2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 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 was illuminated. Despite these changes, the ID.4 maintained a distinct EV appearance compared to VW's gasoline models but lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which could be a drawback for buyers seeking those attributes. The ID.4 was built on VW’s MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, and shared interior qualities with recent VW gasoline models, offering a minimalist design and quality feel. The base ID.4 Standard model included leatherette upholstery with recycled fibers, maintaining a high standard even at the entry level.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid shared its styling with the non-hybrid Pacifica, with the main differences being the charge port and some badging. Despite its age, the Pacifica maintained a contemporary look with a sleek and clean exterior, avoiding the extraneous details of other minivans. For 2024, the Pacifica Hybrid was available in Select and Pinnacle trims, featuring all-LED exterior lighting and various wheel options. The interior of the Pacifica Hybrid was well-equipped, with the Pinnacle trim offering Nappa leather upholstery and small pillows for the second-row seats. However, some premium elements clashed with lower-level model features, such as grained plastic on the door panels.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models with RWD, while the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus retained the 82-kWh pack with options for RWD or AWD. The single-motor RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD powertrain increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, enhancing acceleration and handling. The ID.4 provided a comfortable and refined ride, though it allowed too much body roll for truly engaging driving on twisty roads. Regenerative braking was present but did not support one-pedal driving, offering a more familiar experience for new EV drivers.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a two-motor hybrid system and a 16-kWh battery pack, producing a total system output of 260 horsepower. Unlike the non-hybrid Pacifica, the hybrid was only available with FWD and was not recommended for towing. The electric-motor torque compensated for the horsepower deficit, providing quick acceleration and a quieter ride. The Pacifica Hybrid excelled in maximizing all-electric driving mode, with a smooth transition to hybrid mode, although regenerative braking did not achieve one-pedal driving. The chassis offered a comfortable ride, and the hybrid powertrain further reduced noise levels, enhancing passenger comfort.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with superior front-seat and rear-seat legroom compared to the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing most entry-level EVs. The ID.4 also offered towing capabilities, with a 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 available three-zone climate control.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered the unique combination of a plug-in hybrid powertrain with minivan packaging, featuring a low step-in height and sliding doors for easy rear-seat access. Interior dimensions were similar to the non-hybrid Pacifica, with competitive headroom and legroom across all rows. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow ‘n Go second-row seats due to the battery pack but maintained the same above-floor cargo space as other Pacifica models, 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 the Ultra Console with additional storage, although its design was somewhat awkward.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, featuring software updates for improved responsiveness. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with the ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system offered sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition, though the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less user-friendly. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance, though it was easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and SiriusXM with 360L. Built-in navigation and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system were available. The system remained user-friendly, though the lack of a fully digital instrument cluster was noticeable. The Pacifica Hybrid offered up to 12 USB-C ports, the optional FamCam rear-facing camera, and the Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV connectivity.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The 2022 model received the IIHS’ highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating, with top scores in all crash tests and front crash prevention. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, 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 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests. 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.