2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was built on a new platform, offering North American buyers a long-wheelbase model with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. Its front design featured a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals, creating a distinctive shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird. The side profile borrowed design cues from the Hyundai Elantra, with a silver D-pillar that gave the Tucson a unique floating roof appearance. At the rear, the Tucson sported toothy taillights illuminated by LEDs, helping it stand out among compact SUVs. Depending on the trim level, the Tucson rode on either 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, with high-end models featuring premium fascias, gloss black pillars, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with stain- and odour-resistant cloth seats, sport combination seats in the N-Line, and leather-trimmed seats available from the Preferred Trend trim. The dashboard's horizontal lines and uncluttered aesthetic contributed to a sense of spaciousness.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, offered a mid-trim Limited version with the S Appearance Package. This package added body-coloured door handles and exterior mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black badging and accents, all complemented by 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The front featured a split grille with standard LED headlamps, while the rear boasted LED tail lamps spanning the entire width. The interior of the Limited trim was dark, with Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. The HVAC and audio knobs were chunky, but their proximity to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion. The Pacifica Hybrid's practicality was enhanced by its sliding doors and ample cargo space, making it a more practical choice than an SUV.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. The ICE engine delivered 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid powertrain provided a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid was more powerful and efficient, with a fuel consumption rating of 6.3 L/100 km in the city, 6.6 on the highway, and 6.4 combined. The Tucson Hybrid's AWD system performed well in off-road testing, similar to Subaru's reactive AWD system. The upcoming Tucson PHEV promised even more power, with an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 lb-ft of torque, thanks to a 13.8-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery.

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 pound-feet of torque. It was the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid, with an official all-electric range of 51 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. In testing, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these figures, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode before switching to hybrid mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on the highway. The Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only and lacked a spare tire and towing package, unlike its gasoline-only counterpart. Despite these limitations, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a smooth driving experience with a CVT and a lower centre of gravity for better handling.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, a budget-friendly compact SUV, offered a well-appointed interior comparable to its competitors like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape. It featured a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and memory settings available. The Tucson's new platform provided more space for passengers and cargo, with rear seats offering 90 millimetres more legroom than the RAV4. The cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four, with 1,095 litres of cargo space, comparable to the Forester, RAV4, and CR-V. The rear featured a 60-40 split-folding bench seat and a dual-level cargo floor.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered family-friendly features like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor second-row captain’s chairs and third-row seats. The interior included heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a comfortable driver's seat. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, while the third row provided enough space for adults. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow ‘n Go seats due to the battery placement, reducing its versatility. However, it still offered 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the seats folded. The total cargo space was 3,978 litres, though competitors like the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey offered more space.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, HD Radio, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. The Preferred trim added satellite radio, Blue Link mobile app compatibility, additional USB outlets, rear air conditioning vents, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Higher trims offered a fully digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation. The touchscreen was embedded within a larger head unit, with touchpoints for climate control and media functions. While responsive, the touchpoints required drivers to rely on steering wheel controls and voice commands due to their lack of physical differentiation.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its ease of use and crisp graphics. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with apps and games for long trips. Devices could be charged through numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging, ensuring no phone was left uncharged.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA. It featured the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, a driver attention monitor, and rear occupant alert. Additional features like blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system were available. Hyundai offered a 5-year/100,000-kilometre limited warranty for the Tucson.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided both visual and audible alerts, while the adaptive cruise control system offered smooth braking and quick acceleration. Additional features like parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist were available on higher trims. The 2022 Pacifica received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, and the IIHS gave it Good marks, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.