2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) was based on the SR5 Premium trim level. It added $4,505 to the price of the SR5 Premium, with $1,875 of that covering the standard four-wheel-drive system (4WD). The remaining $2,630 bought retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, and various bronze badges and stitching. The 40 ASE was available only in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior. The 4Runner lineup included several trims, with prices ranging from $39,555 to $54,020, plus a $1,335 destination charge. The 40 ASE test vehicle had no options and an MSRP of $48,455. The 40 ASE had a nostalgic 1970s vibe, with its groovy stripes and bronze wheels, and it exuded a strong SoCal feel. The fifth-generation 4Runner had a truck-based SUV look, with a solid and quality interior, despite the abundance of plastic. The controls were easy to locate and use, even with gloves on.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims. The mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package added body-colored door handles and exterior mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black accents, along 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 Pacifica Hybrid was a practical choice, offering sliding doors and more cargo space than an SUV. The Limited’s interior was dark but featured handsome Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. The HVAC and audio knobs were chunky but could be confused with the transmission selector dial due to their close proximity.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. A five-speed automatic transmission sent power to the rear wheels unless upgraded to a 4WD system. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Two 4WD systems were available: a part-time 4WD system and a full-time 4WD system on the Limited trim. The EPA fuel economy rating was 17 mpg in combined driving, and the 40 ASE averaged 16.9 mpg. The 4Runner had a minimum of nine inches of ground clearance and standard Hill-Start Assist Control. With 4WD, it added Downhill Assist Control and Active Traction Control. Off-roading technologies included locking differentials, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. The TRD Sport and Limited trims had a suspension for improved on-road performance, while the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims had suspensions for off-road performance. The 4Runner excelled in off-roading but had flaws as a daily driver, with leisurely acceleration, heavy and slow steering, and a brake pedal that was difficult to modulate. It handled well on gentle bends but struggled with tire grip and steering response on curvier roads.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two small electric motors. It was the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid, with an EPA rating of 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined fuel economy. In testing, it achieved 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range, exceeding the EPA estimate. Charging the battery on a Level 2 home charger took two hours, while a standard outlet would take 14 hours. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode first, which was efficient in the city but less so on the highway. The Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only and lacked a spare tire and towing package. It had 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, with a smooth continuously variable automatic transmission. The steering was light, and the lower center of gravity improved handling.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner had a unique feature: a back window that powered down into the tailgate, providing excellent ventilation when combined with the sunroof and automatic windows. Climbing into the 4Runner required effort for shorter individuals, but the seats were comfortable. The 40 ASE had SofTex artificial leather and heated front seats. Storage locations were numerous but lacked rubber liners, causing items to slide and rattle. The second-row seating area was roomy, with good legroom, headroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. The third-row seat was uncomfortable and took up cargo space. The cargo area had several storage cubbies, trays, and a 120-volt AC power outlet. Without the third-row seat, the 4Runner had 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The Limited trim had heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel. The driver’s seat was comfortable and easily adjustable, with a soft center armrest. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the center pathway allowed easy access to the spacious third row. The Pacifica Hybrid had 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, it lacked the Stow ‘n Go seats, built-in vacuum cleaner, and heated second-row seats available in the standard Pacifica.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner had traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Connected services plans were available with complimentary trial subscriptions, and the 4Runner could be transformed into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Upgrades included a navigation system, additional connected services, and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system’s home screen displayed multiple functions simultaneously, and the voice recognition performed well, though it had limitations with certain commands.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, which was user-friendly and had crisp graphics. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with games and streaming content from Amazon Fire TV. The Pacifica Hybrid had numerous USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, which included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. The adaptive cruise control performed well, but the lane-departure warning could be irritating. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with three-star ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid had 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. The forward collision warning system provided visual and audible alerts, and the adaptive cruise control was smooth and responsive. Optional features included parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist. The 2023 Pacifica Hybrid had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 version received a five-star overall 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.