2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Volvo XC60

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. While its design didn't aim to disguise its minivan identity, the Pacifica Hybrid's interior was comfortable, featuring quality materials like black Nappa leather. However, its rounded styling appeared somewhat dated compared to more modern, angular designs. The Pacifica Hybrid was not a budget-friendly option, with the Limited trim reaching an MSRP of $64,960, but federal and provincial EV rebates helped make it more accessible.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC60 exuded a sense of style and sophistication, maintaining Volvo's reputation as a design leader. The XC60 Recharge, with its Ultimate package and Dark exterior theme, looked striking on 20-inch wheels. Its interior embraced Scandinavian minimalism, offering a luxurious experience with features like a panoramic sunroof and Orrefors crystal gear selector knob. The XC60's cabin, though compact, felt spacious due to thoughtful design elements. While the overall theme was aging, it did so gracefully, maintaining its appeal in a competitive market.

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 offered an electric-only range of 51 kilometres, ideal for daily commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped extend this range, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless. However, the driving experience was unremarkable, with light steering, uncommunicative brakes, and a somewhat dull ride quality.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge, on the other hand, boasted a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, producing a formidable 455 horsepower and 423 lb-ft of torque. It offered an estimated 58 kilometres of electric driving range. The XC60 featured multiple driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, and Pure, allowing drivers to tailor the experience to their preferences. In Power mode, the XC60 felt responsive and agile, while Pure mode maximized electric driving. The XC60's performance was impressive, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds, making it one of the most powerful Volvos in history. The XC60 Recharge also excelled in fuel efficiency, averaging 4.3 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seating 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 clever solutions like a long storage bin behind the centre console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, though they required removal for maximum 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 Volvo XC60, being a compact SUV, was best suited for four passengers, though it could accommodate five if needed. The front seats offered exceptional comfort, with Nappa leather upholstery, heating, and ventilation. The rear seats were also comfortable, though legroom was limited for taller passengers. The XC60 provided 730 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,792 litres with the seats folded. The XC60's cargo area was well-designed, with features like a ski pass-through panel and buttons to lower the suspension for easier loading.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a FamCam overhead camera system for monitoring rear passengers. The system was user-friendly, though voice recognition was hit-and-miss. The Pacifica also had a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, though sound quality required adjustment. The rear-seat entertainment system, featuring Amazon Fire TV, was available but not essential if passengers had their own devices.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 came with a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch Google Built-in infotainment system. It offered Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, with support for Apple CarPlay. The system was intuitive, with excellent graphics and a simple interface. The voice-recognition system was impressive, though it occasionally required specific phrasing. The XC60's optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system was exceptional, though expensive. The Ultimate package included a Harman Kardon audio system, which was likely sufficient for most users.

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, its adaptive cruise control needed refinement, as it was slow to resume speed and braked too hard in certain situations.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 was synonymous with safety, featuring Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and lane-centring capability. It excelled on highways, providing smooth and accurate performance. The XC60 also had Oncoming Lane Mitigation to prevent collisions. While the NHTSA had not assessed the XC60 Recharge, the B5 and B6 models received top marks. The IIHS awarded the XC60 a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2022, with the possibility of carrying it forward to 2023.