2023 Honda CR-V 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. While its design didn't attempt to disguise its minivan roots, unlike some crossover SUVs, it offered the convenience of sliding side doors and a spacious interior. The Pacifica Hybrid wasn't cheap, with a starting price of $55,995, but it did qualify for a $5,000 federal EV rebate, making it more appealing in regions with additional incentives. The interior, though comfortable with premium leather, felt somewhat dated compared to more modern designs.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V adopted a more conservative and refined look, shedding some of the personality of its predecessor. The new design was expected to age well, with features like 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass enhancing its appeal. Inside, the CR-V EX-L trim offered leather-wrapped seats and a dashboard inspired by the latest Civic, exuding quality and simplicity. The CR-V's pricing started at $34,240 for the base model, with the EX-L trim costing $43,390. The Touring Hybrid, the only hybrid option in Canada, was priced at $48,890, offering a more affordable entry into the hybrid market compared to 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 nearly seamless. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes.

The 2023 Honda CR-V retained its turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. While the engine provided ample power for a compact SUV, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a drawback, producing a droning noise during hard acceleration. Despite this, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, with a well-tuned suspension, steering, and brakes. It offered a smooth and engaging driving experience, handling speed bumps and uneven pavement with ease. The CR-V achieved impressive fuel economy, averaging 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres on a mountainous route, making it a fuel-efficient choice for its class.

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 various bins and trays throughout the cabin. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, though they required removal to maximize cargo space. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third row folded, and up to 3,978 litres with the second-row seats removed.

The 2023 Honda CR-V claimed to be the roomiest yet, though the driver's seat felt more car-like than SUV-like. The second row offered more space, with a high seating position and ample legroom. Storage was abundant, with a large bin under the centre armrest and various trays and bins throughout the cabin. The CR-V's cargo area provided 1,113 litres of space with the rear load floor in its lowest position, expanding to 2,166 litres with the back seat folded. The Hybrid model offered slightly less cargo space, with 1,028 and 2,030 litres, respectively.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, offering a user-friendly interface and customizable profiles. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM satellite radio. The available FamCam system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers, and a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system was optional. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the rear-seat entertainment system was deemed unnecessary by some users.

The 2023 Honda CR-V came with a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with the EX-L trim offering a larger 9-inch display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an upgraded eight-speaker sound system. While the EX-L lacked a tuning knob, the technology package was considered adequate, though not groundbreaking. The CR-V's safety features were comprehensive, but the technology package didn't exceed competitors' offerings.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted an extensive list 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 Honda CR-V improved its driver assist systems with the Honda Sensing package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. New features included a seatbelt reminder system, rear-seat reminder system, and traffic sign recognition. The CR-V's safety features met current standards, though there was room for improvement in lane-centring assist. The CR-V was built to Honda's latest safety standards and earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though the NHTSA had not yet tested it.