2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was designed with a focus on maintaining familiarity for those transitioning from internal-combustion engines to electric vehicles. It closely resembled its gasoline counterpart, sharing the same basic shape and structure, with subtle differences like a solid panel in the grill and the absence of tailpipes. The XC40 Recharge was a stylish vehicle, featuring Volvo's signature Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion created by thin pillars. Inside, the XC40 offered a spacious and airy cabin, with a Scandinavian design sensibility that emphasized harmony and luxury, making it a genuine contender in the premium SUV category.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a minivan that embraced its identity without attempting to disguise it as something else. While not particularly striking in appearance, even with the S Appearance Package, it offered practicality and efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid was priced starting at $55,995 for the base Touring L model, with the Limited trim costing $58,995 and the Pinnacle model at $60,995. Despite its higher price point, the Pacifica Hybrid provided a unique plug-in hybrid option in the minivan segment, offering a blend of electric and gasoline power for efficient transportation.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was a thrilling electric vehicle to drive, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors, delivering 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the XC40 Recharge to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, making it a fast compact SUV. The Recharge featured regenerative braking, which recaptured energy during deceleration, and offered a one-pedal driving mode for maximizing efficiency. With a lower centre of gravity due to the battery placement, the XC40 Recharge handled curves with stability and confidence. It had a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge and could be fast-charged to 80% in 40 minutes.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, on the other hand, combined a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless. The Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres, outperforming its rival, the Toyota Sienna, in terms of efficiency. However, the driving experience was less engaging, with light steering and unremarkable handling.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and a comfortable interior. The absence of a gasoline engine allowed for a front trunk, or "frunk," providing additional storage space. Inside, the XC40 featured ample cubbies and nooks for modern essentials, with comfortable front seats and a slightly cramped rear middle seat. The cargo area offered up to 1,628 litres of space with the second row folded, and the XC40 had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, as a minivan, prioritized comfort and utility. It featured three comfortable rows of seats and a spacious cargo area, with 914 litres of space behind the third row and up to 3,978 litres with the second-row seats removed. The Pacifica Hybrid offered triple-zone climate control, quality leather upholstery, and a range of storage options, including a large floor tray and a long storage bin behind the centre console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n’ Go seats, but they required removal for maximum cargo space.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with advanced technology, including a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. It featured the Android Automotive operating system, with built-in Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store. The XC40 Recharge also supported over-the-air updates for both the infotainment system and vehicle software. However, the range and state of charge were displayed as a percentage, which could cause range anxiety for some drivers.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the FamCam overhead camera system for monitoring rear passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also had an optional 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the sound quality required adjustment for optimal performance.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, and the gasoline version earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 Recharge came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including collision warning and avoidance, blind-spot information, lane keep assist, and a high-strength protective cage for the battery. It also featured Volvo's Connected Safety system, which shared information about hazardous road conditions with other connected Volvo vehicles.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered a complete package of standard driver-assist and collision-avoidance features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control needed refinement, as it was slow to resume speed and braked too hard when other vehicles cut in.