2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX was a standout in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a spacious interior that belied its compact exterior appearance. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant design. The vehicle's exterior was modern and sporty, highlighted by standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels. Inside, the MDX boasted a refined cabin with authentic materials like natural wood and real leather, complemented by high-quality plastics. The dashboard design emphasized cabin width, and the unique gear selection system added a touch of sophistication. The MDX's interior was both comfortable and functional, with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen strategically placed for safety and ease of use.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited, especially with the S Appearance Package, presented a more practical yet stylish minivan option. The exterior featured body-coloured accents and 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was dark but sophisticated, with Nappa leather seats and a well-designed dashboard. The controls, while functional, were sometimes confusing due to their proximity. The Pacifica Hybrid offered practicality with its sliding doors and ample cargo space, making it a family-friendly choice. However, the interior colour options were limited unless opting for the top trim.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), enhancing its cornering capabilities with torque vectoring. The MDX's suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup in the front, improving sporty handling, while the rear multi-link suspension enhanced ride quality. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, providing a solid ride feel. The MDX offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor performance to their preferences.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 260 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. It was the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid, with an official all-electric range of 51 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. In testing, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these figures, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. The vehicle's electric power delivery was less flexible, defaulting to all-electric mode first, which was less efficient for highway driving. The Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only and lacked some features available in non-hybrid models, such as all-wheel drive and a towing package.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled in versatility, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and a flexible second row with a removable centre section. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX provided ample cargo space, with up to 2,690 litres available when the second and third rows were folded. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Walk Away Close" and Hands-Free Access, enhancing usability. The interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes to choose from.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered family-friendly features like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The minivan's seats were comfortable, though the second row was a bit low for taller passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was generous, with 914 litres behind the third row and up to 3,978 litres with all seats folded. However, the plug-in hybrid model lacked the Stow 'n Go seats and built-in vacuum cleaner available in non-hybrid versions, reducing its versatility.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with advanced technology, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel were standard, offering a customizable and user-friendly experience. The MDX also featured Amazon Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims included a head-up display and surround-view camera.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its ease of use and crisp graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity for two phones. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, though it was an expensive addition. The Pacifica Hybrid offered numerous charging options, including USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. It featured a high percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The MDX's front end was designed for pedestrian safety, and it included a low-speed braking control system. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, offering comprehensive driver assistance technologies.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid included standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was effective, providing both visual and audible alerts. However, some features, such as parking assist, required additional packages or the top trim. The 2022 version received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, and the 2023 model was expected to perform similarly.