2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on electrified mobility, distinct from its predecessor, the original Ioniq. It marked the beginning of Hyundai's new Ioniq sub-brand, dedicated solely to electric vehicles. The Ioniq 5's exterior design was a blend of minimalistic character lines and intricate Parametric Pixel elements, reminiscent of retro gaming aesthetics. This design choice was both fascinating and slightly overwhelming, with pixelated lighting details dominating the vehicle's appearance. Inside, the Ioniq 5 offered a serene "Living Space" theme, featuring sustainable materials and a Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, emphasizing comfort and eco-friendliness.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid presented a more traditional minivan aesthetic with a touch of sophistication. The Limited trim with the S Appearance Package added sleek black accents and 18-inch wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. While minivans might lack the allure of SUVs, the Pacifica Hybrid offered practicality with its sliding doors and ample cargo space. Inside, the Pacifica Hybrid's interior was dark but elegant, with Nappa leather seats and a well-designed dashboard. The seating arrangement provided comfort, although taller passengers might find the second-row seats a bit low. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was designed with family convenience in mind, featuring the innovative FamCam interior camera for monitoring rear passengers.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains, with the base model featuring a 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant boasted a 168-kW motor with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering a range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version, with a dual-motor system, delivered 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though its range dropped to 414 km. The Ioniq 5's performance was solid for a midsize crossover, with four drive modes, including Sport mode, which added excitement but reduced range. The vehicle's regenerative braking system, adjustable via paddle shifters, added an engaging element to the driving experience.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 260 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. It was the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid, with an all-electric range of 51 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. In real-world testing, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these figures, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. The Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was smooth, with a CVT transmission and a lower centre of gravity due to the battery placement. However, its electric power delivery was limited to all-electric mode first, which could be less efficient for highway driving.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) provided a spacious interior with a 3,000-millimetre wheelbase, surpassing even the seven-passenger Palisade. The Ioniq 5 offered 3,786 litres of interior volume, prioritizing passenger comfort over cargo space. The interior featured soft touchpoints, a moveable centre console, and a flat floor, enhancing usability. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, catering to various driver sizes.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered family-friendly features like the FamCam interior camera, heated and cooled front seats, and a spacious third row. However, the plug-in hybrid model lacked the Stow 'n Go seats due to battery placement, reducing its versatility. Cargo space remained generous, with 914 litres behind the third row and 3,978 litres with all seats folded. Despite these limitations, the Pacifica Hybrid provided ample room for passengers and cargo.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured advanced technology, including a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities, allowing it to charge other devices. It supported 800-volt charging infrastructures and could reach 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes. The Ioniq 5's multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegant and anti-glare, ensuring clear visibility.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, though its value was debatable given the prevalence of personal devices. The Pacifica Hybrid featured numerous charging options, including USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained powered.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system, learned the driver's habits for a personalized experience. The Ioniq 5 also featured a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, though it could be distracting. While safety ratings were pending, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided both visual and audible alerts, ensuring driver awareness. However, some features, like parallel parking assist, required additional packages. The 2022 Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA, and the 2023 model was expected to perform similarly.