2023 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

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's design, while not particularly striking, was functional, with sliding side doors that made it easy to load children in tight parking spaces. The interior, though comfortable with quality materials like black Nappa leather, appeared somewhat dated compared to more modern, angular designs. Despite its higher price point, the Pacifica Hybrid's combination of utility and efficiency made it a compelling choice for those prioritizing practicality over style.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer embraced a sportier aesthetic, drawing inspiration from road cars rather than rugged SUVs. Its sleek profile, accentuated by a low roofline and stacked headlights, gave it a striking appearance. The Blazer RS test vehicle, with its blackout trim and 21-inch wheels, stood out in the crossover segment. Inside, the Blazer offered a sportier vibe with an upright dashboard and large round air vents reminiscent of the Camaro. While the interior materials were of high quality, the Blazer's design focused more on style than the practicality seen in the Pacifica Hybrid.

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, delivering a total of 260 horsepower. The electric drive system provided immediate torque, ensuring the Pacifica 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 Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was praised for its efficiency and smooth operation.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer offered two powertrain options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 308 horsepower. The V6, standard on higher trims, provided impressive acceleration and a sporty exhaust note. A nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard in Canada, though the AWD system required manual engagement. The Blazer's handling was typical for a crossover, with its weight and top-heavy design affecting agility. On the highway, the Blazer was comfortable, thanks to active noise cancellation and a well-tuned suspension, though the large wheels slightly impacted ride quality. The Blazer's towing capacity was competitive, but its off-road capabilities were limited.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seating and ample cargo space. With 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row and up to 3,978 litres with the second-row seats removed, it surpassed many full-size SUVs. The interior featured triple-zone climate control, quality leather upholstery, and numerous storage solutions. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n’ Go seats, though they required removal for maximum cargo space. The third-row seats were reasonably comfortable, with amenities like cupholders and USB ports.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer, a two-row, five-seat vehicle, provided a spacious interior with nearly identical front-seat headroom to rivals. While rear-seat headroom was slightly below average, legroom was decent. The Blazer offered 864 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, trailing behind competitors. Despite this, the Blazer felt spacious and easy to maneuver, with functional interior details like USB port placement and innovative air vent controls. However, some features, like a heated steering wheel, were limited to higher trims.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth pairing for two devices, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition technology was inconsistent. The Pacifica also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an optional rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV. However, the latter was deemed unnecessary by some users who preferred personal devices. A surround-view camera system and parking assist were available, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer received tech upgrades, including a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen and wireless device charging. The infotainment system was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims featured built-in navigation and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The Blazer's tech presentation was modern, with a large instrument cluster display complementing the analog gauges. However, the lack of a dedicated button for the optional 360-degree camera system was noted.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. While adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist were standard on higher trims, the system required refinement. 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 received four stars.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer expanded its safety features for 2023, with the standard Chevy Safety Assist Package including automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and more. Adaptive cruise control became available on all trims, and additional features like blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system were optional. The Blazer received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though it lacked GM's advanced Super Cruise system.