2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered a practical and efficient solution for families. It might not have been the rugged SUV many desired, but its sliding side doors and spacious interior made it a convenient choice for transporting children and cargo. The Pacifica Hybrid's design, while not particularly stylish, was functional, and its interior, though comfortable with quality materials, appeared somewhat dated compared to more modern competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift that gave it a more aggressive appearance. The redesigned front end, new LED headlights, and restyled grille contributed to its rugged look. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, further enhanced its appeal. The Outback's interior, especially in the Touring trim, was upscale and cohesive, with premium Nappa leather and thoughtful design elements. However, the infotainment system's usability and voice recognition left room for improvement.

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 electric drive system provided immediate torque, making the Pacifica feel adequately powered even when fully loaded. It could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, and the regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery. During testing, the Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and a lack of cornering grip.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, with its standard 2.5-liter flat-four engine, produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While the CVT made good use of the power at lower speeds, the engine struggled with passing and climbing. The test vehicle returned 25.6 mpg, below the EPA's estimate of 28 mpg. For better performance, the turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine in the XT models offered 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, though at the cost of fuel efficiency. The Outback's suspension provided a firm yet comfortable ride, and its off-road capabilities were impressive. However, the standard engine's lack of power was a significant drawback.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone automatic climate control, and numerous storage solutions. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats but required removal to maximize cargo space. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 140.5 cubic feet with the second row removed.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack and flat door sills. The Touring trim offered a comfortable interior with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats wrapped in premium Nappa leather. The rear seats were also heated, and the Outback provided ample legroom and storage space. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the back seat folded. However, the Outback could benefit from additional practical storage solutions.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system allowed for five user profiles and included features like FamCam and a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the rear-seat entertainment system might not be necessary for families with their own devices.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured the Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included physical controls for essential functions but relied heavily on the touchscreen for other settings. The voice recognition system was disappointing, and the graphics and icons were not user-friendly. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was not available.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control needed refinement, as it was slow to recognize lane departures and overly cautious when other vehicles cut in. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection rated four stars.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured the EyeSight system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Higher trims added a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. The Outback earned top marks from the IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems felt artificial and intrusive, and the rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways.