2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Nissan Ariya

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered a practical solution for families needing space and efficiency. While it didn't boast the rugged image of an 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 a starting price that reflected its exclusivity. Its interior, though comfortable with premium leather, felt somewhat dated compared to more modern designs, and Chrysler made no attempt to disguise its minivan identity.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Ariya embraced a modern and striking design, setting itself apart from traditional gas-powered SUVs. Its smooth, oval shape and unique front and rear styling elements, including thin LED headlights and a distinctive grille, gave it a futuristic appearance. Inside, the Ariya showcased beautiful craftsmanship with minimal hard plastics and a spacious, open feel due to the absence of a transmission tunnel. The interior featured dual 12-inch monitors and ambient lighting, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. The Ariya's design and interior elements made it a standout choice for those seeking a stylish and contemporary electric vehicle.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured 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 offered an electric-only range of up to 51 kilometres, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, contributing to an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya offered a range of powertrains, starting with the Engage FWD model featuring a 63-kWh battery and a 160-kW motor producing 214 horsepower. The Evolve e-4ORCE added a second motor for a total of 335 horsepower, while the Venture+ FWD and Evolve+ FWD models featured an extended-range battery and a more powerful motor. The Platinum+ e-4ORCE delivered 389 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, providing impressive acceleration. The Ariya's steering was quick and direct, and its suspension offered a comfortable ride. The AWD system's torque-split tuning enhanced grip, and the vehicle's quietness added to the overall driving experience.

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 abundant, with extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go chairs, and the third-row seat provided reasonable comfort. The Pacifica Hybrid offered 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,477 litres with the third-row seats folded, and up to 3,978 litres with the second-row seats removed.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya benefited from its ground-up EV architecture, providing a spacious interior with plenty of legroom for both front and rear passengers. While headroom was slightly tight in the back due to the moonroof, the lack of a transmission tunnel created an open and airy feel. The Ariya offered 1,670 litres of cargo space behind the front seats, comparable to other electric crossovers. It featured a powered bin under the centre stack, adjustable centre console, and haptic buttons for various functions. The interior design and features made the Ariya a comfortable and versatile choice for drivers and passengers.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display with appealing graphics and a user-friendly interface. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the FamCam overhead camera system. The voice recognition technology had some limitations, but the system's overall operation was satisfactory. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and an optional rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV.

The 2023 Nissan Ariya featured dual 12-inch displays for driver information and infotainment, with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. It included a head-up display on most trims and Alexa compatibility for smart home integration. The Ariya's infotainment system was modern and easy to use, offering a seamless experience for drivers and passengers. The technology package in the Ariya was more advanced than in Nissan's other models, providing a tech-forward experience.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive package of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, although 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 Nissan Ariya included ProPilot Assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a driver-attention monitor, and traffic-sign recognition. While crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available, the Ariya's safety features were designed to provide a high level of protection and assistance to drivers.