2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a staple in the crossover SUV market, continued to build on its legacy of versatility and reliability. Initially launched in 1996 as a compact alternative to larger SUVs, the RAV4 quickly gained popularity among young buyers, leading to a wave of similar "cute ute" competitors. Over the years, the RAV4 evolved, growing in size and sophistication, and by 2022, it had become a mature crossover SUV, often topping sales charts in Canada. The exterior of the 2022 model featured angular wheel arches and crisp lines, with expressive headlights and a distinctive grille that gave it a playful yet aggressive look. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colours, a user-friendly touchscreen interface, and unique design elements like a circuit-board-inspired pattern that tied the cabin together.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a more practical approach with its minivan design, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims. The Limited trim, with the S Appearance Package, added sleek black accents and 18-inch wheels. The Pacifica Hybrid's exterior featured a split grille with LED headlamps and tail lamps, providing a modern look. While minivans may lack the cool factor of SUVs, the Pacifica Hybrid excelled in practicality, offering sliding doors and ample cargo space. Inside, the Limited trim's interior was dark but sophisticated, with Nappa leather seats and a well-designed dash. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could be confusing for some drivers.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a range of powertrains, starting with a gasoline-only model featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This model came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. Fuel economy for the gasoline model ranged from 8.8 L/100 km in the city to 6.8 on the highway. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with an electric motor, delivering 217 horsepower and impressive fuel economy of 5.8 L/100 km in the city. The RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid, boasted 302 horsepower and could run up to 68 kilometres on electricity alone, with a fuel efficiency rating of 2.5 Le/100 km. The RAV4's handling was enhanced by its four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience.

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. In testing, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these figures, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. Charging the battery took just two hours on a Level 2 charger. However, the Pacifica's default to all-electric mode first could be less efficient for highway driving. The Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only and lacked some features available on gasoline models, such as all-wheel drive and a towing package. Despite these limitations, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a smooth driving experience with its CVT and a lower centre of gravity for improved handling.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, while still classified as a small SUV, offered impressive cargo capacity with 1,059 litres of space behind the second row, expanding to 1,977 litres with the seats folded flat. It had a healthy payload capacity of up to 511 kilograms and could tow up to 1,588 kilograms in certain trims. Inside, the RAV4 provided ample space for four adults, with comfortable front seats and a well-designed cabin featuring numerous storage options. The middle seat in the second row was less desirable but still functional for short trips.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in interior space, with features like the FamCam interior camera for monitoring rear passengers. The front seats were heated and cooled, with a comfortable driver's seat and a soft centre armrest. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, while the third row offered enough space for adults on longer trips. However, the Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement, reducing its versatility. Cargo space remained generous, with 914 litres behind the third row, expanding to 3,978 litres with all seats folded. Despite this, competitors like the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey offered more overall space.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, and smartphone integration as standard. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and additional features like navigation and Safety Connect. The RAV4 Prime included advanced technology such as multiple USB ports, a 120-volt AC power outlet, and optional features like a wireless charging pad and a bird’s-eye view camera system.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with 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 streaming capabilities and various apps. The Pacifica Hybrid also provided numerous charging options, including USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained powered throughout the journey.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota’s Star Safety System, featuring stability control, traction control, and anti-lock braking. It also offered Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with driver-assist systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure alert. The RAV4 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with the RAV4 Prime earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with standard safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, some features like parking assist required additional packages. The 2022 Pacifica received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, and the 2023 model was expected to perform similarly.