2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Jeep Compass

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited, especially with the 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 minivan's split grille was flanked by standard LED headlamps, and the LED tail lamps spanned the rear width, enhancing its visual appeal. While minivans might lack the allure of SUVs, the Pacifica Hybrid offered practicality with its 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 Jeep Compass embraced a refined design ethos, moving away from the rugged look of its predecessors. It shared design elements with the larger Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer families, offering a more upscale appearance. The Compass Sport and North models introduced a new 17-inch wheel design, while the Trailhawk's wheels were painted gloss black. In Canada, the Compass was available in seven trim levels, with the Trailhawk trims being ideal for off-road adventures. The Limited trim, with its Granite Crystal paint and 19-inch wheels, resembled a scaled-down Grand Cherokee. Inside, the two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents exuded a sense of luxury, thanks to digital displays and metallic trim. However, the as-tested price of $55,000 seemed steep for a small SUV.

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. Official ratings from Natural Resources Canada indicated 51 km of all-electric range, 784 km of total range, and a fuel economy of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 km. However, real-world testing showed better results, with 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. The Pacifica Hybrid's 260 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque provided adequate highway passing power, though acceleration wasn't blistering. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) operated smoothly, and the vehicle's lower centre of gravity improved handling. However, the Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only and lacked a spare tire and towing package.

The 2023 Jeep Compass introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The engine's peak torque was available from 1,750 to 4,250 rpm, with maximum horsepower at 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Jeep Active Drive AWD system, the Compass offered improved performance. The Trailhawk version featured a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a low range and a 20:1 crawl ratio, making it suitable for off-road adventures. The Compass's fuel economy was rated at 8.8 litres per 100 km, though real-world testing showed 9.9 L/100 km. While the new turbo engine improved the driving experience, the Compass's tall and narrow design contributed to significant body motions on uneven surfaces.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered family-friendly features like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor second and third-row passengers. The minivan's heated and cooled front seats, along with a heated steering wheel, provided comfort. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the third row offered enough space for adults on extended trips. However, the Pacifica Hybrid lacked the flat-fold Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement, reducing its versatility. Cargo space remained generous, with 914 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the seats folded. The total cargo capacity was 3,978 litres, though competitors like the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey offered more space.

The 2023 Jeep Compass accommodated adults in both rows, despite its narrow design. Standard features included an air filtration system and available dual-zone automatic climate control. Cloth upholstery was standard, with leather seats available on higher trims. The Limited trim offered an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat provided enough space for adults, with generous foot room and supportive seat cushions. Interior storage was acceptable, though the centre armrest bin was small. The Compass offered 770 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,693 litres with the seats folded. Some models featured a foot-activated power liftgate for easy access.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with 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, though it was an expensive addition. The Pacifica Hybrid included numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and a 115-volt outlet for device charging.

The 2023 Jeep Compass also had a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered SiriusXM satellite radio, SiriusXM Guardian connected services, and over-the-air updates. Depending on the trim, the Compass could include a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, embedded navigation, a nine-speaker Alpine sound system, and Alexa Built-in technology. The Limited trim featured a parking assist system and a surround-view camera.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided both visual and audible alerts. However, features like parallel parking assist required additional packages. The 2023 Pacifica Hybrid had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 version received a five-star 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 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder. Standard ADAS included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were available on higher trims. The lane-keeping system was sometimes intrusive, and the adaptive cruise control lacked smoothness. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2023 Compass, and the IIHS had incomplete test results. The 2022 Compass qualified for a Top Safety Pick rating, but the 2023 model was ineligible until further testing.