2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox underwent several styling updates, including a new grille, LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights, along with subtle changes to the rear fascia. The headlights were bisected by trim pieces extending from the grille, giving it a sleeker appearance. The grille appeared more upright and was flanked by large fake air intakes, contributing to a chunkier look compared to the previous model. The Equinox maintained its car-based crossover identity, avoiding the rugged styling of competitors like the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4. Its tall roofline and puffed-up front fascia made it less car-like than the Ford Escape, offering a middle ground for some buyers. The interior featured a creatively designed dashboard with a touchscreen and large air vents, and materials and fit and finish were decent for the price. The RS model added black exterior trim, darkened wheels, and a black interior with red stitching, though the interior was considered too subdued.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, featured a mid-trim Limited model with the S Appearance Package. This package added body-coloured door handles and exterior mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black badging and accents, complemented by 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The split grille was surrounded by standard LED headlamps, and the LED tail lamps spanned the entire rear width. While minivans lacked the cool factor of SUVs, they offered practicality with sliding doors and more cargo space. The Limited's interior was dark, with handsome Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. The HVAC and audio knobs were chunky but could be confused with the transmission selector dial due to their proximity.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. It came with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). While it had more torque than most rivals, it lagged in horsepower. The Equinox's torque was appreciated in stop-and-go driving, with peak torque available between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. However, at higher speeds, the engine felt coarse and unresponsive, and the automatic transmission's shifts were rough. Despite its RS trim, the Equinox wasn't designed for sporty handling, lacking the refinement of competitors like the Honda CR-V.

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 official all-electric range of 51 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. In testing, it achieved 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode before switching to hybrid mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The Pacifica Hybrid was FWD only and lacked a spare tire and towing package. Despite these limitations, it offered a smooth driving experience with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a lower centre of gravity for better handling.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox offered seating for five across two rows, with decent headroom and second-row legroom. However, front seat legroom was limited, and the lack of a telescoping steering wheel made finding a comfortable driving position challenging. The Equinox provided a tall seating position and an unobstructed forward view, though rear visibility was hampered by small rear windows. The climate control buttons were awkwardly clustered below the touchscreen, but they were easily accessible. Cargo space was near the bottom of the segment, with 847 litres with the rear seats up and 1,809 litres with them folded. A power liftgate was available, but the Equinox lacked features like a sliding second-row seat or cargo-area storage bins.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The tester had 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. Cargo space was 914 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the seats folded, and 3,978 litres with everything folded. However, the Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement, reducing its versatility. It also missed out on features like a built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch instrument-cluster screen. Navigation and a Bose 7-speaker audio system were available. The infotainment system was responsive and easy to use, with large, smartphone-like menu icons. The addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a significant advantage, and the Equinox offered multiple USB ports and power outlets. However, the centre-console slot for phones was too small.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its ease of use and crisp graphics. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and 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 numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but a "Marginal" rating in the updated side crash test. It earned a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle situations and an "Advanced" rating for vehicle-to-pedestrian scenarios. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and Chevy's Teen Driver system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, 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. However, features like parallel parking assist required additional packages or the top Hybrid Pinnacle trim. The 2023 model hadn't been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 version received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.