2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Subaru Forester was available in several trims, including the base, Convenience, Touring, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Premier. Starting at an MSRP of $29,495, the Forester Premier reached up to $40,595, with an additional $1,800 destination charge. All-wheel drive was standard across all models, and Subaru offered a variety of dealer-installed accessories. The Forester Wilderness, new for 2022, featured a white exterior, dark grey interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and a base price of $38,995, including destination. The Wilderness trim added a suspension lift, higher ride height, and extensive protective cladding, giving it a rugged appearance. Inside, the Forester focused on functionality, with a mix of hard plastic and soft surfaces, copper-coloured stitching, and an 8-inch Starlink infotainment system. Despite its somewhat dated look, the Forester was well-made, with intuitive controls and a quality construction feel.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was offered in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims. The mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package featured body-coloured door handles and mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black accents, complemented by 18-inch wheels. The Pacifica Hybrid was a practical choice, offering sliding doors and ample cargo space. The Limited's interior was dark, with handsome Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was comfortable, with a spacious third row accessible via a large centre pathway. Despite the lack of Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement, the Pacifica Hybrid offered 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 3,978 litres with all seats folded.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. All models featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply. This allowed the Wilderness to double its towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. The Forester's fuel consumption was rated at 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres, with our test averaging 9.1 L/100 km. The CVT simulated an automatic transmission with eight programmed ratios, and the Wilderness model included SI-Drive for a more responsive powertrain. The dual-function X-Mode system offered improved off-road capabilities, and the re-tuned suspension provided a comfortable ride with less body roll. The Forester excelled in various environments, though it lacked engine power and experienced wind noise at higher speeds.

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 all-electric range of 51 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. Our test exceeded these figures, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. The Pacifica Hybrid's CVT operated smoothly, and the vehicle handled well due to its lower centre of gravity. However, the default all-electric mode depleted quickly on highways, limiting its efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only and lacked a spare tire and towing package, which were available on gasoline-only models.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness trim included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 100 kilograms and a static load of 362 kilograms, suitable for a three-person roof tent. The Forester offered comfortable seating with excellent visibility, rear air conditioning vents, and quick-charge ports. Cargo space measured 818 litres without the panoramic sunroof and 762 litres with it, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded. The squared-off cargo area and new ceiling cargo hooks added to its practicality.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The front seats were heated and cooled, with a heated steering wheel, while the second-row seats were comfortable but low. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement, but offered 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 3,978 litres with all seats folded. However, it lacked the built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats available on the standard Pacifica.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation system, and Harman Kardon audio system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The navigation system was helpful, though a breadcrumb function would have been beneficial.

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, with apps and games for long trips. The Pacifica Hybrid featured numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained charged.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The NHTSA awarded it a 5-star overall crash-test rating, and it was expected to retain the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid included standard safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, parallel parking assistance and front and rear parking assist required additional packages. The 2022 Pacifica received a 5-star overall 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.