2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, available in Canada in LT, True North, Premier, and RS trims, offered a blend of sporty aesthetics and practicality. The LT trim featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive, while higher trims came with a V6 engine and all-wheel drive. The RS trim boasted a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system for better traction. The Blazer's design, inspired by the Camaro, was visually appealing, especially with 20-inch wheels. However, the black trim on the rear bumper gave it an unfinished look. Inside, the Blazer echoed Camaro's design with an 8-inch touchscreen and innovative climate controls. Despite the abundance of hard plastic, the red interior accents in the RS trim added a touch of sophistication.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, offered a more practical and family-friendly design. The Limited trim with the S Appearance Package added stylish black accents and 18-inch wheels. The Pacifica's split grille and LED lighting enhanced its modern look. Inside, the Limited trim featured a dark interior with Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dashboard. The Pacifica's practicality shone through with its sliding doors and ample cargo space, although the hybrid model lacked some features like all-wheel drive and a towing package. The Pacifica's interior was comfortable, with heated and cooled front seats and a spacious third row, although taller passengers might find the second-row seats a bit low.

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. The RS trim featured a dual-clutch AWD system for improved handling. The Blazer's driving modes included Tour, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul, with remote engine starting available. The V6 engine provided satisfying acceleration, though it was often loud. The Blazer's handling was firm and sporty, but its suspension and transmission performance were less impressive on winding roads. Fuel consumption was rated at 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres, but real-world testing showed an average of 11.5 L/100 km.

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 pound-feet of torque. It was the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid, with an all-electric range of 51 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. In testing, the Pacifica exceeded these figures, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. The Pacifica's hybrid system defaulted to all-electric mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only and lacked a towing package. Despite these limitations, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a smooth driving experience with a continuously variable transmission and a lower centre of gravity for better handling.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer provided a comfortable and practical interior, with black leather upholstery and red accents in the RS trim. The front seats offered power adjustment and heating, while the rear seats were spacious and adjustable for added cargo or passenger space. The Blazer's storage options included a large glove compartment, centre armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The power rear liftgate, available on higher trims, revealed a 864-litre cargo area, expandable to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in family-friendly features, with the available FamCam interior camera for monitoring rear passengers. The Pacifica's interior included heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a spacious third row. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the hybrid model lacked the Stow 'n Go feature due to the battery placement. Cargo space was generous, with 914 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the seats folded. The Pacifica Hybrid offered a total of 3,978 litres of space, though competitors like the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey provided more.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, and ample connectivity options, including USB ports and a household-style power outlet. The Blazer's storage solutions were practical, with a large glove compartment and centre armrest bin. The power rear liftgate, available on higher trims, offered hands-free operation, though its success rate was inconsistent.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with streaming capabilities and various apps. The Pacifica Hybrid featured numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained charged throughout the journey.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer included the Chevy Safety Assist suite, featuring 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 like the Safety Alert Seat and adaptive cruise control. The Blazer's safety systems were effective and user-friendly, though its headlights received average ratings from the IIHS.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Pacifica's forward collision warning system was particularly effective, providing both visual and audible alerts. The 2022 Pacifica received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, with some areas for improvement in seat belt reminders and headlights.