2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling updates, including a gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design aimed at improving aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors were introduced, and the rear VW logo now illuminated. Despite these changes, the ID.4 maintained a distinct EV appearance but lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which could be a drawback for buyers seeking those attributes. The interior retained a minimalist design with a quality feel, featuring leatherette upholstery with recycled fibers and a manual driver’s seat in the base model.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, showcased a more practical minivan design. The Limited trim with the S Appearance Package added body-colored door handles, gloss black accents, and 18-inch wheels. The split grille with LED headlamps and tail lamps provided a modern look. The interior, though dark in the Limited trim, featured Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery pack options: a new 62-kWh pack for the base Standard and S models with RWD, and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models available with RWD or AWD. The single-motor RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, enhancing acceleration and handling. However, the ID.4's handling on twisty roads was less impressive due to noticeable body roll. Regenerative braking was present but did not support one-pedal driving, which might disappoint some EV enthusiasts.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined fuel economy. In real-world testing, it achieved 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. Charging the battery on a Level 2 home charger took about two hours, while a standard outlet required 14 hours. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode first, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The hybrid model, with 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, provided sufficient power for highway passing but lacked the acceleration of the non-hybrid version. The FWD-only configuration and absence of a towing package were notable limitations.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. It provided more legroom and headroom compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. The ID.4 also featured a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console and improved phone storage, along with three-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in interior space, with 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats down. However, it lacked the Stow ‘n Go seats due to the battery placement. The FamCam interior camera allowed parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The front seats were heated and cooled, with a heated steering wheel, while the second-row seats were comfortable but low. The third row offered ample space, though taller passengers might prefer the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna for more legroom.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remaining standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster and ID.Light ambient lighting system were also standard. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less user-friendly compared to conventional buttons, though voice recognition mitigated this issue.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with streaming capabilities and games, though it was an expensive addition. Multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging ensured devices remained powered throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover tests. The 2022 model earned the IIHS’ highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating, with top scores in all crash tests and high ratings for front crash prevention. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear park distance control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with standard safety features such as 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 2022 model received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use. Optional features included parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist.