2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed with a focus on appealing aesthetics and practical proportions. It featured chiseled styling and SUV detailing that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. The Rogue's lineup included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a $1,295 destination charge. The Platinum trim, which we tested, came loaded with upscale features, including diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of premium options, pushing its MSRP to $43,100. Despite its high price, the Platinum trim offered a luxurious feel with soft-touch materials and high-quality controls.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims. Our test vehicle was the mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package, which added body-colored door handles, gloss black grille surround, and 18-inch wheels. The Pacifica Hybrid's exterior featured a split grille with standard LED headlamps and tail lamps that spanned the rear width. While minivans like the Pacifica Hybrid lacked the cool factor of SUVs, they offered practical advantages such as sliding doors and more cargo space. The Limited trim's interior was dark but sophisticated, with Nappa leather seats and a few sweeping lines on the dash. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could be confusing.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, replacing the previous 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This VC-Turbo engine produced 201 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 pound-feet of torque from 2,800 rpm to 4,000 rpm. The engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and offered front-wheel drive as standard, with optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The Rogue's driving modes included Eco, Auto, and Sport, with AWD versions adding Off-Road and Snow modes. Despite its responsive performance in urban settings, the Rogue's engine had an unusual note and some vibration, which might be off-putting to some drivers. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 31 mpg, but our test vehicle averaged 28.9 mpg. The Rogue's suspension provided a good balance of ride compliance and body control, though the steering felt lifeless.

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 fuel economy. In our tests, we achieved 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range, exceeding EPA estimates. Charging the battery on a Level 2 home charger took about 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 hybrid model was front-wheel drive only and lacked a spare tire and towing package. Despite these limitations, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a smooth driving experience with 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. The continuously variable automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the vehicle handled better than expected due to its lower center of gravity.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue served as a practical replacement for a traditional family car. It comfortably accommodated four people, with the option to squeeze in a fifth. Our Platinum test vehicle featured a triple-zone automatic climate control system, a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, and premium semi-aniline leather upholstery. The front seats, designed with Nissan's Zero Gravity concept, were comfortable, though the rear seats were less so. The Rogue offered good outward visibility and ample storage space, though some storage areas were unlined, causing potential noise. The rear doors opened to a nearly 90-degree angle, making it easy to load and unload passengers. The cargo area provided up to 36.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in family-friendly features. The available FamCam interior camera allowed parents to monitor children in the second and third rows, with the ability to zoom in on specific seats. Our test vehicle had heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and comfortable second-row seats, though taller passengers might find them a bit low. 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 remained the same as the standard model, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, the plug-in hybrid model lacked the Stow 'n Go seats, built-in vacuum cleaner, and heated second-row seats available in the standard Pacifica.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. Our test vehicle had the 9-inch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, NissanConnect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system. It also included a wireless smartphone charging pad and a Bose premium audio system. New for 2023 was Alexa Built-in, though its voice recognition struggled with basic commands. The Rogue also had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display (HUD), both of which worked well.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its ease of use and crisp graphics. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. Our test vehicle had the optional rear seat entertainment system, which added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, allowing them to stream content from Amazon Fire TV or through the HDMI port. The Pacifica Hybrid also featured numerous USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging, ensuring that devices remained charged throughout the journey.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Safety Shield 360. This package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims offered ProPilot Assist with Navi-link, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for 2022 and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in some specific tests.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid also boasted a robust set 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. However, features like parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist required additional packages or the top Pinnacle trim. The 2022 Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.