2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Cadillac XT5

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a unique blend of styling that sat between the futuristic angularity of the Lexus NX and the more conventional designs of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It featured Cadillac’s signature design elements, such as a bold grille, distinctive daytime running lights, and vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs. However, this combination resulted in an awkward mix with the XT5’s compact size and tall profile, making it unmistakably a Cadillac, albeit an ungainly one. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered distinct exterior styling cues, with the former showcasing bright chrome for a traditional look and the latter featuring darker trim and a mesh grille for a sportier appearance. The interior, while luxurious with the optional Platinum Package, lacked a strong design theme and brand-specific markers, leaving little to remind occupants they were in a Cadillac.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite being a minivan, offered a unique proposition with its plug-in hybrid drivetrain. It wasn’t a standout in terms of aesthetics, even with the S Appearance Package, and came with a hefty price tag. The Pacifica Hybrid Limited test vehicle, equipped with extra-cost paint, the S Appearance Package, and a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system, had an MSRP of $64,960, including the destination charge. However, the federal EV rebate and provincial incentives made it more affordable. The interior was comfortable, with black Nappa premium leather, but the styling appeared soft and dated compared to more modern designs. Chrysler didn’t attempt to disguise the Pacifica’s minivan identity, focusing instead on its practicality and efficiency.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine on the Luxury and Premium Luxury trims, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine standard on the Sport trim and optional on the Premium Luxury, delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6-equipped Premium Luxury test car felt adequately quick, with smooth power delivery and quick shifts. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, providing a comfortable ride with excellent body control. The steering was well-suited for a luxury vehicle, offering nimbleness without being overly sensitive, and the cabin remained impressively quiet.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system. The total system output was 260 horsepower, with immediate torque from the electric drive system. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped extend the electric range, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly seamless. The Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres. While the driving experience was not particularly exciting, the powertrain’s efficiency and ability to handle speed humps with ease were impressive.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered competitive interior space compared to German luxury crossovers, with more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, but less than the BMW X3. It provided more legroom in both rows, although the front seats had narrow bottom cushions and the rear seats needed more cushioning. The XT5 boasted 850 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,784 litres with them folded, surpassing the Q5, X3, and GLC. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and a small cubbyhole below the touchscreen provided additional storage.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were abundant, with extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin behind the centre console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica’s Stow n’ Go seats, and the third-row seat was reasonably comfortable for adults. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third-row seats folded. Removing the second-row seats created a massive 3,978-litre cargo area.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An 8-inch digital instrument cluster display and a head-up display were available with the optional Technology Package. While the touchscreen was easy to navigate, the array of secondary controls was less intuitive, with a rotary controller and capacitive touchpads that lacked physical feedback. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, offering appealing graphics and a user-friendly interface. It supported simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The voice recognition technology was inconsistent, but the 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system provided satisfactory audio quality after adjusting the tone settings. The Pacifica also offered Amazon Fire TV for the rear-seat entertainment system, although teenagers preferred using their own devices. The surround-view camera system and parking assist features were useful, but the latter was not a substitute for driving skills.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, front and rear park assist, automatic high-beam headlamps, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. The optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The XT5 received top "Good" scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, but had a "Marginal" headlight rating and an "Acceptable" rating for LATCH child seat anchor ease of use.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive package of standard driver-assist and collision-avoidance features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It had adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, although the adaptive cruise control needed refinement. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.