2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, continued to be a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV market. It was known for its stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it the appearance and feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Although Mazda planned to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50, the CX-5 remained a popular choice for those seeking quality, refinement, and sophistication. The model offered a range of versions, from the base 2.5 S to the top-tier 2.5 Turbo Signature, with prices spanning from $26,700 to $41,655, including destination charges.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, with the mid-trim Limited featuring the S Appearance Package. This package added stylish elements like body-colored door handles and gloss black accents. The Pacifica Hybrid was praised for its practicality, offering more cargo space and sliding doors compared to SUVs. The interior, while dark in the Limited trim, featured handsome Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dashboard design. The Pacifica Hybrid's practicality and comfort made it a compelling choice for families, despite some limitations in features compared to the non-hybrid version.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5 S model came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. It achieved an EPA rating of 26 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo model featured a turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. This engine also used the six-speed automatic and AWD, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined. The CX-5's updates in 2022 improved its structural rigidity, suspension, and transmission, enhancing its driving dynamics and making it feel more like an entry-level luxury vehicle. The turbocharged engine provided a satisfying driving experience, with responsive acceleration and a firm, connected ride quality.

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. In testing, it exceeded these numbers, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. The Pacifica Hybrid's charging options included a Level 2 home charger, which took about two hours to fully charge the battery. However, the vehicle defaulted to all-electric mode first, which could be less efficient on highways. The Pacifica Hybrid was FWD only and lacked some features available on the non-hybrid model, such as AWD and a towing package. Despite these limitations, it offered a smooth driving experience with 260 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque, and its lower center of gravity improved handling.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 received updates to its front seats for improved comfort and support. It offered a range of features, including power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seats, and dual-zone climate control. The Signature trim added luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with smaller storage areas, a cramped back seat, and less cargo space compared to rivals. It provided 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The interior offered heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and comfortable seating for passengers. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the third row provided ample space for adults. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was generous, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, it lacked the Stow 'n Go seats and built-in vacuum cleaner available in the non-hybrid model.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was criticized for its functionality. It lacked a helpful voice recognition system, and the physical controls on the center console were awkward to use. The system required memorization and focus, making it distracting. Despite these issues, it offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. The test vehicle also included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, praised for its ease of use and crisp graphics. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with games and streaming options. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered multiple charging options, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, and wireless charging.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies under the i-Activsense banner. Most features were standard, with additional features like a surround-view camera system and Traffic Jam Assist available on higher trims. The i-Activsense tech operated smoothly and accurately, with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid included standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided both visual and audible alerts. However, some features, like parallel parking assist, required additional packages or the top trim. The 2022 Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, and the 2023 model received Good marks from the IIHS, with some areas needing improvement.