2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold and distinctive front styling, characterized by the automaker’s “Dynamic Shield” grille and lighting concept. Despite its striking front, the design from the front wheels to the rear bumper maintained a tasteful and balanced appeal. In Canada, the Outlander was available in several trims, all equipped with all-wheel drive and ranging in price from $31,998 to $42,178. The GT Premium trim, equivalent to the U.S.-spec test vehicle, featured luxurious touches like premium semi-aniline leather, a head-up display, and a premium sound system, enhancing the interior ambiance. The interior design adhered to minimalism, with black and aluminum accents, though some plastics reminded users of its compact crossover SUV segment.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, offered a practical minivan option with a mid-trim Limited model featuring the S Appearance Package. This package added body-coloured elements and black accents, complemented by 18-inch wheels. The Pacifica Hybrid's exterior included a split grille with LED headlamps and tail lamps spanning the rear width. While minivans lacked the SUV's cool factor, they provided practicality with sliding doors and ample cargo space. The Limited trim's interior, though predominantly black, featured Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. However, the proximity of HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) worked with Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, though the brake-induced torque-vectoring system left some questioning its "super" designation. The Outlander offered various driving modes, but its performance felt sluggish, especially in Eco mode. The SUV excelled in urban environments but struggled with highway acceleration and passing. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was firm, leading to a brittle ride on imperfect roads. The Outlander returned 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly missing the official rating of 8.9 L/100 km.

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, it exceeded these figures, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode, which was efficient in city driving but quickly depleted on highways. The hybrid model lacked all-wheel drive and towing capabilities, available in gasoline-only models. 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 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats, intuitive controls, and impressive displays. The driver’s seat offered 10-way power adjustment, and heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard on most trims. However, the centre console lacked storage space. The rear seat provided generous room and comfort, with a sliding mechanism for adjustable space. The third-row seat was cramped, suitable only for children, and limited cargo space to 331 litres. Folding it down increased capacity to 948 litres, with a maximum of 2,217 litres with the panoramic sunroof.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The tester included heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel, with a comfortable driver’s seat. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the third row offered enough space for adults, though competitors provided more legroom. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow ‘n Go seats due to battery placement, reducing versatility. Cargo space remained at 914 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with seats folded, and a maximum of 3,978 litres, though competitors offered more space.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander GT and GT Premium featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large and detailed HUD, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay. The GT Premium included a 10-speaker Bose audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. However, voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its performance.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, praised for its ease of use and graphics. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, though its value was questionable given the prevalence of personal devices. The Pacifica Hybrid offered numerous charging options, including USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, providing smooth and accurate performance. It included standard safety features like forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning. The Outlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though early models had poor headlight ratings.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was effective, and the adaptive cruise control provided smooth operation. However, some features required additional packages or trims. The 2022 Pacifica received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, with some areas needing improvement.