2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered a practical solution for families needing efficient transportation. While it didn't boast the rugged image of a midsize crossover SUV, it provided the convenience of sliding side doors, making it easier to load children in tight spaces. The Pacifica Hybrid stood out as a unique option, being the only plug-in hybrid minivan available, with no direct competitors offering the same combination of features. Its design, however, was not particularly striking, even with the S Appearance Package, and its price point was on the higher side, starting at $55,995 for the base model. The interior, though comfortable with premium leather, felt somewhat dated compared to more modern designs.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX broke away from Buick's historical design cues, presenting a more contemporary look. However, its rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that didn't quite capture the SUV appeal. The Sport Touring Package added subtle enhancements, but the differences were barely noticeable. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered expected features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the abundance of plastic reminded occupants of its position in Buick's lineup. The dashboard design felt reminiscent of outdated styles, though the instrument cluster was a notable feature with its clear layout.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiently transporting up to seven people with its plug-in hybrid drivetrain. It combined a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing 260 horsepower. The electric drive system 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 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 powertrain's efficiency and smooth operation earned it high marks.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX, equipped with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivered 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided AWD as standard. While acceleration felt stronger than expected, power delivery was not always smooth, requiring a patient approach to throttle applications. The Encore GX offered a comfortable ride and a quiet cabin, thanks to Buick's Quiet Tuning package. However, the driving experience was marred by slow steering and significant body roll, making it feel ponderous in various situations.

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 impressive, with various bins and trays for small items. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go chairs, though they required removal to maximize cargo space. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, and the Pacifica Hybrid provided 914 litres of cargo space behind it, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third-row seats folded. Removing the second-row seats increased capacity to 3,978 litres.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, the front seats were positioned close together, reducing the sense of spaciousness. While the front seats were well-cushioned, they lacked thigh support. The Encore GX made efficient use of available space for small-item storage, with large door pockets and a centre-console tray. The instrumentation was well-executed, with clear displays and useful warning lights. However, the cargo capacity of 665 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,422 litres with them folded was less than some competitors.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the FamCam overhead camera system. The system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition technology 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 essential if passengers had their own devices. The surround-view camera system and parking assist features were useful additions.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver information display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The interface was easy to use, with appealing graphics. Optional features included a built-in navigation system, head-up display, wireless phone charging, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. However, back-seat passengers lacked USB ports, and the screen size was smaller than some competitors.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard 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 2023 Buick Encore GX included standard driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings in IIHS crash tests, though it scored "Average" for child-seat anchor ease of use.