2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Subaru Forester, despite its familiar and somewhat plain exterior, offered a practical and functional design that had been consistent over the years. The Touring trim, with its Cascade Green Silica paint, stood out with 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, giving it a slightly more upscale appearance. The Forester's interior, featuring Saddle Brown leather and metallic accents, maintained a traditional Subaru design with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. While the interior was busy with a mix of materials and controls, it was user-friendly and easy to clean, emphasizing functionality over style.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited with the S Appearance Package presented a more modern and sophisticated look. The exterior featured body-colored door handles, gloss black accents, and 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The interior, though predominantly black, was enhanced by Nappa leather seats and a sleek dashboard design. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was practical, with a focus on comfort and convenience, including a spacious third row and a center pathway for easy access. However, the plug-in hybrid model lacked some features available in the non-hybrid version, such as Stow 'n Go seats and a built-in vacuum cleaner.

The 2023 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimicked a traditional automatic. The Forester's SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode for enhanced responsiveness, while the X-Mode off-road traction management system provided various driving modes for different terrains. The Forester Touring, despite its adequate powertrain, excelled in driving dynamics with its comfortable ride, precise steering, and effective brakes. However, it fell short of its EPA fuel economy rating, achieving only 25.9 mpg on the testing route.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. It was the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid, with an EPA rating of 32 miles of all-electric range and 82 MPGe. In testing, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these numbers, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. The Pacifica's electric power delivery was less flexible, defaulting to all-electric mode first, which was less efficient on highways. The hybrid model was front-wheel drive only and lacked a towing package, but it provided a smooth and comfortable driving experience.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable seats, and heated elements in various trims. The Forester's high seating position and large windows provided excellent visibility, making it easy to drive and park. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting could lead to excessive solar heating, and the rear seats were less comfortable for taller passengers. The Forester offered ample interior storage and a versatile cargo area, with up to 74.2 cubic feet of space in the Base model.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured innovative technology like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor rear passengers. The interior offered heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and comfortable second-row seats, though taller passengers might find them low. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was generous, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 140.5 cubic feet with seats folded. However, the plug-in hybrid model lacked Stow 'n Go seats and a built-in vacuum cleaner, reducing its overall practicality compared to non-hybrid versions.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology appeared outdated but was user-friendly, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like satellite radio, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Forester's interface was straightforward, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation and other tasks.

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, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, though its value was questionable given the prevalence of personal devices. The Pacifica Hybrid offered numerous charging options, ensuring devices remained powered throughout the journey.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system with improved software and cameras for better performance. It included Automatic Emergency Steering, blind-spot monitoring, and Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) on higher trims. The Forester's DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System monitored driver attention and offered gesture control for climate settings. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in new side-impact and frontal-impact tests.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided clear alerts, and the adaptive cruise control was smooth and responsive. Additional features like parallel parking assist required optional packages or the top Pinnacle trim. The 2023 Pacifica Hybrid had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall safety rating. The IIHS gave it Good marks, with some areas needing improvement.