2023 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered a practical solution for families needing efficient transportation. While it didn't boast the rugged appeal of an SUV, it provided the convenience of sliding side doors, making it easier to load children in tight spaces. The Pacifica Hybrid was unique in its class as a plug-in hybrid minivan, offering a combination of practicality and eco-friendliness that was hard to find elsewhere. However, its styling was considered soft and dated, and it came with a hefty price tag, even after factoring in federal and provincial EV rebates.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC40 maintained its distinctive, clean design, characterized by a flat-roofed profile and minimalistic detailing. For 2023, Volvo introduced subtle updates, including pixelated "Thor’s Hammer" headlights and a more angular front bumper. The XC40 shared its platform with other Volvo and Polestar electric vehicles, making it the only model in North America available with a combustion engine. Inside, the XC40 continued with its minimalist design, offering a calm and refined driving experience, though some might find the all-black interior a bit stark.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with 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 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 nearly seamless. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 introduced mild-hybrid powertrains, featuring a 48-volt electrical system and a 13-horsepower integrated starter generator. The B5 models in Canada came with a 2.0-litre turbo-four-cylinder engine, producing 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The XC40 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, offering a smooth and refined driving experience. While not sporty, it handled corners with composure and absorbed bumps well. The XC40 Recharge variant added more power with its dual electric motors, achieving a combined 402 hp and a range of 359 kilometres.

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 plentiful, with extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin behind the centre console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n’ Go chairs, 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 seats removed.

The 2023 Volvo XC40, while smaller, offered reasonable space for its class. It provided ample rear-seat headroom and a generous amount of shoulder room, making the second-row middle seat more usable. Cargo space measured 566 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,328 litres with them folded. The XC40 featured good interior storage, with scalloped door panels and a large centre console storage bin. However, it offered less cargo space compared to some competitors.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, offering appealing graphics and a simple user interface. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM satellite radio. The available FamCam overhead camera system was a useful feature for parents. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, though the sound quality required adjustment. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but not widely used by teenagers.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 adopted an Android-based infotainment system, using Google apps for navigation and voice recognition. It featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch touchscreen. The B5 Ultimate test vehicle included a 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment experience was similar to other Volvo models with the Android system, though users preferring Apple might find it less satisfying. The lack of analog controls meant relying on the touchscreen for most functions, which could be less convenient for some users.

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, though 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 Volvo XC40 emphasized safety with standard features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Upgrading to higher trims added features like a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise control with Pilot Assist. The XC40 received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, though it dropped to "Acceptable" in the updated side-impact test. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline XC40 a five-star overall safety rating.