2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered Canadians a range of six models, with prices starting from $47,799 to $66,759, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline trim, and the new ST-Line added a sporty flair to the popular XLT version. The U.S.-spec King Ranch model, not available in Canada, was used for testing, with the closest Canadian equivalent being the Platinum trim. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, featured a long, tall hood, short front overhang, and a tapering greenhouse, creating a taut, athletic appearance. Blacked-out roof pillars contributed to the "floating roof" effect, a popular design element from the previous generation. Inside, higher-trim Explorers displayed a mix of quality and questionable materials, mostly justifying their price but occasionally revealing the base trim's influence.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, with the mid-trim Limited featuring the S Appearance Package. This package added body-coloured door handles and mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black badging, complemented by 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The Pacifica's split grille was flanked by standard LED headlamps, and LED tail lamps spanned the rear width. While minivans lacked the SUV's cool factor, they offered practicality with sliding doors and ample cargo space. The Limited's interior, though dark, featured handsome Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The XLT, ST-Line, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada. It had a maximum towing capacity of 2,400 kilograms and consumed between 10.3 and 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Explorer Limited offered a hybrid drivetrain with a 3.3-litre V6 engine, generating a combined 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 2,268 kg and achieving 9.6 L/100 km in combined driving. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, standard on the ST and Platinum trims, produced 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,540 kg and fuel consumption of 11.8 L/100 km. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and offered an engaging driving experience, especially with the sport-tuned ST trim.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 51 kilometres of all-electric range and 784 kilometres of total range. It achieved 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres and 8.0 L/100 km combined non-hybrid fuel economy. In testing, it exceeded these figures, with 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. Charging the battery on a Level 2 home charger took two hours, while a standard outlet predicted a 14-hour charge time. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode, switching to hybrid once the EV range was depleted, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The Pacifica Hybrid was FWD only, lacked a spare tire, and couldn't be equipped with a towing package. It offered 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, with a smooth CVT and light steering, providing a pleasant driving experience.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was suitable only for children due to the rear-drive platform, low roofline, and tapered tail. Fully equipped models featured triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with available massaging, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. The third-row seat was difficult for adults to access, with limited legroom. The Explorer's cabin storage was limited, with missed opportunities for practical storage solutions. The King Ranch test vehicle had a hands-free power liftgate, revealing 528 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 1,264 litres with the third row folded, and 2,132 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The tester had heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel, with a comfortable and adjustable driver’s seat. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the centre pathway allowed easy access to the spacious third row. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow ‘n Go seats due to the battery placement, reducing versatility. However, it offered 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,477 litres with the third row folded, and 3,978 litres with all seats down. The plug-in hybrid lacked the built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats available in the standard Pacifica.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. The test vehicle featured FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and navigation. Higher trims included wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Sync 3 system's voice recognition was less advanced than the newer Sync 4, with limitations in voice commands. Additional tech for the Platinum trim included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0, with a dual-headrest rear entertainment system available.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, praised for its ease of use and crisp graphics. It featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. The tester had an optional rear seat entertainment system, adding two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with apps and games for long trips. Content could be streamed from Amazon Fire TV or through the HDMI port. The Pacifica Hybrid offered numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained charged.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. It featured Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had post-collision braking and MyKey programmable functions. The Co-Pilot360 system operated smoothly, with minor issues in steering wheel sensitivity and braking in moderate traffic.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid included standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking assist, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided visual and audible alerts, while the adaptive cruise control system offered smooth braking and quick acceleration. Parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist were available with additional packages or the top Hybrid Pinnacle trim. The 2022 Pacifica received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, with some areas for improvement.