2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan status, 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 drivetrain was unique among mainstream brands. However, its rounded, flowing exterior and interior styling appeared soft and dated compared to the more architectural motifs popular at the time. The Pacifica Hybrid was not a looker, even with the S Appearance Package, and its price tag was steep, starting at $49,095 for the base Touring L trim and reaching $57,680 for a fully loaded Limited trim with options.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 had evolved significantly since its 1996 debut, growing in dimension and sophistication. The latest iteration, part of a 2019 redesign, often topped the SUV sales charts in the United States. Its exterior styling, while fitting in with current crossover designs, featured angular flourishes and crisp lines that set it apart upon closer examination. The RAV4's expressive headlights and snub-nosed grille gave it a playful yet aggressive look. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by an uncomplicated center stack and a touchscreen interface positioned for minimal driver distraction.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The 16-kWh battery pack allowed for up to 32 miles of electric-only driving, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The Pacifica Hybrid never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded, and its regenerative braking system helped capture energy to recharge the battery. During testing, it achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg on a mixed driving loop. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and a low-mounted weight that sometimes produced an unnatural ride quality.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrain options. The gasoline-only model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy for FWD models was 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined, while AWD models achieved 25-27 mpg city/32-34 mpg highway/28-30 mpg combined. The RAV4 Hybrid used a similar engine with an electric motor, producing 217 combined net horsepower and achieving 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid, with a 2.5-liter engine and an 18.1-kWh battery pack, produced 302 horsepower and could run up to 42 miles on electricity alone, with an efficiency rating of 94 MPGe combined. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with a four-wheel independent suspension and available AWD with Multi-Terrain Select tuning and dynamic torque vectoring.

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 heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were plentiful, with extra shelves, bins, and cupholders throughout the cabin. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go chairs, though they did not collapse into the floor. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, and the Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind it, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, while still classified as a small SUV, offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. It had a healthy payload capacity of 1,050-1,230 pounds, depending on configuration, and could tow up to 3,500 pounds in Adventure and TRD Off-Road models. Inside, the RAV4 was roomy and comfortable for four adults, with plenty of legroom, hip room, shoulder room, and headroom in the front row. The second-row split-folding bench seat could accommodate five passengers in a pinch, though the middle seat was less comfortable.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, offering appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and speedy response. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to check on rear-seat passengers. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but not essential if passengers had their own devices.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and various connected services. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system with navigation. The RAV4 Prime featured additional technology, including five USB ports, two auxiliary power outlets, an available 120-volt/1,500-watt AC power outlet, and a Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging pad. A bird’s-eye view camera system and a 10-inch color head-up display were also available on top trims.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It had adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, though the adaptive cruise control needed refinement. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota’s Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road sign assist. Higher trims added a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and a rear cross-traffic braking system. The RAV4 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with the RAV4 Prime receiving a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid five-star ratings.