2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a unique offering in the minivan segment, standing out as a plug-in hybrid with three rows of seating. Despite its minivan label, which some might find less appealing compared to SUVs, the Pacifica Hybrid provided practical advantages like sliding side doors for easy access in tight spaces. Its design, while not particularly striking, was functional, and the interior offered a comfortable experience with quality materials like black Nappa leather. The Pacifica Hybrid was not trying to disguise its minivan identity, unlike some competitors, and it came with a hefty price tag, starting at $55,995 for the base model, excluding destination charges. However, federal and provincial EV rebates made it a more attractive option for those seeking efficiency and practicality.

In contrast, the 2023 Audi Q5 presented a more refined and sporty appearance, with its exterior styling featuring subtle curves and angular accents. Available in both SUV and Sportback body styles, the Q5 managed to maintain a sleek silhouette without compromising on practicality. Inside, the Q5 offered a simple yet elegant layout, though its age was beginning to show. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. While the materials were of good quality, the Q5 faced stiff competition from non-luxury brands that had improved their offerings. The Q5's build quality was solid, providing a quiet and comfortable ride, making it a strong contender among luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that combined 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 short 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 somewhat uninspiring, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was praised for its efficiency, achieving an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered a choice of three engines, with the base 40 TFSI quattro featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower. The midrange 45 TFSI quattro increased output to 261 horsepower, while the 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid delivered an impressive 362 horsepower. All Q5 models came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a slight delay in power delivery, but once underway, it provided adequate performance. The Q5's handling was sporty and precise, instilling confidence on curvy roads. The ride quality struck a balance between comfort and cornering, with well-managed road and wind noise for a serene cabin experience.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. It featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were plentiful, with extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin behind the centre console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go chairs, and the third-row seat provided reasonable comfort for passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid offered 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third-row seats folded. Removing the second-row seats increased cargo capacity to 3,978 litres, surpassing many SUVs.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design had remained largely unchanged since 2018, but it continued to offer a well-thought-out layout. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned for easy visibility, and traditional dials and buttons were provided for climate controls. Visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The Q5 offered ample space for taller passengers, with the Sportback model sacrificing only 0.6 cm of headroom. Storage options included several compartments, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 provided 730 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, slightly reduced to 700 litres in the Sportback. While not the largest in its class, the Q5's cargo capacity was competitive.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered appealing graphics, a user-friendly interface, and quick response times. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM satellite radio. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, though sound quality required adjustment. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but not essential for tech-savvy passengers with their own devices.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, along with Bluetooth and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims included a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Q5's infotainment system was user-friendly, though Apple CarPlay's app buttons were smaller and closer together. The Q5 could be monitored remotely via a smartphone app, offering features like unlocking and temperature pre-conditioning. Mid-range trims included a customizable digital instrument panel, known as the virtual cockpit, providing a wealth of information.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, its adaptive cruise control required refinement, as it was slow to resume speed and overly cautious when other vehicles cut in. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a comprehensive package of driver-assist and collision-avoidance features.

The 2023 Audi Q5 earned five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, with four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added advanced features like lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera system, and traffic jam assist. The top Technik trim offered matrix-design LED headlights and a head-up display.