2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, particularly in the mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package, presented a sleek and modern aesthetic. This package added body-colored door handles and exterior mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black accents, all complemented by 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The minivan's split grille was flanked by standard LED headlamps, and the rear featured LED tail lamps spanning its width. While minivans like the Pacifica Hybrid might lack the trendy appeal of SUVs, they offered practicality with sliding doors and ample cargo space. Inside, the Limited trim's interior was predominantly black, with Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dashboard design. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could lead to confusion.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 maintained its appealing design, largely unchanged since its second-generation debut in 2017. The new Carbon Turbo trim, with its Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats, added a fresh touch. Gloss-black exterior detailing enhanced its modern look. The CX-5 lineup included various trims, with the 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo models offering different engine options. The Turbo model, in particular, provided a more powerful driving experience. Mazda's improvements over the years, including upgraded interior materials and technology, resulted in an upscale crossover SUV at a competitive price. The CX-5's interior exuded a premium feel, with comfortable seating and quality materials, making it a standout in its segment.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, making it the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid. It boasted an EPA rating of 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined fuel economy. In practice, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these numbers, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. Charging the battery on a Level 2 home charger took just two hours, while a standard outlet required 14 hours. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode before switching to hybrid, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The hybrid model was front-wheel drive only and lacked a spare tire and towing package, unlike its gasoline-only counterpart. With 260 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, the Pacifica Hybrid offered sufficient power for highway driving, though it didn't match the non-hybrid's 287 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach, allowing the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to shine. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined and an observed 22.9 mpg. The CX-5's driving experience was characterized by excellent outward visibility, a smooth ride, and responsive handling. Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced cornering and minimized body motions. The CX-5 was quiet on highways and lively in city driving, with a ground clearance of 7.9 inches for off-road capability. It could tow up to 2,000 pounds, adding to its versatility.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered family-friendly features like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor second and third-row passengers. The minivan's interior included heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and comfortable seating throughout. However, the second-row seats were a bit low for taller passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was generous, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 140.5 cubic feet. Despite this, competitors like the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey offered more space. The plug-in hybrid model lacked the Stow 'n Go seats, built-in vacuum cleaner, and heated second-row seats found in the standard Pacifica.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 featured standard heated front seats, redesigned for comfort and support. The driver's seat offered six-way power adjustment, while passengers could manually adjust seat height. Leather upholstery was standard on most trims, with premium Nappa leather on the top-tier 2.5 Turbo Signature. The CX-5's interior was smaller compared to some rivals, but it comfortably accommodated four adults. Rear passengers enjoyed good support, rear air conditioning vents, and a center armrest with cupholders. The cabin's design and quality elevated the CX-5 above many mass-market competitors. Cargo space was 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was less than most compact crossovers.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its user-friendly interface and crisp graphics. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, with the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. An optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, offering games and streaming content from Amazon Fire TV. The Pacifica Hybrid featured numerous charging options, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 eschewed touchscreens in favor of traditional controls for stereo volume, radio tuning, and climate settings. However, it allowed touchscreen operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while driving, with wireless connectivity available on several trims. The 10.25-inch display was navigated using a large knob on the center console, with surrounding buttons for quick access to key functions. Mazda Connected Services offered remote engine starting, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and more. The CX-5's 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, standard on the Carbon Turbo, added to the SUV's premium feel.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking assist, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided both visual and audible alerts, while the adaptive cruise control system offered smooth braking and acceleration. Additional features like parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist required an upgrade. The 2023 model had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 version received a five-star overall safety rating. The IIHS gave it Good marks, with some exceptions for seat belt reminders, headlights, and LATCH ease of use.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came standard with advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, traffic sign recognition, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature included a driver monitoring system, surround-view camera, and parking sensors. The standard ADAS performed well, with non-intrusive lane departure and lane-keeping systems. The CX-5 had previously been a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though it did not earn the accolade in 2024. The NHTSA awarded it five-star ratings, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.