2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Kia Seltos

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Kia Soul and the larger Kia Sportage, offering a range of trim levels in Canada, including LX, EX, EX Premium, and SX. Most trims came with standard all-wheel drive, except for the Seltos LX. The price range was between $23,595 and $33,195, excluding a mandatory $1,850 destination charge. The U.S. model tested was the 2022 Kia Seltos Nightfall Edition, similar to the top SX grade, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, and a dual-clutch transmission. The Seltos was a small SUV with a stylish interior, though it had an abundance of hard plastic. The controls were logically arranged, but the infotainment system's purple accent colour was not universally appealing. Despite some nitpicking, the Seltos was larger, more refined, and more powerful than many of its competitors.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a unique offering in the minivan segment, combining a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with the practicality of a minivan. It wasn't the most visually appealing vehicle, even with the S Appearance Package, and it came with a hefty price tag. The base model started at $55,995, with the Limited trim costing $58,995 and the Pinnacle model at $60,995, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The test vehicle, a Pacifica Hybrid Limited, included extra-cost paint, the S Appearance Package, and a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system, bringing the MSRP to $64,960. The interior featured quality materials, but the styling appeared soft and dated. Despite its minivan image, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a compelling package for those seeking efficiency and practicality.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT, and a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The turbo engine, available on the SX trim, was paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing a more engaging driving experience. The Seltos featured Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. The AWD system included a Lock function for power distribution, and the Seltos was capable of light off-roading. However, the suspension tuning was less appealing, with noticeable body motion and limited bump isolation. Despite some drawbacks, the Seltos was a better small crossover SUV than many rivals.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system. The total system output was 260 horsepower, with immediate torque from the electric drive system. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes. The regenerative braking system helped extend the electric range, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible. The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was impressive, but the driving experience was unremarkable, with light steering, uncommunicative brakes, and limited cornering grip. Despite its dull driving dynamics, the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was a highlight.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy access due to its ride height and large door openings. The driver's seat was adjustable, and heated front seats were standard on most trims. The rear seat provided ample space for adults, with generous footroom and rear air conditioning vents on upper trims. Cargo space was impressive, with 752 litres behind the back seat and 1,778 litres with the rear seat folded down. The Seltos offered practical storage solutions, though the use of hard plastic in some areas was a drawback.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a leader in comfort and utility, with three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior 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 those in a standard Pacifica, though they required removal to maximize cargo space. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, and the Pacifica Hybrid offered 914 litres of cargo space behind it. With the third-row seats folded, cargo space expanded to 2,477 litres, and removing the second-row seats increased it to 3,978 litres.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the EX Premium grade, paired with a Bose premium sound system on the SX trim. The system included Bluetooth pairing for two devices, a navigation system, satellite radio, and smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was intuitive, with physical knobs and buttons for easy access. However, the voice recognition system was frustrating, and the system's purple theme colour was not universally liked.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered Bluetooth pairing for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The FamCam overhead camera system was a useful feature for parents. The voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, but the system's overall operation was satisfactory. The test vehicle included a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, though the default sound quality required adjustment. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat entertainment, though it was not used by the teenagers in the test vehicle.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was equipped with numerous driving assistance systems, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist. The Seltos SX offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and Highway Driving Assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

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 required refinement. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.