2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's evolution from its boxy past to a more luxurious and upscale image, while still maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented reputation. The XC90, riding on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, presented a sleek and athletic profile with pronounced wheel arches and a distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlight design. The interior was a showcase of "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery. The XC90's interior was both stylish and functional, with exquisite details like a crystal gear selector handle, making it a true luxury vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid embraced its minivan identity, offering practicality and efficiency in a package that was not designed to hide its purpose. Despite its rounded and flowing exterior, which some might find dated, the Pacifica Hybrid was a unique offering as a plug-in hybrid minivan. The interior was comfortable, with black Nappa premium leather and a focus on utility, featuring ample storage and a user-friendly layout. While it may not have been a head-turner, the Pacifica Hybrid prioritized functionality and efficiency, making it a practical choice for families needing space and versatility.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the T5 model's turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Recharge model, a plug-in hybrid, combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. All models featured all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Recharge model offered an electric range of up to 58 kilometres and impressive fuel efficiency, making it a fun yet efficient drive.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, on the other hand, utilized a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired 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 extend the electric range, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless. While the Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiency, its driving dynamics were less engaging, with light steering and a somewhat uninspiring ride quality. However, its powertrain was praised for its smooth operation and practicality.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered both six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was best suited for children, the XC90 provided ample cargo space, with up to 1,855 litres available with the second and third rows folded. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with a panoramic moonroof enhancing the airy feel. The XC90 also boasted a robust towing capacity of up to 2,250 kilograms, making it versatile for family adventures.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in interior space and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seating and a maximum cargo capacity of 3,978 litres with the second-row seats removed. The Pacifica Hybrid featured triple-zone climate control, quality leather upholstery, and ample storage solutions, making it a practical choice for families. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n’ Go seats, though they required removal for maximum cargo space. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was designed for convenience and comfort, with thoughtful touches like sunshades and a large storage bin.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. While the system offered smartphone-like functionality, it was occasionally slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, and the Advanced package added a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The XC90 also included a Harman-Kardon audio system and multiple USB ports for device connectivity.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen with appealing graphics and a user-friendly interface. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the FamCam overhead camera system was a useful addition for parents. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV. While the voice recognition technology had room for improvement, the overall infotainment experience was positive.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and the Pilot Assist system. It received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, underscoring its commitment to safety.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid also boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control system required refinement. The Pacifica Hybrid earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.