2024 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure from its predecessors with its bold and assertive design. It adopted a more truck-like appearance, stretching 2.5 inches longer and half an inch wider than the previous model. This new generation showcased a muscular stance, enhanced by a longer wheelbase and wider tracks. The classic D-pillar taillights were upgraded to feature three L shapes, contributing to a modern and aggressive look. The Sport Touring trim, driven in deep Canyon River Blue, boasted special Sport styling elements like black roof rails, mirrors, and wheels, with 19-inch wheels as standard. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed the design cues of the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, offering a premium feel with high-quality materials and attractive contrast stitching.

In contrast, the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica maintained its contemporary exterior styling without frequent redesigns. Its smooth design and modest grille provided a refreshing alternative to flashier competitors. The Pacifica's clean look was achieved by cleverly hiding sliding-door tracks, avoiding the need for additional styling features. Available in various trims, including the luxurious Pinnacle, the Pacifica offered LED lighting and a range of wheel options. The interior featured a minimalist dashboard with well-integrated controls, and the Pinnacle trim showcased brown Nappa leather upholstery with quilted stitching. However, some interior elements felt less upscale, with plastic mingling with the contrast stitching. The rotary shifter was a quality touch, but other controls lacked the same refinement.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a choice between a turbocharged and a hybrid powertrain, with the latter providing a compelling blend of power and efficiency. The hybrid setup combined a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, delivering 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, capable of reaching speeds up to 115 mph. The hybrid powertrain also allowed for a towing capacity of up to 1,000 lbs. The CR-V Hybrid featured four drive modes, including a new Snow mode, and an updated Real Time AWD system. A "B" shifter position enhanced regenerative braking, offering a one-pedal driving experience. The FWD CR-V Hybrid achieved impressive fuel efficiency, with 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica came equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The Pacifica's V6 engine, known as the Pentastar, provided peppy acceleration and a towing capacity of 3,600 pounds. The chassis tuning prioritized comfort and stability, ensuring a smooth ride. While some weight transfer was noticeable during acceleration and deceleration, the Pacifica remained quiet and comfortable, living up to Chrysler's reputation for refinement.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to increased interior volume, with 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded. This was comparable to the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and exceeded the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The Sport Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate, and all CR-Vs had wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased to 41 inches, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The interior boasted a cubby for smartphones, eight cupholders, and a console with best-in-class storage.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica offered its innovative Stow 'n Go seating, allowing second-row seats to fold flat into the floor, creating large in-floor storage bins. The Pacifica accommodated seven seats with standard Stow 'n Go, while an eight-seat configuration was available with the Touring L trim. The Pinnacle and Limited models featured a power-folding third-row seat. Cargo space was generous, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 140.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Pacifica also offered a Stow 'n Vac built-in vacuum cleaner, providing convenience for cleaning the interior.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid catered to those who preferred physical buttons, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen featuring volume and tuning knobs. The Sport Touring trim upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen with a volume knob and hard Seek buttons. Both Hybrid models included USB-A and USB-C ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and dual-zone climate control. The Sport Touring trim added features like a wireless charging pad, a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system, and Honda's smart navigation system, optimizing fuel efficiency based on the route.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The instrument cluster included analog gauges with a 7-inch digital display. The Pacifica offered up to 12 USB-C ports, built-in navigation, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Uconnect Theater system provided rear-seat entertainment with touchscreens, wireless headphones, and Amazon Fire TV connectivity. The FamCam allowed parents to monitor rear-seat occupants, although an intercom system was not available.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, and traffic sign recognition were standard. The CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. New airbags, a stiffer structure, and improved visibility enhanced safety.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included a 360-degree camera system and park assist. The new Emergency Vehicle Alert System provided warnings about nearby emergency vehicles or road hazards.