2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, presented a sleek appearance with the Limited trim's S Appearance Package. 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 LED tail lamps spanned the rear width, enhancing its modern look. Despite minivans lacking the allure of SUVs, the Pacifica Hybrid offered practicality with sliding doors and ample cargo space. Inside, the Limited trim featured a dark interior with Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner, a midsize SUV, retained its classic, albeit outdated, design since its last major redesign in 2010. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a robust stance, ideal for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model featured underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a tubular roof rack, enhancing its rugged appeal. Inside, the 4Runner's old-school styling and analog instrument panel highlighted its age, with an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen that appeared outdated. The interior had hard plastic surfaces, but cushioned panels provided comfort. While the 4Runner's design evoked nostalgia, it lacked modern touches found in competitors like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.

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 plug-in hybrid minivan available. It offered an EPA-rated 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined fuel economy. In practice, the Pacifica 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, which was efficient in city driving but quickly depleted on highways. The hybrid model was front-wheel drive only, lacked a spare tire, and couldn't be equipped with a towing package. With 260 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, the Pacifica Hybrid offered smooth driving, though acceleration wasn't its strong suit.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner housed a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. While its powertrain specs were comparable to the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner's transmission limited its acceleration and fuel economy. The TRD Pro model featured standard four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, with other trims offering rear-wheel drive and optional 4WD. On-road, the 4Runner felt sluggish, with noticeable rear-end squat during acceleration. Its soft suspension, while beneficial off-road, resulted in body roll and floatiness on highways. The 4Runner's engine and exhaust noise were prominent, detracting from the driving experience.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered family-friendly features like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor rear passengers. The minivan's heated and cooled front seats, along with a heated steering wheel, provided comfort. The second-row seats, though comfortable, were low, and taller passengers might find the third row more spacious in competitors like the Honda Odyssey. The Pacifica's cargo space measured 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with seats folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats down. However, the plug-in hybrid lacked Stow 'n Go seats, a built-in vacuum cleaner, and heated second-row seats.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior, though outdated, featured a straightforward layout with large climate-control dials and driveline levers. Its spacious front seats offered good visibility, while the second row provided ample legroom but limited headroom for taller passengers. The 4Runner's cargo space reached 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 89.7 cubic feet with seats stowed. The optional sliding deck reduced capacity but added convenience. The 4Runner lacked remote seat releases and a powered liftgate but included a sliding rear window and a hitch receiver with a 5,000-pound towing capacity.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came 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. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, though its value was questionable given the prevalence of personal devices. The Pacifica offered numerous charging options, including USB-A, USB-C, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL audio system, though road noise often overshadowed its quality. The 4Runner lacked off-road-specific apps found in competitors. Terrain controls in the headliner console required familiarity with the owner's manual. The Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems enhanced off-road capabilities, while differential controls maximized traction.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted numerous 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 effectively alerted drivers with visual and audible signals. However, features like parallel parking assistance required additional packages or the top Pinnacle trim. The 2023 model hadn't been rated by NHTSA, but the 2022 version received five stars overall. IIHS gave it Good marks, except for Marginal seat belt reminders and Average headlights and LATCH ease of use.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with NHTSA awarding four stars overall, five stars for side impacts, and three stars for rollovers. IIHS gave Good scores for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests but noted Marginal and Poor results in newer tests. The 4Runner included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. The TRD Pro and Limited trims offered a surround-view camera system, with parking sensors exclusive to the Limited. Some safety alerts were overly sensitive but adjustable.