2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered a unique proposition in the automotive market. It was a plug-in hybrid minivan, a rarity among mainstream brands, providing a practical solution for families needing efficient transportation. The Pacifica Hybrid's design, while not particularly striking, was functional, with features like sliding side doors that made it convenient for loading children in tight spaces. The interior, though comfortable with quality materials like black Nappa leather, appeared somewhat dated compared to more modern, angular designs. Despite its higher price point, the Pacifica Hybrid's combination of practicality and efficiency made it a compelling choice for those prioritizing functionality over style.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Passport shared its platform with the Honda Ridgeline, Odyssey, and Pilot, giving it a familiar yet rugged appearance. The Passport's design updates aimed to provide a tougher look, particularly in the TrailSport trim, which added off-road-inspired features. While the TrailSport was more about aesthetics than actual off-road capability, it did offer some enhancements like increased ground clearance and traction management modes. The Passport's interior was spacious, with quality materials and thoughtful design elements that made it comfortable for passengers. Its practicality and comfort made it a suitable choice for those seeking a versatile SUV for both urban and outdoor adventures.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system. This setup delivered a total output of 260 horsepower, with the electric drive system providing immediate torque. 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, contributing to an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres. While the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was impressive in its efficiency, the driving experience was less engaging, with light steering and unremarkable brakes.

The 2022 Honda Passport, on the other hand, featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The Passport's V6 engine was smooth and responsive, contributing to a combined fuel economy of 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The i-VTM4 AWD system provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing the Passport's handling on twisty roads. While the Passport was capable off-road, it excelled on paved surfaces, offering a firm, communicative ride and athletic handling. However, the brakes could become less confidence-inspiring on mountain descents, with noticeable vibrations.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone automatic climate control, and thoughtful storage solutions. 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 provided 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third row folded and 3,978 litres with the second row removed.

The 2022 Honda Passport offered easy access with large doors and a low step-in height. The interior featured comfortable seats with leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a triple-zone automatic climate control system. The Passport's spacious second row provided ample room for passengers, and the large side windows contributed to an open, airy feel. The SUV offered generous storage options, including a massive centre console bin and ample cargo space, with 1,430 litres behind the rear seat and 2,854 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the FamCam overhead camera system. The system allowed for multiple user profiles and simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the Harman Kardon sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The Pacifica also offered Amazon Fire TV for the rear-seat entertainment system, though it was less utilized by tech-savvy passengers.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The TrailSport trim added satellite radio, while the Touring trim featured a navigation system and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The system's interface was straightforward, though the navigation system was less intuitive, prompting users to rely on Apple CarPlay. Wireless smartphone charging was standard on all but the base Sport trim, providing convenience for tech-savvy users.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control required refinement, as it was slow to resume speed and overly sensitive to vehicles cutting in. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2022 Honda Passport featured the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, the lane-departure warning and lane-centring assist functions were intrusive, prompting drivers to disable them. The Passport received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for four stars in front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave the Passport top ratings, with an Acceptable rating for front-passenger protection in a small overlap collision.