2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was available in six trim levels, offering a range of options from the budget-friendly RAV4 LE to the more luxurious RAV4 Limited. The Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims stood out with their distinctive two-part face design, introduced in 2019. The Adventure trim, which was tested, featured a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and additional black cladding, giving it a rugged appearance. However, it was more of a style statement than a true off-road performer. Inside, the Adventure trim added orange accents, including a stripe on the seats and contrast stitching, enhancing the otherwise basic interior. The RAV4 offered a mix of fabric and synthetic leather upholstery, with varying levels of adjustability and comfort features across trims.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid shared its sleek and contemporary styling with the non-hybrid Pacifica, with subtle differences like the charge port and badging. Offered in Select and Pinnacle trims, the Pacifica Hybrid featured all-LED exterior lighting and a choice of 17 or 18-inch wheels. The Pinnacle trim boasted Nappa leather upholstery and small pillows for the second-row seats, though some premium elements clashed with lower-level materials. Despite these inconsistencies, the Pacifica Hybrid maintained a clean and modern appearance, with a focus on practicality and comfort.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with front-wheel drive, except for the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, which featured all-wheel drive. The sole engine option was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the RAV4's performance was not particularly exciting, it was adequate for everyday driving. The Adventure trim, with its 19-inch wheels and all-season tires, was more of a style statement than a true off-road performer, unlike the TRD Off-Road trim with its specialized suspension and all-terrain tires.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a two-motor hybrid system and a 16-kWh battery pack, delivering a total of 260 horsepower. While it lacked the towing capacity and all-wheel drive of the non-hybrid Pacifica, the electric motor provided quick acceleration and a quieter ride. The transition from electric to hybrid mode was slightly clunky, and regenerative braking was not as strong as some might prefer. However, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a comfortable and quiet ride, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was designed to seat five, with 37.7 inches of front headroom and 39.5 inches in the rear. It offered 41 inches of front legroom and 37.8 inches in the back, providing ample space for passengers. The RAV4 featured convenient storage options, including a shelf along the glove compartment and generous door pockets. Cargo space was 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, placing it in the middle of its class.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, with its minivan design, offered superior accessibility and interior space compared to crossovers. It provided ample headroom and legroom in the first and second rows, though third-row legroom was slightly less than some competitors. The Pacifica Hybrid featured second-row captain's chairs instead of the Stow 'n Go seats, with the battery pack occupying the underfloor storage space. Cargo space was generous, with 32.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 140.5 cubic feet behind the first row. The Pinnacle trim included a more elaborate Ultra Console for additional storage.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen for higher trims. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with voice command and over-the-air updates. The Adventure trim featured an upgraded multimedia system with a 10.5-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version available on select trims.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. Built-in navigation and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system were available. The Pacifica Hybrid featured a maximum of 12 USB-C ports and an optional FamCam rear-facing camera. The Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system added 10.1-inch touchscreens, wireless headphones, and Amazon Fire TV connectivity.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with a suite of safety features, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was available on the base LE model and standard on higher trims. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with top scores in crash-testing.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid had not yet received complete IIHS safety ratings, but the non-hybrid Pacifica was a 2023 Top Safety Pick. The Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Pinnacle models included a 360-degree camera system and ParkSense park assist. A new Emergency Vehicle Alert System was introduced for 2024.