2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, available in Canada in LT, True North, Premier, and RS trims, was known for its sporty, Camaro-inspired design. The LT trim featured a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was optional. Higher trims came with a standard V6 engine and all-wheel drive, with the RS trim boasting a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system for better traction. The Blazer's exterior saw minor updates, including revised bumper and bodyside trim for the Premier version and new two-tone paint options for the LT and RS trims. The Blazer's interior echoed the Camaro's design, with an 8-inch touchscreen, innovative climate controls, and red interior accents in the RS trim. However, the use of hard plastics, especially on the upper door panels, detracted from the overall quality feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a practical minivan with a focus on efficiency and utility. Despite its minivan image, it offered a unique plug-in hybrid drivetrain, combining a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system. This setup provided a total system output of 260 horsepower and an electric-only range of up to 51 kilometres. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was comfortable, with quality leather upholstery, triple-zone climate control, and ample storage options. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, though they required removal to maximize cargo space. The Pacifica Hybrid offered a generous 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third row folded, and up to 3,978 litres with the second-row seats removed.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine generating 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the V6 available on higher trims and offering a towing capacity of up to 2,040 kilograms. The Blazer RS, with its V6 engine and dual-clutch AWD system, provided a firm and sporty driving experience, though it was less satisfying on winding roads due to its suspension and transmission performance. The Blazer's fuel consumption was rated at 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our test vehicle averaging 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid's plug-in hybrid drivetrain combined a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total output of 260 horsepower. 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 recharge the battery, 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, outperforming its main rival, the Toyota Sienna, which returned 6.6 L/100 km in combined driving. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was less engaging, with light steering, unremarkable brakes, and limited cornering grip.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a comfortable and practical interior, with black leather upholstery and red accents in the RS trim. The front seats provided power adjustment, heating, and optional ventilation, though they lacked side bolsters and thigh support. The Blazer's rear seat was spacious and adjustable, with ample legroom and sliding functionality for added cargo or passenger space. Storage options included a large glove compartment, a centre armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The Blazer's cargo area measured 864 litres, expanding to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded, though these figures were small for a midsize SUV.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, with three rows of comfortable seating and a spacious interior. The front seats featured quality leather upholstery, heating, and ventilation, while the second-row seats offered superior comfort compared to the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third row folded, and up to 3,978 litres with the second-row seats removed. Storage options included door panel shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin behind the centre console.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, physical controls, and innovative climate controls. The RS trim included a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power rear liftgate with hands-free operation. The Blazer's technology offerings were practical and easy to use, though the cargo area was smaller than expected for a midsize SUV.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system allowed for five user profiles and included the FamCam overhead camera system for monitoring rear passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the sound quality required adjustment for optimal performance.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, which included forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional safety features included a rear-seat reminder system, Teen Driver technology, and available upgrades such as a vibrating Safety Alert Seat, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Blazer's safety systems were effective and user-friendly, though its headlights did not receive high ratings from the IIHS.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. However, the adaptive cruise control required refinement, as it was slow to resume speed and overly cautious when other vehicles cut in. The Pacifica Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection received four stars.