2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a practical choice for those who needed the utility of a minivan but preferred the aesthetics of an SUV. It offered a balance between style and functionality, with a design that included new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. The Traverse RS trim, in particular, featured blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, adding a sporty touch to its appearance. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with red and light gray contrast stitching, creating a sleek and modern cabin. However, the use of hard plastic surfaces, especially on the upper door panels, detracted from the overall quality feel. The interior layout was simple and logical, with user-friendly controls for the stereo and climate systems.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a more traditional minivan experience with its sliding doors and spacious interior. The Pacifica Hybrid Limited trim, with the S Appearance Package, added a touch of sophistication with body-coloured door handles, gloss black accents, and 18-inch wheels. The interior featured Nappa leather seats and a dash with sweeping lines, creating a refined atmosphere. However, the black interior could feel a bit dark, and the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could lead to confusion. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Pacifica Hybrid's interior was comfortable and well-appointed, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided ample power for everyday driving, and the Traverse's tow rating of 2,268 kilograms made it suitable for hauling. The SUV offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road, to adapt to different conditions. Fuel economy was reasonable, with a combined rating of 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres, and our test vehicle achieved 11.3 L/100 km. The Traverse delivered a firm yet comfortable ride, though it could feel soft at higher speeds, especially on uneven surfaces. On the highway, it excelled in long-distance travel, despite some road and wind noise.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering a unique plug-in hybrid experience. It provided 51 kilometres of all-electric range and a total range of 784 kilometres, with a fuel economy rating of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. Our test saw even better results, with 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. Charging the battery on a Level 2 home charger took just two hours. However, the Pacifica's default to all-electric mode first could be less efficient on highway commutes. The hybrid model was front-wheel drive only and lacked a towing package, but it offered a smooth and comfortable ride with 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a spacious interior with seating for up to seven passengers in RS trim, thanks to second-row captain's chairs. The Smart Slide function and long rear doors made accessing the third row easier. The cabin featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. While the second-row seats provided generous legroom, they lacked leg support for adults. The third-row seat was adequate for adults if the second-row passengers cooperated by sliding forward. The Traverse excelled in cargo space, with 651 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,637 litres with the seats folded flat. The maximum cargo volume was 2,781 litres, making it one of the roomiest SUVs in its segment.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a family-friendly interior with features like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The heated and cooled front seats, along with a heated steering wheel, added comfort. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the centre pathway provided easy access to the spacious third row. However, the Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement, reducing its versatility. Cargo space remained generous, with 914 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the seats folded. The maximum cargo volume was 3,978 litres, though competitors like the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey offered more space.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the LS model, while higher trims received an 8-inch high-definition display. The system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The RS trim came with a Bose premium sound system, though it wasn't particularly impressive. The voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, enhancing the overall user experience. Visibility was generally good, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera were valuable additions for parking and maneuvering.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its user-friendly interface and crisp graphics. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, 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, though it was a costly addition. The Pacifica Hybrid featured numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained powered throughout the journey.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator. Additional safety features like rear parking assist sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were available. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received Good ratings from the IIHS in most categories but had Acceptable and Poor ratings for side impact and LED headlights, respectively.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted 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, rear parking assist, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided both visual and audible alerts, while the adaptive cruise control system offered smooth braking and acceleration. The Pacifica Hybrid had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall safety rating. The IIHS awarded it Good marks, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.