2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's past design ethos, which was often likened to utilitarian appliances. This model showcased a purposeful yet understated aesthetic, with a stout front end and an assertive grille that avoided being ostentatious. The signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, distinguishing it from the boxy Volvos of the past. The XC90's rectilinear dimensions were complemented by 21-inch wheels and a sophisticated Platinum Gray paint, which added depth and richness. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior design, featuring wood deco inlays, provided a serene atmosphere, though it came at the cost of limited physical controls.

In contrast, the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid maintained a contemporary look despite its long tenure in the market. Its sleek and clean exterior, with a rounded front fascia and integrated elliptical headlights, set it apart from other minivans. The Pacifica Hybrid was available in Select and Pinnacle trims, with LED lighting and wheel options that added to its appeal. The interior offered a mix of premium elements, such as Nappa leather upholstery and small pillows for the second-row seats, though some materials felt less upscale. The Pacifica Hybrid's design was practical, with a low step-in height and sliding doors for easy access, making it a standout choice for families seeking a plug-in hybrid minivan.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines, replacing the older T5 and T6 powertrains. These engines incorporated mild-hybrid technology, offering improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The B5 engine delivered 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 engine, featured in the test vehicle, produced 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Although the mild-hybrid system didn't allow for electric-only driving, it enhanced the XC90's fuel-saving auto stop-start technology. The XC90 provided a comfortable and composed driving experience, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Its handling was surprisingly agile for its size, and the brakes inspired confidence with their solid pedal feel.

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-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This setup delivered a total system output of 260 horsepower, slightly less than the non-hybrid model's 287 horsepower. While the Pacifica Hybrid was limited to front-wheel drive and not recommended for towing, it compensated with electric-motor torque for quick acceleration and a quieter ride. The transition from electric to hybrid mode was somewhat clunky, and regenerative braking fell short of one-pedal driving. However, the Pacifica Hybrid excelled in maximizing all-electric driving, offering a comfortable and quiet ride with its well-tuned chassis.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a serene front-seat experience, though its Scandinavian minimalism led to limited storage space. The lack of a dedicated cell phone space and small center console bin were notable drawbacks. While the second row was comfortable, accessing the third row was challenging, especially with the standard seven-passenger seating. The XC90 provided 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. Despite its smaller size compared to typical three-row SUVs, the XC90's driving dynamics made it feel more compact.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered the practicality of a minivan with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Its low step-in height and sliding doors facilitated easy access to the rear seats. While it lacked the Stow 'n Go second-row seats due to the battery pack, it featured captain's chairs and ample above-floor cargo space. The Pacifica Hybrid 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 included the Ultra Console with additional storage, though its design was somewhat awkward. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered the Stow 'n Vac built-in vacuum cleaner, a practical feature for families.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, the first of its kind as a standard system. It integrated Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant, enhancing the user experience with natural-language recognition. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions could be frustrating, as more physical buttons and redundant controls would have been appreciated. Despite this, the XC90's tech offerings were impressive, with the ability to issue commands via Google Home devices.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM with 360L satellite radio. While it lacked a fully digital instrument cluster, the system remained user-friendly and up-to-date. 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. However, it didn't include a rear-seat intercom system like some competitors.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS in 2022. It came standard with advanced driver safety tech, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which maintained distance from other vehicles and provided lane guidance.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a five-star side crash-test rating and four-star frontal and rollover ratings. It shared safety features with the non-hybrid Pacifica, including 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.