2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2024 Chrysler Pacifica

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, with two off-road-oriented trims in between. The design remained consistent with the 2019 model, particularly in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, which featured a distinctive two-part face. The Adventure trim, which was tested, had a more aggressive grille with a centrally positioned Toyota badge, blacked-out wheels, and faux skid plates. Despite its rugged appearance, 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 frameless rearview mirror added a touch of sophistication, but those seeking a more premium feel might have considered the Toyota Venza, which offered a more car-like experience.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica, despite not being refreshed or redesigned for several years, maintained a contemporary look with its smooth exterior styling and modest grille. It provided a clean alternative to the flashier Toyota Sienna and avoided the SUV-like styling of the Kia Carnival. The Pacifica's sliding-door tracks were cleverly hidden, contributing to its sleek appearance. Available in Touring, Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, the Pacifica offered standard LED lighting and a range of wheel options. The S Appearance and Road Tripper Packages added unique exterior and interior trims. Inside, the Pacifica's dashboard featured a minimalist design with well-integrated controls. The Pinnacle trim, tested, boasted luxurious brown Nappa leather upholstery with quilted stitching, but the rest of the interior felt less upscale. The rotary shifter was a quality touch, but other controls lacked the same refinement.

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 transmission was preferable to a CVT, it didn't enhance acceleration, which was more "unobjectionable" than "exciting." The RAV4 Adventure, with its 19-inch wheels and all-season tires, couldn't match the TRD Off-Road's off-road capabilities, which included 18-inch wheels with Falken All-Terrain tires and a TRD-tuned suspension.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The V6, known as the Pentastar, provided peppy acceleration and a towing capacity of 3,600 pounds. The Pacifica's chassis prioritized comfort and stability, with a suspension that effectively dampened body motion and road imperfections. However, some weight transfer was noticeable during acceleration and deceleration. The Pacifica offered a quiet and comfortable ride, aligning with Chrysler's reputation for refinement.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was designed to seat five, offering 37.7 inches of front headroom with the moonroof and 39.5 inches in the rear. It provided 41 inches of front legroom and 37.8 inches in the back, with the rear seat being narrower than competitors. 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 mid-pack among competitors.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica featured Stow 'n Go seating, allowing second-row seats to fold flat into the floor, creating large in-floor storage bins. It offered seven seats with second-row bucket seats and a 60/40 split-folding third-row bench. An eight-seat configuration was available with the Touring L trim but couldn't be combined with Stow 'n Go or AWD. The Pacifica provided ample passenger space, with competitive headroom and legroom in the first two rows and slightly more third-row legroom than the Kia Carnival. Non-hybrid models offered 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 140.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Stow 'n Vac built-in vacuum cleaner was available on certain trims.

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

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. It featured a 7-inch digital display in the instrument cluster and up to 12 USB-C ports. The Uconnect Theater system included rear-seat entertainment with 10.1-inch touchscreens, wireless headphones, and Amazon Fire TV connectivity. The FamCam interior camera allowed parents to monitor rear-seat occupants.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 featured standard safety equipment, including lane-departure warning with steering assist, 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 received a 2023 Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included a 360-degree camera system and park assist. New for 2024 was an Emergency Vehicle Alert System.