2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

When examining the exterior appearance and overall aesthetic appeal of the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, it was clear that this minivan carried the stigma often associated with its vehicle type. Minivans typically did not align with the rugged and adventurous image that many consumers sought, which was why midsize crossover SUVs were often more desirable. Despite the setback of appearances, the Pacifica Hybrid remained incredibly practical. Unlike three-row midsize crossover SUVs that lacked the convenient sliding side doors found on minivans, the Pacifica Hybrid excelled in utility. These sliding doors allowed for effortless loading and unloading of children in tight parking spaces, mitigating the risk of back injuries and vehicle dents.

The Pacifica Hybrid did not try to conceal its minivan identity, unlike its competitors. It came with a rounded and flowing exterior and interior design, which could seem somewhat soft and dated, especially when compared to the sharper, more architectural motifs becoming popular in contemporary vehicles. Notably, Chrysler did not attempt to emulate the stylish curves and hidden practicality of Kia’s Carnival. Instead, the Pacifica embraced its design, showcasing it unapologetically.

Although it might not have been a head-turner, the Pacifica Hybrid delivered in other areas. The S Appearance Package added a slight flair to its Limited trim test vehicle, but it couldn't fully mask the model's nature. Furthermore, with a price point starting at $49,095 for the base Touring L and escalating to $57,645 for the Pinnacle version, it was not an affordable option for everyone. The test vehicle’s MSRP reached $57,680 after adding extra-cost paint, the S Appearance Package, and a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system. Though a $7,500 federal income tax credit was available, the cost still hovered north of 50 grand.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured a significant redesign in 2019, transitioning from a softer, typical crossover aesthetic to a bolder and more substantial look. The updated trapezoidal grille borrowed from Toyota’s truck lineup made the model appear heftier. This change was initially groundbreaking but soon became a common theme among other carmakers, visible in models like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50.

The angular design carried over to the RAV4 Hybrid’s interior, marked by a multi-tiered dashboard adorned with beveled cutouts, introducing texture and visual engagement to an otherwise plain surface. The interior materials were average for its class and price, composed of hard plastics yet padded in frequently touched areas for enhanced comfort. However, lower trims without the leather-wrapped steering wheel felt considerably cheaper due to the downmarket urethane wheel and center armrest.

The overall build quality of the RAV4 Hybrid was robust, with no noticeable creaks or squeaks during drives over rough surfaces. While the RAV4 did not aim for an ultra-luxurious feel, it maintained a commendable quality that satisfied the majority of drivers.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered an efficient transportation solution for up to seven passengers. Its plug-in hybrid drivetrain combined Chrysler’s reliable 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, culminating in a total output of 260 horsepower. One electric motor functioned as an electrically variable transmission, while the other powered the van's front wheels. The 16-kWh battery pack situated under the second-row floor meant that the Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow n’ Go collapsing seats of the standard model.

From the driver’s perspective, the Pacifica Hybrid always felt adequately powered, whether carrying a full load or operating solely on electric power. It boasted an electric-only range of up to 32 miles, perfect for short daily commutes and errands. Charging was user-friendly, even without a dedicated home charging station, thanks to its compatibility with standard household outlets and convenient charging status lights visible from inside the house.

The van’s gas engine occasionally assisted the electric system, particularly when higher power was needed. Despite this, the transition between electric and gasoline power was almost imperceptible. The regenerative braking system further enhanced efficiency by recapturing energy during coasting or braking, achieving an impressive average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during tests in Los Angeles.

In parallel, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid employed a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor/generator and a CVT, delivering 219 horsepower. This setup included a secondary electric motor at the rear axle to provide AWD. The RAV4 Hybrid accelerated to 60 mph in a reasonable 7.5 seconds, striking a balance between performance and efficiency for everyday driving scenarios.

Though the RAV4 Hybrid’s brakes primarily utilized regenerative braking to recharge the battery, the transition to physical brakes during stronger stops was seamless. Its suspension effectively smoothed out moderate bumps and potholes while maintaining confident cornering abilities, providing a comfortable and stable ride without aiming for sportiness.

Minivans like the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid reigned supreme in terms of comfort and utility, offering three genuinely comfortable rows of seating and ample cargo space comparable to full-size SUVs. The Pacifica Hybrid enhanced this practicality with its electric-only driving capabilities. Equipped with triple-zone automatic climate control, quality Nappa leather seats, and heated and ventilated front seats, it maintained a comfortable atmosphere even during extreme conditions. Additionally, the storage solutions, such as the sizeable floor tray and numerous bins and cupholders, added to its commendable functionality.

The Pacifica Hybrid’s second-row seats, although heavier and not as easily removable compared to the standard Pacifica’s Stow n’ Go seats, offered enhanced comfort and adjustability. The third-row seating was also comfortable, supplied with necessary amenities like cupholders, USB ports, and sunshades. The cargo capacity stood at 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded and a massive 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed, surpassing typical midsize SUVs.

Conversely, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided spacious front seating for larger passengers, and the rear seats comfortably accommodated average-sized adults. Despite negligible differences in headroom and legroom compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V or Kia Sportage, the RAV4 Hybrid maintained sufficient space for its occupants. The low rear seat cushions could lead to reduced thigh support for taller passengers on long trips.

With a cargo space of 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and the capacity to fold seatbacks flat, the RAV4 Hybrid offered comparable storage to its non-hybrid counterpart without sacrificing space for the battery pack. Despite slightly smaller cargo space than rivals (CR-V at 39.5 cubic feet and Sportage at 39.3 cubic feet), the difference was minimal. The RAV4 Hybrid excelled in interior storage, featuring wide shelves, a phone tray, and large cupholders for personal items.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, providing responsive and intuitive controls. It supported features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The FamCam overhead camera system was particularly useful for keeping an eye on rear passengers. However, the voice recognition technology had its inconsistencies, occasionally misinterpreting inputs. The standard 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system delivered subpar sound quality in its default settings but could be adjusted to improve performance. The available rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV offered various entertainment options, though teenagers seemed to prefer their personal devices over the built-in system.

For 2023, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced a significant upgrade with a new infotainment system. The modern graphics and logically arranged menus on the 8.0-inch or 10.5-inch touchscreen improved user experience. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensured seamless smartphone integration, though the lack of a standard wireless charging pad required using cables for charging. The infotainment system supported over-the-air updates and connectivity features, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote vehicle monitoring. Higher trims also featured a fully digital instrument panel. The standard six-speaker audio system offered decent performance, with an 11-speaker JBL system available on top trims for enhanced audio quality.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety and security features, including a rear-seat reminder system and numerous collision avoidance systems. However, it lacked adaptive cruise control paired with a lane-centering assist function for easier highway travel. The adaptive cruise control demonstrated some shortcomings in detecting lane changes and moderating speed in moderate traffic. The Pacifica Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection rating stood at four stars.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, reflecting its robust safety performance. Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5 suite included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and a traffic sign reader. The XLE trim added a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts, and the top Limited trim featured front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking. A surround-view camera system and digital rearview mirror provided additional safety and convenience. The systems consistently functioned as expected, with smooth adaptive cruise control inputs contributing to a safe driving experience.