2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its imposing presence. It wasn't the only large SUV on the market, but few matched its unapologetic size. The grille, LED daytime running lights, and taillights were proportioned to complement the Escalade's massive frame, with the taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillac tailfins. The front end, with its tall hood, vertical running lights, and horizontal headlights, resembled a diesel locomotive more than a traditional car. The various styling elements combined to give the Escalade a distinct look, setting it apart from other GM full-size SUVs. The 22-inch wheels on the test model appeared small against the vast expanse of sheet metal. The Escalade offered different trim pieces for "sport" and "luxury" models, with the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims featuring bright exterior trim and wheels, while the Sport trim had darkened trim, including a mesh grille. Despite sharing its body-on-frame architecture with other GM full-size SUVs and trucks, the Escalade maintained its luxury appeal, similar to the approach used by the Lincoln Navigator. Inside, the Escalade's interior featured luxury elements like leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof, but lacked a cohesive design theme, with some cheap-looking plastic bits detracting from the overall luxury feel.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, offered a practical alternative to SUVs. The mid-trim Limited model with the S Appearance Package added body-coloured door handles and mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black badging, complemented by 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The split grille was flanked by standard LED headlamps, and the LED tail lamps spanned the rear width. While minivans lacked the cool factor of SUVs, they provided practicality with sliding doors and ample cargo space. The Limited's interior, though dark, featured handsome Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. The chunky HVAC and audio knobs were appreciated, though their proximity to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was comfortable, with a spacious third row accessible through a large centre pathway. However, taller passengers might find the second-row seats a bit low. The Pacifica Hybrid's versatility was slightly reduced due to the battery placement, which eliminated the Stow 'n Go seats in the second row, but cargo space remained generous.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain options, both shared with other GM SUVs and trucks. The standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, while the optional Duramax 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six diesel engine produced 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a standard four-wheel-drive (4WD) drivetrain in Canada. A high-performance Escalade-V model with a 682-hp 6.2-litre supercharged V8 was also available. The diesel engine, despite its lower horsepower, provided smooth power delivery and a lower torque peak, making it effective for city driving. However, the Escalade's ride was unsettled, with its body-on-frame construction and 22-inch wheels contributing to a less luxurious feel compared to unibody SUVs. The Escalade's towing capacity was slightly lower than the Lincoln Navigator, and it lacked off-road capabilities found in some GM cousins.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, making it the only plug-in hybrid minivan available. Official ratings from Natural Resources Canada indicated 51 kilometres of all-electric range, 784 kilometres of total range, and a combined fuel economy of 8.0 L/100 km. In testing, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these figures, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. Charging the battery on a Level 2 home charger took just two hours. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode before switching to hybrid mode, which was efficient for city driving but less so for highway commutes. The Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only and lacked a towing package, but it offered a smooth driving experience with 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) operated smoothly, and the lower centre of gravity improved handling.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade shared its body shell and chassis with other GM full-size SUVs, resulting in a spacious cabin. It offered the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs, with second-row captain’s chairs and a power split-folding third-row bench seat as standard. The Escalade excelled in cargo space, with 722 litres with all seats in place, 2,064 litres with the third-row seats folded, and 3,426 litres with all rear seats folded. However, the raised centre console provided limited storage space, and the front seats, though adjustable, felt similar to those in other GM models. Cadillac included dedicated buttons for seat heating and ventilation, enhancing comfort.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The test model included heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a comfortable driver’s seat. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the centre pathway allowed easy access to the spacious third row. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was generous, with 914 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the seats folded, and 3,978 litres with all seats down. However, the lack of Stow 'n Go seats in the second row reduced versatility, and the plug-in hybrid model lacked features like a built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade featured a 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising three screens: a 14.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.9-inch touchscreen, and a 7.2-inch screen for trip-computer functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. The display integrated well with the dashboard, and physical toggles for climate control were retained. However, the carousel format for changing radio stations was awkward, and the rotary controller felt like an afterthought. The Escalade's OLED screens provided excellent resolution for the 360-degree camera system, and the rearview camera mirror eliminated blind spots. Additional tech features included a head-up display, night vision, and an augmented-reality navigation system. The 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system was standard but challenging to tune.

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 connectivity were included, along with the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with apps and games for long trips. Devices could be charged through multiple USB ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging, ensuring no device was left uncharged.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade included standard driver-assistance features such as cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, park assist, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims, with Super Cruise available as an option. Super Cruise offered hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, using a driver-facing camera for safety. However, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for this model year.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered standard safety features like 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. The adaptive cruise control system was praised for its smooth operation. 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, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.