2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Mazda CX-30

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 was reminiscent of a smaller CX-5, featuring an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. Built on the same platform as the Mazda3, it was essentially a raised version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield acted like a greenhouse on sunny days, potentially causing a tan on longer drives. However, the windshield's slight curve at eye level for taller drivers could distort the road view, which was distracting. Inside, the cabin was comfortable and quiet, with a solid feel to the buttons and doors. The interior design was one of the best among affordable cars, blending conventional and digital displays artfully. The infotainment screen rose organically from the dashboard, but its steep learning curve was a downside.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited with the S Appearance Package offered a more practical minivan design. It featured body-coloured door handles, exterior mirrors, and black accents, topped off with 18-inch wheels. The split grille was flanked by standard LED headlamps, and the LED tail lamps spanned the rear width. While minivans lacked the cool factor of SUVs, they were more practical, offering sliding doors and more cargo space. The Limited's interior was dark, with handsome Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of engine options. The base GX model had a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The GS and GT models featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Our test model, equipped with the upgraded 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, delivered 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87 octane fuel, and 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane fuel. The six-speed automatic transmission routed power to all four wheels. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, with a Sport mode enhancing throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30's sporty ride was complemented by well-weighted steering and quick turn-in, though it resulted in a rough ride over potholes.

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. Our test saw better numbers, with 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode before switching to hybrid, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only, with 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. The CVT operated smoothly, and the steering was light but adequate for a minivan. The battery's placement in the floor improved handling.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 572 litres with the seats in use. The GT grade featured a power rear liftgate. The front seats had a sliding centre console cover, which could get stuck under the seat when folded. The centre console provided ample space for personal items, and the front doors had deep pockets for large water bottles. Rear seats offered solid headroom, suitable for short-to-medium trips, though longer drives might be cramped.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. Our test model had heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a comfortable 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's cargo space was 914 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the seats folded, and 3,978 litres with everything folded. However, the lack of Stow 'n Go seats reduced versatility.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30's elegant dash design featured an infotainment screen nestled into the dash, controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons. Inspired by luxury-car systems like BMW's iDrive, the setup lacked touch functionality, making it cumbersome to use. Navigating Apple CarPlay was particularly frustrating, as the "Home" button did not exit to the Mazda home screen. Despite the learning curve, the system was manageable once set up, though it could be distracting for new users.

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 offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. Our tester included the optional rear seat entertainment system, with two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, streaming content from Amazon Fire TV or through the HDMI port. The vehicle featured numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered available driver-assistance features, though most were not standard in Canada. Standard features included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher grades offered traffic-sign recognition, parking sensors, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The adaptive front headlights and 360-degree parking camera were helpful. The CX-30 earned five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid included standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided visual and audible alerts, while the adaptive cruise control system offered smooth braking and acceleration. Additional features like parallel parking assist required a package or the top Hybrid Pinnacle trim. 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.