2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a unique offering in the minivan market, standing out as a plug-in hybrid option. Despite its minivan label, which some consumers found less appealing compared to SUVs, the Pacifica Hybrid offered practical features like sliding side doors, making it convenient for families. Its design, while not particularly striking, was functional, and the interior, though comfortable with quality materials, appeared somewhat dated compared to more modern, angular designs. The Pacifica Hybrid was priced on the higher side, but federal and provincial EV rebates made it more accessible.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. Toyota had a long history with minivans, and the Sienna continued this tradition with a robust design and practical features. The Sienna's interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering ample storage and comfortable seating across all rows. Its exterior design included clever touches like re-engineered door hinges and an assertive profile, making it a practical yet stylish choice for families.

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 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 contributing to an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres. However, the driving experience was somewhat uninspiring, with light steering and unremarkable brakes.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, came with a hybrid powertrain featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivering 243 horsepower. It offered both FWD and AWD options, with the latter providing additional traction. The Sienna's fuel economy was impressive, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The Sienna's handling was better than expected for a minivan, thanks to its TNGA platform, providing a comfortable and stable ride.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in interior space and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and a significant cargo capacity. With the third-row seats folded, it provided 2,477 litres of cargo space, and removing the second-row seats expanded this to 3,978 litres. The interior featured quality materials, triple-zone climate control, and ample storage options, making it a practical choice for families. However, the lack of Stow n’ Go seats in the hybrid model meant that maximizing cargo space required removing the heavy second-row seats.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a family workhorse, with flexible seating and cargo configurations. It offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,860 litres with the second and third rows folded. The Sienna's interior was equipped with numerous storage cubbies, cupholders, and power-operated sliding doors and liftgate, enhancing convenience for families. Its towing capacity of 1,585 kilograms added to its versatility.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen with user-friendly controls and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system supported multiple user profiles and included features like FamCam for monitoring rear passengers. However, the voice recognition system was inconsistent, and 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 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While it lacked wireless connectivity for these features, it included a range of telematics services and a 12-speaker JBL audio system on higher trims. The Sienna's rear-seat entertainment system featured an 11.6-inch display, and the digital rearview mirror provided a clear view when the cabin was full. The Sienna also offered a 1500-watt inverter for powering devices.

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 system required refinement, as it was slow to respond to changing traffic conditions. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. It also included 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. The Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.