Chrysler Pacifica vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was available starting at $41,995, including the destination charge, for the base LE trim with front-wheel drive. Buyers could upgrade to higher trims like XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum, with all-wheel drive as an optional feature. The test vehicle was a top-tier Platinum trim with all-wheel drive, priced at $54,718. The Highlander Hybrid's design remained largely unchanged for 2023, with minimal updates such as a new Cypress Green paint color and standard power-folding mirrors on Limited and Platinum trims. The exterior design was considered over-styled, with exaggerated features that some found visually overwhelming. Inside, the cabin continued this theme with oversized elements and mismatched textures, which detracted from the overall quality feel. Despite these design critiques, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quiet ride, thanks to acoustic front window glass in higher trims.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica maintained its contemporary exterior styling, offering a smooth and modest design that contrasted with its more flamboyant competitors. The Pacifica was available in Touring, Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, with a de-contented Voyager version for commercial use. Standard features included LED lighting and a range of wheel sizes, with optional packages like the S Appearance and Road Tripper adding unique styling elements. The interior of the Pacifica was praised for its minimalist and sculpted dashboard, with controls integrated seamlessly. The Pinnacle trim featured luxurious touches like Nappa leather upholstery and small pillows for second-row seats, though some interior elements felt less premium. The Pacifica's design choices provided a clean and elegant look, both inside and out.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing a total of 243 horsepower. This setup powered the 4,430-pound SUV, with an additional electric motor for the rear wheels in all-wheel-drive models. The Highlander Hybrid could operate on electricity alone at low speeds, but its gas engine offered limited torque, making high-speed passing challenging. While Toyota claimed a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, the vehicle's power seemed insufficient for such tasks. The Highlander Hybrid featured Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with a Trail mode for light off-road use. Despite its focus on fuel economy, the test vehicle returned only 28.7 mpg, below the EPA's 35 mpg estimate. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a continuously variable transmission contributing to a lack of engagement.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The Pacifica's V6 engine, known as the Pentastar, provided ample power for acceleration and towing up to 3,600 pounds. The minivan's chassis was tuned for comfort and stability, with the suspension effectively smoothing out road imperfections. However, some weight transfer was noticeable during acceleration and deceleration. The Pacifica was praised for its quiet and comfortable ride, aligning with Chrysler's reputation for offering a step above mainstream vehicles.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to accommodate seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration. Most models featured second-row captain's chairs, making the third-row seat suitable only for occasional use. The SUV offered standard three-zone automatic climate control, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs in the test vehicle. While the front seats were large and supportive, additional thigh support was desired. The second-row seats provided comfort and flexibility, but accessing the third row was challenging for adults. The Highlander Hybrid offered 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. However, the interior storage solutions were criticized for their complexity and lack of lining, which could lead to noise.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica featured Chrysler's innovative Stow 'n Go seating, allowing the second-row seats to fold flat into the floor, creating large storage bins when in use. The Pacifica offered seven seats as standard, with an eight-seat configuration available on the Touring L trim. The Pinnacle and Limited models included a power-folding third-row seat and a power liftgate. The Pacifica's passenger space was competitive with other minivans, offering ample headroom and legroom across all rows. Cargo space was generous, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 140.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Pacifica also offered a built-in vacuum cleaner and a raised center console with hidden storage, though access was somewhat limited.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology for 2023, with upper trims featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. The system included an 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, with features like over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Connected service plans offered various features, including Wi-Fi connectivity and remote vehicle access. The test vehicle also included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. While the infotainment platform was user-friendly, the graphics could benefit from improved contrast.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The instrument cluster featured analog gauges with a 7-inch digital display. The Pacifica offered up to 12 USB-C ports, built-in navigation, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Uconnect 5 system was praised for its intuitive interface and sharp displays, though a shortcut for the 360-degree camera system was desired. The Pacifica also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV connectivity and a FamCam interior camera for monitoring rear-seat passengers.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Hybrids also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with higher trims adding parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The ADAS performed well in most situations, though it occasionally struggled with lane markings. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure 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, providing warnings about nearby emergency vehicles or road hazards.