both the first and second rows. With seating for five, the GLE 450e's light beige upholstery contributed to a light and airy cabin feel. The GLE provided 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which was competitive with rivals like the BMW X5 but fell short compared to the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was suitable only for young children. Standard comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and a power liftgate. Our test vehicle also included options like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, a head-up display, and heated rear seats.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. Our tester had heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a comfortable driver's seat. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the center pathway allowed easy access to the spacious third row. The Pacifica Hybrid offered 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats down. However, the plug-in hybrid model lacked the Stow 'n Go seats, built-in vacuum cleaner, and heated second-row seats available on the standard Pacifica.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system could be controlled via touch commands, a control pad on the center console, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be accidentally activated, causing issues like sudden volume increases.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its ease of use and crisp graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth were standard. Our tester included the optional rear seat entertainment system with two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, offering games and streaming content from Amazon Fire TV. However, the cost of this feature was high, and most kids already had devices that could perform similar functions. The Pacifica Hybrid also had numerous USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention monitor. Our GLE 450e tester was equipped with the optional Driver Assistance package, adding active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of safety.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid included standard safety features such as 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, and the adaptive cruise control system operated smoothly. However, features like parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist were only available with additional packages or the top Pinnacle trim. The 2023 Pacifica Hybrid had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 version received a five-star overall safety rating. The IIHS gave it Good marks in most categories, with Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.