2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited, especially with the S Appearance Package, presented a sleek and modern exterior. This package added body-coloured door handles and mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black accents, 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 predominantly black 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 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual update, aligning it more closely with its Kia siblings like the Telluride and EV9. The new front end featured a robust grille, vertically stacked LED projector-beam headlights, and wing-like amber LED daytime running lights, giving it a more imposing presence. The rear updates were subtle, with higher trims receiving LED taillights and new bumpers. The Sorento's trims included LX, EX, X-Line, X-Line Limited, and the new X-Pro, each offering distinct visual elements. Inside, the Sorento boasted a redesigned dashboard with a vast horizontal expanse, combining the gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The cabin materials were upgraded, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats, enhancing its upscale feel.

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 of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. However, real-world testing showed better results, with 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 quickly depleted on highways. It was front-wheel drive only, unlike the gasoline-only Pacifica models that offered all-wheel drive. The hybrid model also lacked a spare tire and towing package. With 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, the Pacifica Hybrid provided sufficient power for highway passing, though it wasn't as powerful as the non-hybrid version.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained most of its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-litre four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission but struggled with the Sorento's weight. Higher trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, mated to a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic. The turbocharged models offered lively performance, with zero-to-100 times in the mid-seven-second range. All Sorentos in Canada came with all-wheel drive, and the X-Line and X-Pro trims offered increased ground clearance. The Sorento handled confidently, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Pro trim, with its all-terrain tires, excelled in off-road conditions and had a towing capacity of 2,040 kilograms.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered family-friendly features like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor the second and third rows. The minivan's front seats were heated and cooled, with a comfortable driver's seat and adjustable centre armrest. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the third row provided enough space for adults on short trips. However, the Pacifica Hybrid lacked the 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 3,978 litres with all seats folded. However, competitors like the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey offered more overall space.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was modern and comfortable, with ample legroom in the first two rows. The third row was tight, with only 752 millimetres of legroom, but it was comparable to larger vehicles like the Toyota Highlander. The Sorento's second-row captain's chairs allowed easy access to the third row, and the new dashboard design was ergonomic and user-friendly. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering only 357 litres, but expanded to 2,139 litres with all seats folded. The Sorento's storage capacity was competitive with other midsize SUVs.

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, with streaming capabilities via Amazon Fire TV. The Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained charged throughout the journey.

The 2024 Kia Sorento adopted a single-pane, twin-screen setup for its gauge and infotainment displays, with all models featuring a 12.3-inch screen. The new infotainment system, "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC), prioritized popular features and offered a user-friendly interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the system supported over-the-air updates. The Sorento included USB-C outlets in all rows and offered a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system on higher trims. The X-Line Limited and X-Pro models featured Digital Key 2.0, allowing keyless access and driving via compatible smartphones.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided both visual and audible alerts, while the adaptive cruise control offered smooth operation. However, features like parallel parking assist required additional packages or the top Hybrid Pinnacle trim. The 2023 model 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 2024 Kia Sorento boasted an extensive array of standard and optional safety features, with redesigned systems incorporating more sensors and machine-learning capabilities. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Sorento's adaptive cruise control systems learned from driver behaviour, though adverse weather conditions could affect sensor performance. The IIHS had not fully evaluated the 2024 Sorento, but it received Good ratings in several tests. The NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2024 model, but previous models received four-star overall ratings.