2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, or 40 ASE, was based on the SR5 Premium trim level and added $4,505 to its price. Of this, $1,875 covered the standard four-wheel-drive system, while the remaining $2,630 paid for retro body stripes, a heritage grille, bronze wheels, and other unique design elements. This special edition was available only in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior. The 4Runner lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $39,555 to $54,020, plus a $1,335 destination charge. The 40 ASE test vehicle had an MSRP of $48,455. The 4Runner's design evoked a nostalgic 1970s vibe, with its bold stripes and bronze wheels, giving it a distinctive Southern California feel. Its truck-based SUV stance and purposeful interior, despite the abundance of plastic, offered a solid and quality feel, with user-friendly controls.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid shared its styling with the non-hybrid Pacifica, with subtle differences like the charge port and badging. Despite being around for nearly a decade, the Pacifica maintained a contemporary look with a sleek and clean exterior, avoiding unnecessary details. The rounded front fascia and integrated headlights provided a contrast to other minivans' aggressive designs. For 2024, the Pacifica Hybrid was available in Select and Pinnacle trims, skipping some non-hybrid grades. Both trims featured all-LED exterior lighting, with Select models having 17-inch wheels and Pinnacle models 18-inch wheels. The Pacifica Hybrid Select could be upgraded with packages that added unique trim and features. The Pinnacle trim offered premium elements like Nappa leather upholstery, though some materials clashed with lower-level model remnants.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to the rear wheels unless upgraded to a 4WD system. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and offered two 4WD systems: a part-time system and a full-time system available on the Limited trim. Its EPA fuel economy rating was 17 mpg in combined driving, with an observed average of 16.9 mpg in the 40 ASE. The 4Runner boasted nine inches of ground clearance and various off-roading technologies, including Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control. Different trims offered specific ride and handling enhancements, with the TRD Pro tuned for high-speed off-road performance. Despite its off-road prowess, the 4Runner's on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a lack of tire grip.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 3.6-liter V6 engine running on the Atkinson cycle, paired with a two-motor hybrid system and a 16-kWh battery pack. This setup delivered a total system output of 260 horsepower, compared to 287 hp for non-hybrid models. The Pacifica Hybrid was only available with front-wheel drive and was not recommended for towing. The electric-motor torque provided quick acceleration and a smooth highway overtaking experience. The transition from electric to hybrid mode was slightly clunky, and regenerative braking fell short of one-pedal driving. The Pacifica Hybrid offered a comfortable ride with a well-tuned chassis, and the plug-in hybrid powertrain made it quieter than the standard model.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a unique power-down back window, providing excellent ventilation when combined with the sunroof and other windows. While climbing in and out required effort for shorter individuals, the seats were comfortable, with SofTex artificial leather and heated front cushions in the 40 ASE. The 4Runner offered numerous storage locations, though many lacked rubber liners. The second-row seating area was spacious, with good legroom, headroom, and USB charging ports. A third-row seat was available but was uncomfortable and reduced cargo space. The cargo area featured storage cubbies, trays, and a 120-volt AC power outlet, with a sliding floor option for easier loading. Without the third-row seat, the 4Runner offered 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 89.7 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a plug-in hybrid powertrain with the practicality of a minivan. Its low step-in height and sliding doors made rear seat access easy. Interior dimensions were similar to the non-hybrid Pacifica, with competitive headroom and legroom. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow 'n Go second-row seats, instead offering captain's chairs due to the battery pack's placement. It provided 32.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 140.5 cubic feet behind the first row. The Pinnacle trim featured an Ultra Console with additional storage, though access was awkward. The Pacifica Hybrid could be equipped with the Stow 'n Vac vacuum cleaner, a practical feature for a minivan.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges with a narrow digital driver information center. The largest available infotainment display was an 8-inch touchscreen, with real knobs and buttons for easy use. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Connected services plans were available, with trial subscriptions, and the 4Runner could be transformed into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The voice recognition system performed well, though it had limitations with certain commands.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and SiriusXM with 360L satellite radio. Built-in navigation and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system were available. The system remained current due to its usability and updates. The Pacifica Hybrid featured a 7-inch digital display between analog gauges, with a maximum of 12 USB-C ports for charging. The optional Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system included 10.1-inch touchscreens, wireless headphones, and Amazon Fire TV connectivity.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. The adaptive cruise control performed well, though 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 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid had not received complete IIHS safety ratings at the time of publication, but the non-hybrid Pacifica was a 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick. The NHTSA awarded the Pacifica Hybrid a five-star overall safety rating, with five-star side crash-test and four-star frontal and rollover ratings. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Pinnacle models added a 360-degree camera system and ParkSense park assist. A new Emergency Vehicle Alert System provided warnings about nearby emergency vehicles or road hazards.