2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a minivan that embraced its identity without attempting to disguise itself as something else. Despite the stigma often associated with minivans, the Pacifica Hybrid offered practical features like sliding side doors, which made it convenient for families, especially in tight parking spaces. Its design, while not particularly striking, was functional, and the interior, though comfortable with quality materials, appeared somewhat dated compared to more modern, angular designs. The Pacifica Hybrid was a unique offering in the market, being the only plug-in hybrid minivan available, which added to its appeal for those seeking efficiency in a family vehicle.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Venza was a midsize crossover SUV that stood out with its sleek and sculpted design, reminiscent of a luxury vehicle. Its exterior was more refined than typical Toyota models, with a tapering roofline that avoided the awkwardness seen in some coupe-like SUVs. Inside, the Venza borrowed elements from the RAV4 but elevated them with higher-quality materials, approaching a level of luxury akin to Lexus. The Venza was praised for its cohesive and attractive styling, making it one of the more visually appealing options in Toyota's lineup.

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 motor provided immediate torque, ensuring the van never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded. It 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 driving experience was described as dull, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes, making it feel more like an appliance than an engaging vehicle.

The 2023 Toyota Venza was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid system, producing 219 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with electric motors providing initial acceleration before the gasoline engine seamlessly took over. The Venza reached 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, a respectable time for its class. The ride prioritized comfort over sporty handling, with light steering and adequate maneuverability. The Venza's ride quality was smoother than the RAV4 Hybrid's, though not as plush as a Lexus, offering enough compliance to handle most road imperfections comfortably.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. It featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were plentiful, with various bins and trays throughout the cabin. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n’ Go seats, though they required removal to maximize cargo space. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, and the Pacifica Hybrid offered 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind it, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second row removed.

The 2023 Toyota Venza provided spacious front seats with excellent outward visibility, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. The rear seats offered ample legroom and foot room, though headroom was slightly limited. The Venza's cargo capacity was 28.8 cubic feet, less than some competitors, and it was not rated for towing. However, it excelled in holding smaller personal items, with a wireless phone charger, well-sized cupholders, and a deep center armrest bin.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen with appealing graphics and a user-friendly interface. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The available FamCam system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers, and a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system provided audio entertainment. The Pacifica also offered Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat entertainment, though personal devices were often preferred by passengers.

The 2023 Toyota Venza came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad. The base LE trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 12.3-inch display. The new infotainment system was praised for its sharp graphics and logical menu structure. A Wi-Fi connection was available for a trial period, and the top Limited trim included Drive Connect services for navigation. The base audio system had six speakers, with a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system available on higher trims.

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 resume speed and braked too hard in certain situations. 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 received four stars.

The 2023 Toyota Venza received five stars in overall and side crash protection from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal and rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick rating, with "Good" scores in most categories. The Venza came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added features like a surround-view camera system and a digital rearview mirror, with all safety features functioning smoothly during testing.