2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered practical advantages that many three-row midsize crossover SUVs lacked. Its sliding side doors made loading children in tight parking spaces a breeze, and its plug-in hybrid status was unique among mainstream brands. However, its rounded, flowing design appeared soft and dated compared to the more architectural motifs gaining popularity. The interior, while nice with black Nappa premium leather, didn't hide its minivan identity, which could be a drawback for those seeking a more rugged image.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue, redesigned in 2021, continued to impress with its mature and sophisticated look. The exterior featured Nissan’s V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof design. Inside, the Rogue boasted a layered dash with distinct horizontal layers, an electronic gear selector lever, and ample storage options. The Zero Gravity bucket-style front seats and roomy second row added to its appeal, making it a comfortable and stylish choice for families and commuters alike.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiently transporting up to seven people with its plug-in hybrid drivetrain. It combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The van could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, contributing to an impressive average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was unremarkable, with light steering, grabby brakes, and a lack of cornering grip.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, received a significant performance boost with its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine, combined with a new CVT, improved the Rogue's acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue achieved impressive fuel economy ratings of 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. The chassis and suspension provided a smooth, controlled ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering offered good feel and a tight turning diameter.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and numerous storage options. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n’ Go chairs, though they didn't collapse into the floor. The third-row seat provided reasonable comfort, and the cargo area offered 32.3 cubic feet of space, expandable to 87.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded. Removing the second-row seats increased cargo capacity to 140.5 cubic feet.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue also impressed with its smart interior design and storage options. The front cabin featured numerous storage compartments, USB-A, USB-C, and 12-volt outlets, and a wireless charging pad. Rear-seat passengers had access to storage in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, along with USB-A and USB-C charge-only ports. The Rogue's cargo area offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded flat.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system allowed for five user profiles and included features like FamCam, a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and an available rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the sound quality required adjustment for optimal performance.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology suite included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. The Rogue offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s hands-on driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with the navigation system for predictive speed control. The Intelligent Key allowed for easy access to both front and rear doors.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control needed refinement, particularly in recognizing departing vehicles and moderating speed when other motorists cut in. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection rated four stars.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came standard with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, combined steering-assist and adaptive cruise control for a Level 2 advanced driver-assist system. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2021 model.