2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Audi Q5

The 2023 Audi Q5 presented a blend of elegance and sportiness with its exterior design, featuring subtle curves and angular accents. It was available in two body styles: the standard SUV and the Q5 Sportback, which boasted a sloping rear roofline for a sleeker look. Unlike some rivals, the Q5 Sportback's design included a spoiler-like element above the taillights, providing a more defined transition from hatch to tail section. Inside, the Q5 offered a refined yet simple layout, though its age was beginning to show. Standard features included leather seating and heated front seats, with options for a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The 10-inch touchscreen was a nod to traditional design amidst a trend of larger screens. While materials were of good quality, the Q5 felt less special compared to newer non-luxury competitors. The build quality was robust, ensuring a quiet ride over rough surfaces, making it a solid choice among luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, particularly in the Limited trim with the S Appearance Package, showcased a practical yet stylish exterior with body-coloured accents and 18-inch wheels. The split grille and LED headlamps added to its appeal. Despite lacking the SUV's cool factor, the Pacifica Hybrid offered practicality with sliding doors and ample cargo space. Inside, the Limited trim featured a dark interior with Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. The controls were user-friendly, though the proximity of the HVAC and transmission dials could cause confusion. The interior was comfortable, with heated and cooled front seats and a spacious third row, though taller passengers might find the second-row seats a bit low. The Pacifica Hybrid's versatility was slightly reduced due to the battery placement, but it still offered significant cargo space.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine options. The base 40 TFSI quattro featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The midrange 45 TFSI quattro increased output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, exclusive to the Q5 Sportback. The 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid delivered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an electric-only range of 37 kilometres. All models came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery, affecting initial acceleration. However, once underway, the power was adequate. Handling was sporty, with precise steering and a balance between compliance and cornering. The cabin remained quiet, meeting luxury SUV standards.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors. It was the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid, offering 51 kilometres of all-electric range and a total range of 784 kilometres. In testing, it exceeded these figures, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km total. Charging on a Level 2 home charger took two hours. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The hybrid model was front-wheel drive only and lacked a spare tire and towing package. With 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, it provided sufficient power for highway passing. The CVT operated smoothly, and the vehicle handled better than expected due to its lower centre of gravity.

The 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018 but was still effective. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned to minimize distraction, with traditional dials and buttons for climate controls. Visibility was good, aided by a narrow front roof pillar. The cabin offered ample space for taller passengers, with minimal headroom reduction in the Sportback model. Storage options were available, though some were oddly shaped. Cargo space was generous, with 730 litres behind the rear seats, slightly reduced in the Sportback.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor rear passengers. The interior included heated and cooled front seats and a comfortable driver's seat. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, while the third row offered ample space. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow ‘n Go seats due to battery placement, reducing versatility. However, it still provided 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 3,978 litres with seats folded. Some features, like the built-in vacuum cleaner, were unavailable on the hybrid model.

The 2023 Audi Q5 came standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with Bluetooth and SiriusXM available. Higher trims featured a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Audi Connect Care service allowed remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app, with a Wi-Fi hotspot included. Mid-range trims offered a customizable digital instrument panel.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid included a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, known for its ease of use and crisp graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with Bluetooth connectivity for two phones. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, though it was costly. USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging ensured devices remained powered throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, with four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ with "Good" scores in all crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. Higher trims added advanced driver assistance features.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was effective, providing visual and audible alerts. The adaptive cruise control system operated smoothly. The 2022 model received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, with the IIHS giving it "Good" marks, except for seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use.