2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated yet subtle design, especially in its Type S Ultra trim. This model was characterized by its chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and a panoramic moonroof. The Type S Ultra trim featured luxurious interior elements such as quilted leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it difficult to use certain controls. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MDX Type S was a fundamentally attractive luxury SUV, though its high price set expectations that it didn't fully meet.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited with the S Appearance Package offered a more practical and family-friendly design. The exterior was enhanced with body-coloured door handles, gloss black accents, and 18-inch wheels. Inside, the Pacifica Hybrid provided a dark but sophisticated interior with Nappa leather seats and a few sweeping lines on the dash. The minivan's practicality was evident with its sliding doors and ample cargo space, making it a more sensible choice for families despite lacking the cool cachet of an SUV.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard 3.5-litre V6, but the Type S also weighed more, which affected its performance. The MDX Type S featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience, with issues like an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The fuel economy was also disappointing, averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

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 official all-electric range of 51 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. During testing, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these estimates, achieving 53 kilometres of electric range and 885 kilometres of total range. However, the vehicle defaulted to all-electric mode first, which was less efficient for highway driving. The Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only and lacked some features available in the non-hybrid model, such as all-wheel drive and a towing package. Despite these limitations, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a smooth and comfortable driving experience, with a continuously variable transmission and a lower centre of gravity for better handling.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats and a flexible second-row configuration. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. However, the seats were firm and didn't provide the expected support during enthusiastic driving. The MDX's third row was best suited for children, and the cabin prioritized style over storage space. The cargo area was practical, with a decent amount of floor space and a sizable well under the load floor panel, offering 461 litres of cargo space behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in interior functionality, with features like the FamCam interior camera for monitoring rear passengers. The minivan offered comfortable seating, though the second-row seats were a bit low for taller passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was slightly reduced due to the battery placement, but it still provided 914 litres behind the third row and up to 3,978 litres with all seats folded. However, it lacked the Stow 'n Go seats and built-in vacuum cleaner available in the non-hybrid model.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment system was not touch-sensitive and relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI), which was less intuitive than traditional touchscreens. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, along with a high-end ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers. The Platinum Elite and Type S Ultra packages included a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its ease of use and crisp graphics. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as dual phone connectivity via Bluetooth. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, though it was an expensive addition. The Pacifica Hybrid offered numerous charging options, including USB ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, and wireless charging.

The 2023 Acura MDX was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. It also had rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it had some issues with false lane-departure notifications and a collision warning triggered by an overhead sign.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a range of standard safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was particularly effective, providing both visual and audible alerts. However, features like parallel parking assistance and front and rear parking assist were only available with additional packages or the top Hybrid Pinnacle trim. The 2022 Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.