2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a unique offering in the minivan market, standing out as a plug-in hybrid option. Despite its minivan label, which some consumers found unappealing, it offered practical features like sliding side doors that made it convenient for families. The Pacifica Hybrid was not designed to hide its minivan identity, unlike some competitors, and it came with a price tag that reflected its hybrid technology and features. The interior was comfortable, with quality materials, but its styling was considered somewhat dated compared to more modern designs.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed the traditional minivan image with a design that resembled a Japanese bullet train. It offered a variety of trim levels, including a special 25th Anniversary Edition, and was available with all-wheel drive. The Sienna's interior was praised for its functionality and quality, with features like extending ottomans in the second row and a spacious cabin that could accommodate up to eight passengers. While it didn't offer the plug-in hybrid capability of the Pacifica, it was a strong contender in the hybrid minivan segment.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total of 260 horsepower. It could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was praised for its seamless transition between electric and gasoline modes, although the driving experience was described as unexciting. The regenerative braking system helped improve efficiency, and the vehicle achieved an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system, producing 245 horsepower. While it offered all-wheel drive, the Sienna's powertrain was criticized for its lack of power and noisy operation. However, the Sienna's chassis and steering were commended for their nimbleness and ease of handling, making it enjoyable to drive in urban settings. The Sienna's fuel economy was rated at 6.6 L/100 km for front-wheel drive models and 6.7 L/100 km for all-wheel drive versions, but it lacked the plug-in capability of the Pacifica Hybrid.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in interior space and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and a maximum cargo capacity of 3,978 litres with the second-row seats removed. The interior featured quality materials, triple-zone climate control, and ample storage solutions. However, the second-row seats were not as versatile as those in the standard Pacifica, as they couldn't fold into the floor, requiring removal for maximum cargo space.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna also provided a spacious interior with clever storage solutions, including a large cubby below the centre console and a long shelf on the dashboard. It offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row and a total of 2,860 litres with the seats folded. The Sienna's second-row seats were not removable, but they featured extending ottomans and a long sliding track for added comfort. The Sienna's interior was praised for its functionality and comfort, making it a strong contender for families.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a FamCam overhead camera system. While the system was user-friendly, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent. The Pacifica also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an optional rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, however, used an older infotainment interface with a 9-inch touchscreen, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker JBL audio system. While the system was reliable, it required a wired connection for smartphone integration and lacked some modern features. Despite its dated design, the Sienna's technology was functional and met the needs of most users.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control system 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 Toyota Sienna came standard with a robust set of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. While it lacked some of the more gimmicky features found in competitors, the Sienna's safety technology was comprehensive and effective.