2023 Volkswagen ID.4 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 to transport up to seven people efficiently. The Pacifica Hybrid's design, while not particularly striking, was functional, with sliding side doors that made it easy to load children in tight parking spaces. The interior, featuring black Nappa premium leather, was comfortable but appeared somewhat dated compared to more modern, angular designs. Despite its high price point, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a compelling package for those prioritizing utility and efficiency.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 presented a more modern aesthetic with subtle styling updates, including new wheel designs and a light-up rear VW logo. While it didn't boast the traditional SUV profile, the ID.4's design was distinctly EV, setting it apart from VW's gasoline models. The interior carried over the minimalist design and quality feel of recent VW models, with leatherette upholstery made partly from recycled fibres. The ID.4's spacious interior and practical features, such as a new centre console design, made it a strong contender in the affordable EV market, appealing to those seeking a blend of style and sustainability.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total of 260 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid system allowed for an electric-only range of up to 51 kilometres, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was praised for its seamless transition between electric and gasoline modes, providing a smooth and efficient driving experience. However, the driving dynamics were less impressive, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes. Despite its dull driving experience, the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was lauded for its efficiency and practicality.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery options: a new 62-kWh pack for the base model with RWD and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro model with RWD or AWD. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower, while the dual-motor AWD version delivered 295 horsepower, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The ID.4's handling was comfortable and refined, though it allowed for more body roll than some might prefer. The regenerative braking system offered a familiar driving experience, with VW opting for a coasting default setting rather than one-pedal driving. Overall, the ID.4 provided a balanced performance, combining decent acceleration with a comfortable ride.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. 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 was a practical choice for families. The interior featured quality materials, triple-zone climate control, and numerous storage solutions, enhancing its appeal as a family vehicle. However, the need to remove the second-row seats to maximize cargo space was a drawback compared to the ease of folding seats in some SUVs.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more interior space than many affordable EVs, with generous legroom and headroom. It offered 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, making it a practical choice for those needing space. The ID.4 also featured towing capabilities, with a capacity of up to 1,225 kg for AWD models. Interior updates for 2023 improved functionality, with a new centre console design and available three-zone climate control, enhancing the ID.4's appeal as a versatile and practical EV.

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 technology was inconsistent, and the optional 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system, while comprehensive, was less appealing to tech-savvy teenagers who preferred their own devices.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, offering improved responsiveness and sharp graphics. The infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with natural-language voice recognition simplifying interactions. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less intuitive than traditional buttons. The ID.4 also featured the ID.Light system, providing visual cues for navigation and drive modes, though it was easy to overlook during regular driving.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. However, its adaptive cruise control required refinement, particularly in recognizing lane departures and moderating speed in traffic. The Pacifica 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 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. While IIHS ratings for 2023 were pending, the 2022 model earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The ID.4 included a robust set of standard driver-assist features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus and an automated lane-change feature, enhancing the ID.4's safety credentials.