2022 Porsche Macan vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a unique offering in the automotive market, standing out as a plug-in hybrid minivan. Despite its minivan status, which some might find less appealing compared to SUVs, it offered practical features like sliding side doors, making it convenient for families. The Pacifica Hybrid was not particularly stylish, even with the S Appearance Package, and came with a hefty price tag. However, it provided a comfortable interior with quality materials, though its design felt somewhat dated compared to more modern competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Porsche Macan maintained its sporty and luxurious appeal. Despite being a smaller SUV, it retained the brand's signature design elements, such as a sloping hood and athletic stance. The Macan's interior was upscale, featuring a flat dashboard and a centre console with haptic touch controls. While the rear seats were cramped, the front seats offered comfort and support, especially with the optional Adaptive Sports Seats Plus. The Macan's design and build quality reflected Porsche's commitment to performance and luxury.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. It offered an electric-only range of up to 51 kilometres, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was smooth and efficient, with regenerative braking to recharge the battery. However, its driving dynamics were unremarkable, with light steering and average braking performance. Despite its practicality, the Pacifica Hybrid was not particularly engaging to drive.

The 2022 Porsche Macan, particularly the Macan S model, was equipped with a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. The Macan's performance was enhanced by a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission and a fully variable AWD system. The Macan S offered a thrilling driving experience, with precise steering, excellent grip, and powerful brakes. Its performance-oriented design made it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three spacious rows of seats and ample cargo space. It featured triple-zone climate control, quality leather upholstery, and numerous storage solutions. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, though they required removal for maximum cargo space. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 3,978 litres with the second-row seats removed.

The 2022 Porsche Macan, while sporty, offered a comfortable front-seat experience with optional 14-way power-adjustable seats. However, the rear seats were cramped, and cargo space was limited to 488 litres, expandable to 1,503 litres with the rear seats folded. The Macan's interior featured a redesigned centre console with haptic touch controls, though storage space was minimal. Despite its sporty nature, the Macan provided a comfortable ride for front-seat passengers.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It offered a customizable user experience with multiple user profiles and a FamCam overhead camera system. However, the voice recognition system was inconsistent. The Pacifica Hybrid also had a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, though its sound quality required adjustment for optimal performance.

The 2022 Porsche Macan featured the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with a 10.9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a navigation system. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the voice recognition system was less reliable than competitors. The Macan offered a standard 10-speaker sound system, with optional upgrades to a Bose or Burmester audio system. The PCM system provided a user-friendly experience, though Android Auto was not available.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, its adaptive cruise control system required refinement, particularly in recognizing lane departures and moderating speed in traffic.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included standard lane-departure warning and a reversing camera, with optional features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Macan's safety technologies performed as expected, though it lacked advanced driving assistance features. The Macan did not have safety ratings from the NHTSA or IIHS.