2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, truck-based roots, reminiscent of the SUV craze of the 1980s. Unlike many modern SUVs that have transitioned to car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its origins, sharing its underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma pickup. This decision was not due to stubbornness but rather a strategic choice by Toyota, which already had the Highlander for family duties, allowing the 4Runner to cater to off-road enthusiasts. Its adventurous spirit was evident in its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper designed for obstacle navigation. Inside, the 4Runner's design was functional, though it showed its age with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a more modern and practical approach, especially for families. Available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, the Pacifica Hybrid Limited with the S Appearance Package featured body-coloured door handles, gloss black accents, and 18-inch wheels. The minivan's split grille and LED headlamps added a touch of sophistication. While minivans lacked the cool factor of SUVs, the Pacifica Hybrid provided practicality with sliding doors and ample cargo space. The interior, though dark in the Limited trim, boasted 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 2022 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a single 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. While reliable, this dated engine felt underwhelming in most driving situations, except for its decent initial acceleration. The power was routed through a five-speed automatic transmission to a standard 4WD system with a low range. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with noticeable body roll and jostling over bumps. However, off-road, the suspension excelled, absorbing rocks and bumps effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their trail capabilities. The 4Runner's towing capacity was up to 2,268 kilograms, more than most car-based crossovers.

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 plug-in hybrid minivan, with an official all-electric range of 51 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. In testing, it achieved 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. The Pacifica Hybrid defaulted to all-electric mode before switching to hybrid mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The minivan was front-wheel drive only, lacked a spare tire, and couldn't be equipped with a towing package. Despite these limitations, it offered a smooth driving experience with a CVT and a lower centre of gravity for better handling.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum cargo capacity of 2,540 litres in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model's 2,514 litres. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row 4Runner provided 1,337 litres of cargo space. The three-row version, available only in the Limited package, had 1,311 litres behind the second row and 254 litres behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window for easy access. While not the most spacious SUV, it offered ample storage for gear.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The minivan's interior included 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. However, taller passengers might prefer the legroom in competitors like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. 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. The plug-in hybrid lacked the Stow 'n Go seats and built-in vacuum cleaner found in the standard Pacifica.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple USB ports. While not the most advanced system, it offered tactile controls, making it user-friendly, especially for those wearing gloves. Navigation and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system were available as upgrades. The system's simplicity appealed to those who appreciated the 4Runner's analog driving style.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with apps, games, and streaming capabilities. However, the cost of this feature might be hard to justify given the prevalence of personal devices. The Pacifica Hybrid included numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained charged throughout the journey.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. It earned four out of five stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the NHTSA, and three stars for rollover testing. The 4Runner was backed by a five-year/100,000-kilometre powertrain warranty.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered 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, rear parking assist, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided both visual and audible alerts. The adaptive cruise control system was praised for its smooth operation. The 2022 Pacifica received a five-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.