2023 Chevrolet Equinox 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 with three rows, a rarity among mainstream brands. While it didn't boast a striking appearance, even with the S Appearance Package, it was a practical choice for families. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior, adorned with black Nappa premium leather, exuded quality, though its design felt somewhat dated compared to more modern, angular styles. Despite its high price tag, the Pacifica Hybrid provided a compelling option for those seeking a plug-in hybrid minivan, especially with available federal and provincial EV rebates.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox presented itself as an attractive crossover, albeit without the bold design of some competitors. Its restrained bodywork and chunky front end offered a refreshing change from the aggressive fascias prevalent in the industry. The Equinox's interior, while not as upscale as some rivals, was practical and user-friendly. The Premier trim featured two-tone leather upholstery and standard heated front seats, enhancing comfort. Although the Equinox's interior design appeared somewhat dated, it remained a practical and approachable choice for those seeking a compact SUV.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiency, thanks to its plug-in hybrid drivetrain. It combined a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid's electric drive system provided immediate torque, ensuring it 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 further enhanced efficiency, resulting in an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres. While the Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was somewhat uninspiring, its powertrain's brilliance earned it high marks.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration adequately, it struggled to deliver the desired performance at higher speeds. The Equinox's six-speed automatic transmission, though older, contributed to its powertrain's noise. Despite this, the Equinox offered a well-sorted suspension and precise steering, making it enjoyable to drive in most situations. The AWD system required manual engagement, but the Equinox's braking system, upgraded to an electronically assisted brake-by-wire system, provided smooth and predictable performance.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats 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 outperformed many SUVs. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone climate control, and thoughtful storage solutions. However, removing the second-row seats to maximize cargo space was less convenient than in some SUVs.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not as spacious as some competitors, offered 847 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,809 litres with the rear seats folded. Passenger space was ample, with good headroom and legroom for taller occupants. The Equinox's interior featured higher-quality plastic components, cup holders for every passenger, and a standard power liftgate on the Premier trim. While it couldn't match the Pacifica Hybrid's cargo capacity, it provided a practical and comfortable interior for everyday use.

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. While the voice recognition technology had room for improvement, the system was user-friendly and responsive. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an optional rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology offering was straightforward, with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8-inch screen on the Premier trim. While not as flashy as some competitors, the Equinox's infotainment system was easy to use and responsive. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premier trim featured a wireless charging pad and an optional Bose seven-speaker audio system.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. However, its adaptive cruise control system required 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 Chevrolet Equinox included standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and lane-keeping assistance. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional on most trims. While the Equinox received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, it scored poorly in the IIHS moderate overlap front crash test and marginally in the side-impact crash test.