2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

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 wasn't designed to hide its minivan identity, unlike some crossover SUVs that tried to mask their similarities with minivans by offering features like AWD and a taller hood. The Pacifica Hybrid's design, even with the S Appearance Package, was not particularly striking, and its price point was on the higher side, starting at $55,995 for the base model. However, the interior, with its black Nappa leather, provided a sense of quality, even if the overall styling felt somewhat dated compared to more modern, angular designs.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner maintained its rugged, adventure-ready image, a nod to its roots in the 1980s SUV craze. Unlike many modern SUVs that have shifted to car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its truck-based origins, sharing underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma. This design choice allowed the 4Runner to cater to a niche market of off-road enthusiasts. Its boxy proportions and high ride height were not just for show; they were functional, designed to tackle obstacles with ease. Inside, the 4Runner's cabin reflected its age, with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s. However, it offered a range of trims, from the Trail to the TRD Pro, each with unique features catering to different off-road needs.

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 system output of 260 horsepower. 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, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was smooth and nearly imperceptible. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes. Despite this, the powertrain's efficiency and ability to handle speed humps with ease were impressive.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, came with a single engine option: a 4.0-litre V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, provided reliable performance, though it felt underwhelming in most driving situations. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, with noticeable body roll. However, off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with its suspension absorbing rough terrain effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models offered additional features like Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The 4Runner also had a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms, which was more than most car-based crossovers.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and significant cargo space. With the third-row seats in place, it provided 914 litres of cargo space, which expanded to 2,477 litres with the seats folded. Removing the second-row seats increased the cargo capacity to 3,978 litres. The interior featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone automatic climate control, and ample storage options. However, the second-row seats did not fold into the floor, requiring removal for maximum cargo space.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum cargo capacity of 2,540 litres in the two-row version, with 1,337 litres available with the second-row seats in use. The three-row model reduced maximum cargo space to 2,514 litres. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-operated rear window for easy access. While the cabin was not as spacious as more modern SUVs, it provided adequate storage for gear.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices. The system allowed for five user profiles and included the FamCam overhead camera system. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an optional rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While the system was straightforward and relied on tactile controls, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display. Navigation and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system were available as upgrades.

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 needed refinement, particularly in recognizing vehicles exiting the lane and moderating speed when other vehicles cut in.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. It earned four stars for frontal and side-impact testing and three stars for rollover testing from the NHTSA.