2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

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 straightforward, with a price tag starting at $49,095 for the base Touring L trim and going up to $57,645 for the Pinnacle version. The interior featured quality materials like black Nappa premium leather, but its overall aesthetic felt somewhat dated compared to more modern designs.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) was based on the SR5 Premium trim and added $4,505 to its price, including a standard four-wheel-drive system. The 40 ASE featured retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, and various bronze badges and stitching. Available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior, the 4Runner had a nostalgic appeal. The 4Runner lineup included multiple trims, with prices ranging from $39,555 to $54,020, plus a $1,335 destination charge. The 40 ASE test vehicle, priced at $48,455, exuded a strong SoCal vibe with its retro design elements.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was powered by 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 the Pacifica Hybrid to travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible, and the regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery. During testing, the Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg, outperforming its rival, the Toyota Sienna, in terms of efficiency. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was unremarkable, with light steering, grabby brakes, and a lack of cornering grip.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The 4Runner offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and two available 4WD systems. The part-time 4WD system was the most common, while the Limited trim offered a full-time 4WD option. The 4Runner's fuel economy was rated at 17 mpg in combined driving, and during testing, it averaged 16.9 mpg. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, with features like Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control. However, its on-road performance was less impressive, with slow acceleration, heavy steering, and a bumpy ride.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable 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 seats, but 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. With the third-row seats folded, cargo space increased to 87.5 cubic feet, and removing the second-row seats expanded it to 140.5 cubic feet.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's interior featured comfortable seats, with the 40 ASE test vehicle equipped with SofTex artificial leather and heated front cushions. The second-row seating area was spacious, offering good legroom, headroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. The optional third-row seat was uncomfortable and took up valuable cargo space. The 4Runner's cargo area included several storage cubbies and a 120-volt AC power outlet. With the third-row seat option, cargo space was limited to 9 cubic feet. Without the third-row seat, the 4Runner offered 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seat and a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and an Amazon Fire TV-enabled rear-seat entertainment system. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the sound quality of the premium audio system required adjustments.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It also offered Amazon Alexa compatibility and connected services with complimentary trial subscriptions. The 4Runner's infotainment system was user-friendly, with real knobs and buttons that were easy to use, even with gloves. The available JBL premium sound system replaced the standard eight-speaker setup, but both audio systems were bass-heavy and required adjustments. The voice recognition system performed well, handling most commands accurately.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive package of standard driver-assist and collision-avoidance features. It included a rear-seat reminder system, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control needed refinement, as it was slow to resume travel speed and braked too hard when other vehicles cut in. The Pacifica Hybrid 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 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The adaptive cruise control performed well, but the lane-departure warning could be irritating. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rating for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.