2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a unique offering in the minivan segment, particularly for those seeking a plug-in hybrid option. Despite its minivan status, which some might find less appealing compared to SUVs, it provided practical features like sliding side doors, making it convenient for families. The Pacifica Hybrid was not known for its looks, even with the S Appearance Package, and it came with a hefty price tag. The interior, while comfortable with premium leather, felt somewhat dated compared to more modern designs. However, it offered a significant electric-only driving range, making it an efficient choice for short-distance travel.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester, especially in its Wilderness trim, embraced a rugged and functional design. While its exterior might not have been the most attractive, the Forester excelled in practicality and utility. The Wilderness trim added a suspension lift and protective cladding, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Inside, the Forester focused on function over form, with a straightforward and durable interior. The infotainment system was user-friendly, and the vehicle's overall build quality was commendable. The Forester's design and features catered to those who valued practicality and off-road readiness over aesthetics.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain combining a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total of 260 horsepower. The electric motor provided immediate torque, ensuring the van never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded. It could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, making it ideal for daily commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped extend the electric range, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light steering and unremarkable brakes, making it feel more like an appliance than an engaging vehicle.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. While it lacked a turbocharger, the Forester's CVT and AWD system provided adequate performance for most driving situations. The Wilderness trim enhanced its off-road capabilities with a 25% increase in initial torque supply and a doubled towing capacity of 1,360 kilograms. The Forester's fuel economy was competitive, averaging 9.1 L/100 km during testing. The SUV's driving dynamics were pleasing, with a well-tuned suspension and improved ground clearance, making it capable on various terrains. However, the lack of a turbocharger was noted as a drawback for those seeking more power.

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 climate control, and numerous 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 third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, and the cargo area provided 914 litres of space, expandable to 2,477 litres with the third-row seats folded. Removing the second-row seats increased cargo capacity to 3,978 litres, surpassing many full-size SUVs.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit and a practical interior. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness trim included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The Forester's seating was comfortable, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space measured 818 litres without the sunroof, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded. The Forester's roof rails accommodated a three-person roof tent, enhancing its adventure-ready appeal. While storage space was decent, the Forester lacked some additional storage features found in competitors.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a FamCam overhead camera system. The system allowed for multiple user profiles and had a responsive interface, though voice recognition was inconsistent. The optional 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but not widely used by passengers with personal devices. The surround-view camera system and parking assist were useful features, though the latter was not a substitute for driving skills.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition system had mixed effectiveness. The navigation system was helpful, but a breadcrumb function was desired for off-road adventures.

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 needed 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 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The DriverFocus system monitored for drowsiness and distraction, adding gesture control for climate adjustments. The Forester received a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for rollover resistance.