2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Dodge Durango

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited, with its S Appearance Package, presented a sleek and modern look. This package added body-coloured door handles and exterior mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black badging, all complemented by 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The split grille was flanked by standard LED headlamps, and the LED tail lamps spanned the rear width, enhancing its visual appeal. While minivans like the Pacifica Hybrid might not have the same allure as SUVs, they 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. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained a familiar yet attractive appearance. It eschewed faux ruggedness for clean, car-like styling, avoiding oversized grilles. The slim design, forward-leaning headlights, and large lower air intake gave it a strong presence. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models had subtle unique styling features, including a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. The Blacktop Package and Hemi Orange appearance package offered additional customization options. The interior, while not as distinctive as the exterior, provided a comfortable environment with materials suited to various trim levels. The Durango Citadel added luxury with Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats, while the SRT Hellcat featured bold red leather upholstery.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, making it the only plug-in hybrid minivan available. It offered an official all-electric range of 51 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with a fuel economy rating of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. In testing, it exceeded these figures, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. The Pacifica Hybrid defaulted to all-electric mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. It lacked features like all-wheel drive and a towing package, which were available on gasoline-only models. The Pacifica Hybrid delivered 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, providing adequate highway passing power, while the CVT operated smoothly.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 pound-feet of torque. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with AWD standard in Canada. The 5.7-litre Hemi V8, standard on the R/T and optional on the Citadel, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The SRT Hellcat, with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8, produced 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. The Hellcat's acceleration was exhilarating, with minimal wind and tire noise at highway speeds, while the adaptive-damping suspension and Brembo brakes ensured control.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered family-friendly features like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor second and third-row passengers. The heated and cooled front seats, along with a heated steering wheel, provided comfort for the driver. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, while the third row offered enough space for adults on extended trips. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked the flat-fold Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement, reducing its versatility. Cargo space remained at 914 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with seats folded, and 3,978 litres with all seats down. However, competitors like the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey offered more space. The plug-in hybrid also missed out on features like a built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats.

The 2023 Dodge Durango was available in seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with standard front bucket seats, a three-seat second-row bench, and a two-seat third-row bench on SXT, GT, and R/T models. The Citadel, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat models featured second-row captain's chairs. Interior space was competitive with other three-row midsize SUVs, though the Chevy Traverse offered more cargo space. The Durango provided 487 litres with all seats in place, 1,226 litres with the third row folded, and 2,409 litres behind the first row. Small-item storage was generous, with a large wireless charging pad and USB ports. However, the lack of a power-folding third row was a drawback. The Durango excelled in towing, with V6 models capable of towing up to 2,812 kilograms, while V8 models could tow up to 3,946 kilograms.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, offering ease of use and crisp graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard, along with the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with apps and games for long trips. However, the cost of this feature was questionable given the prevalence of personal devices. The Pacifica Hybrid included numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained charged.

The 2023 Dodge Durango's lower trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, while the GT grade and above received a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. Both versions used the Uconnect system, with the larger screen featuring Uconnect 5. The infotainment experience was comparable to newer rivals, with the larger touchscreen offering responsiveness and ease of use. SRT models included Easter Eggs and the Performance Pages app, providing performance information. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came equipped with numerous standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking assist, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided both visual and audible alerts, while the adaptive cruise control system offered smooth braking and acceleration. However, features like parallel parking assistance and front and rear parking assist required additional packages or the top Hybrid Pinnacle trim. The 2023 Pacifica Hybrid had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 version received a five-star overall safety rating. The IIHS gave it Good marks, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed results in IIHS crash tests, with top "Good" marks in moderate front overlap, side, and roof strength tests, but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall safety rating, with five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash test. AWD versions received a three-star rollover resistance rating. Standard driver-assist tech was limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard on all trims. Forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking were not standard, though some were available on higher trims.