2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from Volvo's past, moving away from the boxy designs of the '70s, '80s, and '90s while maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image. The XC90, launched as a 2016 model, was built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform and stood as Volvo's flagship SUV. Its design featured a sleek roofline and pronounced wheel arches, giving it an athletic stance. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian Modern and Swedish Luxury, with natural wood and metal trim, and exquisite details like a crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's commitment to sustainability was evident in its leather-free initiative, although Nappa leather was still available for those who preferred it.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, offered a practical alternative to SUVs with its minivan design. The Limited trim with the S Appearance Package added stylish touches like body-coloured door handles and gloss black accents. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was dark but sophisticated, with Nappa leather seats and a few sweeping lines on the dash. The minivan's practicality was enhanced by features like sliding doors and ample cargo space, although the plug-in hybrid model lacked some features available in the gasoline-only version, such as all-wheel drive and a towing package.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, with the T5 model featuring a turbocharged 2.0-litre gasoline engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Recharge model, a plug-in hybrid, combined a supercharged/turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. All models came with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency varied, with the Recharge model achieving an 8.8 L/100 km combined rating in hybrid mode and a 4.0 Le/100 km with a 29-kilometre EV range.

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. The Pacifica Hybrid's fuel economy was rated at 2.9 Le/100 km, with a combined non-hybrid fuel economy of 8.0 L/100 km. Charging the battery took about two hours on a Level 2 charger, but the Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode first, which could be less efficient on highway commutes.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults might find it lacking in legroom. The XC90 provided 357 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 1,855 litres with the second and third rows folded. It could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, making it versatile for family adventures. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the airy feel.

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 was comfortable, with heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the third row offered enough space for adults on extended trips. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was 914 litres behind the third row, expanding to 3,978 litres with all seats folded. However, the plug-in hybrid model lacked the Stow 'n Go seats and some features available in the gasoline-only version.

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 was intuitive, it could be 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 charging.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running 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 apps and games for long trips. The Pacifica Hybrid featured numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging, ensuring devices stayed powered throughout the journey.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Volvo's Pilot Assist system provided assisted driving on highways, and the XC90 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid included standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was particularly effective, and the adaptive cruise control provided smooth operation. While the 2023 model hadn't been rated by NHTSA, the 2022 version received a five-star overall safety rating, and the IIHS gave it Good marks in most categories.