2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered a practical and efficient solution for families. It was not the most visually appealing vehicle, even with the S Appearance Package, and its price point was on the higher side. However, it stood out as a unique option in the market, being the only plug-in hybrid minivan available. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior, with its black Nappa premium leather, provided a sense of quality, though its design felt somewhat dated compared to more modern, angular styles. Chrysler made no attempt to disguise the Pacifica's minivan identity, which could be a drawback for those seeking a more rugged image.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, based on the SR5 trim, embraced a retro aesthetic with its bold body stripes and bronze accents. It exuded a classic SUV charm reminiscent of truck-based models from the past. The interior, while functional and solid, featured a lot of plastic, but the controls were straightforward and easy to use, even with gloves. The 4Runner's design and features catered to those who appreciated a more traditional SUV experience, with a focus on durability and off-road capability.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that combined a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total of 260 horsepower. The electric drive system provided immediate torque, ensuring the van 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.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and came with two 4WD systems, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The 4Runner's fuel economy was rated at 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. It excelled in off-road conditions, with features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, its on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a tendency to lose composure over larger bumps.

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 numerous storage solutions. 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 removed.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a unique feature with its power-down rear window, providing excellent ventilation. The interior was comfortable, with dual-zone climate control and various storage options. The second-row seating area was spacious, but the optional third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner provided 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it a practical choice for those needing ample storage.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and the FamCam overhead camera system. The system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition technology was inconsistent. The optional 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The Pacifica also offered Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat entertainment, though it was not frequently used by passengers.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was more traditional, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with optional navigation and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system was straightforward, with large knobs and buttons for easy use. The voice recognition performed well, though it had limitations with certain commands.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, the adaptive cruise control required refinement, as it was slow to resume speed and braked too hard in traffic.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The adaptive cruise control performed smoothly, but the lane-departure warning could be annoying. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with concerns about front passenger protection and rollover resistance.