2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged take on the traditional Outback, offering a higher stance and a more adventurous aesthetic. With 23 centimetres of ground clearance, it was designed to tackle more challenging terrains, resembling a Jeep more than a station wagon. The vehicle featured aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. Its unique design elements included a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, all complemented by a new Geyser Blue paint option. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark grey and black tones, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery and Anodized Copper stitching, creating a robust yet stylish interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited with the S Appearance Package offered a sleek and modern minivan experience. The exterior was enhanced with body-coloured door handles, gloss black accents, and 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The interior was dark but sophisticated, featuring Nappa leather seats and a well-designed dashboard. The Pacifica Hybrid was practical, with sliding doors and ample cargo space, making it a family-friendly choice. However, the interior was limited to a black colour scheme unless upgraded to the top trim. The Pacifica Hybrid was a blend of practicality and style, appealing to those seeking a versatile family vehicle.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. This engine provided ample power for the midsize crossover SUV, which weighed 3,896 pounds and had a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. Fuel efficiency was rated at 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 8.9 on the highway, with real-world testing averaging 11.0 L/100 km on a mountainous route. The Outback Wilderness featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios, though some drivers found it less engaging than a dual-clutch automatic transmission. The vehicle's all-wheel drive, combined with its lifted suspension and all-terrain tires, made it highly capable off-road, with improved approach, breakover, and departure angles.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering a unique plug-in hybrid experience. 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 vehicle's fuel economy was rated at 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres, with a combined non-hybrid fuel economy of 8.0 L/100 km. The Pacifica Hybrid defaulted to all-electric mode before switching to hybrid mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on the highway. The vehicle was front-wheel drive only and lacked a towing package, but it offered a smooth driving experience with 260 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark grey StarTex upholstery, a water-repellant material that kept seats dry but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The interior included heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Rear seat space was generous, with ample head and legroom, rear air conditioning vents, and dual USB charging ports. The cargo area offered 920 litres of space behind the rear seat and 2,144 litres with the seat folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a family-friendly interior with features like the FamCam interior camera, heated and cooled front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The driver's seat was comfortable and easily adjustable, while the second-row seats were low but comfortable. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was slightly reduced due to the battery placement, with 914 litres behind the third row and 2,477 litres with the seats folded. The vehicle lacked the Stow 'n Go seats and built-in vacuum cleaner found in the standard Pacifica, but it still provided ample space for families.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring integrated climate control and physical knobs for volume and tuning. While the system required learning specific voice commands, it supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for better voice assistant functionality. However, the Outback Wilderness lacked a premium audio system, which was available in other Outback trims.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, known for its ease of use and crisp graphics. It offered 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, though it was an expensive addition. The Pacifica Hybrid also included numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging, ensuring devices stayed powered throughout the journey.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The vehicle also had steering-responsive LED headlights, a blind-spot warning system, and rear cross-traffic warning. While crash-test results for the 2022 model were unavailable, the 2021 Outback received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, 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 acceleration. The 2022 Pacifica received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and the IIHS gave it Good marks in most categories.