2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

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, the Pacifica Hybrid's sliding doors and spacious interior made it a functional choice for those prioritizing convenience over rugged aesthetics. The interior, though comfortable with premium leather, felt somewhat dated compared to more modern, angular designs. Despite its high price tag, the Pacifica Hybrid's combination of utility and efficiency made it a compelling option for those willing to embrace its minivan identity.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 maintained its reputation as a stylish and high-quality compact crossover SUV. Despite its age, the CX-5 continued to impress with its luxurious feel and sporty design, appealing to those seeking a more upscale driving experience. The available turbocharged engine provided ample power, enhancing the vehicle's dynamic performance. However, the CX-5's small back seat and limited cargo space were potential drawbacks for families needing more room. Mazda's decision to transition to the CX-50 nameplate reflected broader marketing strategies, but the CX-5 remained a beloved choice for its blend of style, performance, and safety.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in its role as an efficient people mover, powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system. This setup delivered a total of 260 horsepower, ensuring the minivan never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. Its regenerative braking system contributed to an impressive average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres. While the driving experience was not particularly exciting, the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was praised for its seamless operation and efficiency.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options, with the standout being the 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. This engine produced up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, providing a thrilling driving experience. The CX-5's structural and suspension improvements enhanced its handling, making it feel more like a luxury vehicle. Despite its sporty performance, the turbocharged engine's fuel economy was slightly higher at 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. The CX-5's driving dynamics were a highlight, with responsive steering, smooth braking, and a firm ride quality that appealed to driving enthusiasts.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in interior space and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and a generous cargo area. With 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row and up to 3,978 litres with the second-row seats removed, the Pacifica Hybrid provided ample room for passengers and cargo. The interior featured quality materials, including leather upholstery and a range of comfort features like heated and ventilated seats. However, the need to remove the second-row seats to maximize cargo space was a drawback compared to the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, while stylish and well-appointed, fell short in terms of interior space. The back seat was cramped, and the cargo area offered 871 litres of space, expanding to 1,680 litres with the rear seats folded. The CX-5's interior featured high-quality materials, including Nappa leather in the Signature trim, but lacked the spaciousness of some competitors. The infotainment system was a point of frustration, with a non-touchscreen interface that required memorization and focus to operate effectively.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering a user-friendly interface and customizable profiles. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a FamCam overhead camera system for monitoring rear passengers. However, the voice recognition system was inconsistent, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system was deemed unnecessary by some users. The Pacifica Hybrid also included a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, though its default settings required adjustment for optimal sound quality.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system, while visually appealing, was criticized for its complex controls and lack of a voice recognition system. The system's control knob required attention and effort to operate, detracting from the driving experience. Despite these issues, the CX-5 offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system in higher trims. The vehicle also included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. However, the adaptive cruise control system required refinement, as it was slow to respond to changing traffic conditions. The Pacifica Hybrid 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 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with the i-Activsense suite offering a range of driver assistance features. The CX-5 included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a head-up display in higher trims. The vehicle's safety systems operated smoothly and accurately, contributing to its five-star safety ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick ranking from the IIHS. However, the lack of a warning system for driving without headlights at night was a noted concern.