2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was a testament to the brand's commitment to maintaining a classic design for its popular models. It featured well-proportioned, chiseled styling with just enough SUV detailing to convey a rugged purpose. This design approach was crucial, as aesthetics played a significant role in consumer purchasing decisions. The Rogue's appeal was further enhanced by its lineup, which included S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from $27,360 to $37,140, plus a destination charge. The Platinum trim, in particular, offered a luxurious experience with its diamond-pattern leather seats and upscale interior materials, although it came at a price that rivaled entry-level luxury crossovers.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid shared its sleek and contemporary styling with the non-hybrid Pacifica, with subtle distinctions like the charge port and hybrid badging. Despite its age, the Pacifica maintained a modern appearance, characterized by a clean exterior and a rounded front fascia that contrasted with the aggressive styling of other minivans. For 2024, the Pacifica Hybrid was available in Select and Pinnacle trims, featuring all-LED exterior lighting and a choice of 17-inch or 18-inch wheels. The Pinnacle trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and small pillows for the second-row seats, although some premium elements clashed with lower-level model components, such as grained plastic door panels.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with Nissan's variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a CVT, offered Eco, Auto, and Sport driving modes, with additional Off-Road and Snow modes for AWD versions. While the Rogue felt responsive in urban settings, it lacked highway passing power, and the engine's unusual note and vibration might have been off-putting to some. The Rogue's fuel economy was rated at 31 mpg combined by the EPA, but real-world testing showed an average of 28.9 mpg. The SUV's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, although it exhibited more body motion on undulating roads.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a two-motor hybrid system, delivering a total of 260 horsepower. While it lacked the towing capacity and AWD option of its non-hybrid counterpart, the electric motor torque provided quick acceleration and a quieter ride. The Pacifica Hybrid excelled in maximizing all-electric driving, although the transition from electric to hybrid mode was somewhat clunky. The regenerative braking system fell short of one-pedal driving, but the well-tuned chassis offered a comfortable ride. The hybrid powertrain further enhanced the vehicle's quietness, making it easier to converse with passengers.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a practical alternative to midsize cars, with its higher ground clearance and available AWD. It comfortably accommodated four passengers, with a fifth fitting in the rear middle seat if needed. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the rear seat comfort was lacking, with low-mounted cushions and diamond-shaped pleats. The Rogue provided ample storage space, with up to 74.1 cubic feet of cargo volume and the Divide-N-Hide feature for versatile cargo configurations.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid stood out as the only minivan with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, offering superior packaging with its low step-in height and sliding doors. Interior dimensions were comparable to other minivans, with ample headroom and legroom in the first and second rows. The Pacifica Hybrid featured second-row captain's chairs instead of Stow 'n Go seats, with the battery pack occupying the underfloor storage space. Cargo space remained generous, with 32.2 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Pinnacle trim included the Ultra Console for additional storage, although its design was somewhat awkward.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle included a 9-inch touchscreen, a Bose audio system, and a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display. However, the Alexa Built-in system struggled with voice recognition, limiting its functionality. The Rogue also offered a head-up display, although it was not tested with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. The system remained user-friendly and up-to-date, despite the lack of a fully digital instrument cluster. The Pacifica Hybrid offered up to 12 USB-C ports, the FamCam rear-facing camera, and an optional Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV connectivity.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue was equipped with 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and NissanConnect services, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. ProPilot Assist with Navi-link was available, providing adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although it received lower scores in specific crash tests.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid shared safety features with the non-hybrid model, including blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. It introduced an Emergency Vehicle Alert System for 2024. The Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in side crash tests.