2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Kia Sorento

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 its sliding side doors offering convenience in tight parking spaces. The interior, adorned with black Nappa premium leather, exuded quality, though the overall styling felt somewhat dated compared to more modern, angular designs. Despite its higher price point, the Pacifica Hybrid's combination of utility and efficiency made it a compelling choice for those prioritizing practicality over aesthetics.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento presented a more stylish and rugged appearance, especially in the X-Line trim. This midsize SUV boasted features like rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and robust roof rails, enhancing its visual appeal. The Sorento's interior was equally impressive, with quality materials and thoughtful design elements contributing to a sense of luxury. While the third-row seating was cramped, the overall cabin space was well-utilized, offering ample storage solutions and comfort for passengers. The Sorento's design and features made it an attractive option for those seeking a blend of style and practicality in a midsize SUV.

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, delivering a total output of 260 horsepower. The electric drive system provided immediate torque, ensuring the Pacifica never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded. It could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system further enhanced efficiency, capturing energy to recharge the battery. However, the driving experience was somewhat uninspiring, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was praised for its seamless operation and efficiency, achieving an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of engine options, with the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder being the most recommended. This engine produced 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, providing a more engaging driving experience compared to the base engine. The Sorento's turbo engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, delivering a lively performance reminiscent of a sports sedan. The SUV's suspension was tuned for a balance of comfort and control, making it a capable performer on winding roads. However, the Sorento's fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, which was higher than the official estimates.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and substantial cargo space. The interior featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone automatic climate control, and a range of storage solutions, making it a practical choice for families. 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 up to 3,978 litres with the second row removed.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was luxurious, with features like heated and ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof. The second-row captain's chairs were designed with children in mind, offering comfort and convenience. However, the third-row seating was cramped, making it less suitable for adults. The Sorento offered 357 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,274 litres with the third row folded, and up to 2,139 litres with the second row down. The smart power tailgate added convenience when loading cargo.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, offering a user-friendly interface and customizable profiles. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM satellite radio. The available FamCam system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers, while the optional Harman Kardon sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The Pacifica also offered Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat entertainment, though personal devices were often preferred by passengers.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's infotainment system varied by trim, with higher trims featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and satellite radio. The system was intuitive, though the design elements might not appeal to everyone. The Sorento shared its infotainment technology with Hyundai, though voice recognition was less effective. A 12-speaker Bose sound system was exclusive to the SX trim, and a wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, though the adaptive cruise control required refinement. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Blind View Monitor system provided live video feeds of blind spots, enhancing safety during lane changes. The Highway Driving Assist technology offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with a four-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, including a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.