2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited, with its S Appearance Package, presented a sleek and modern aesthetic. The 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 may 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 2024 Mazda CX-50, a more rugged sibling to the CX-5, boasted a fresh design with broader dimensions. It was lower, wider, and longer than the CX-5, with a stretched wheelbase. The CX-50's robust stance was highlighted by square wheel arches and faux air vents. Available in three trims—GS-L, GT, and Meridian Edition—the CX-50 catered to active lifestyles. The Meridian Edition featured all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. Its earthy colour palette and Terracotta leather upholstery added to its rugged charm. The interior impressed with its BMW-like infotainment screen placement and quality materials. However, Mazda's aspiration to move upscale was still a work in progress, as evidenced by the base model's manually adjustable passenger seat.

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. In practice, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these figures, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. Charging the battery on a Level 2 home charger took just two hours, while a standard outlet required 14 hours. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The plug-in 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 adequate highway passing power, though acceleration wasn't brisk. The CVT operated smoothly, and the lower centre of gravity improved handling.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo variant delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard, along with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes. Turbo models added a Towing mode, increasing towing capacity to 1,587 kilograms. The CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5 but offered a different driving experience. While the CX-5 emphasized sporty dynamics, the CX-50 was more suited for daily driving. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and reduced grip, and the roof platform contributed to wind noise. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-50 remained well-mannered.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor second and third-row passengers. The minivan offered heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a comfortable driver's seat. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the centre pathway allowed easy access to the spacious third row. However, taller passengers might prefer the legroom in competitors like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked the flat-fold Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement, reducing 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, rivals like the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey offered more space.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 provided similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom and more legroom. It offered 889 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 1,595 litres with them folded. While it trailed competitors in cargo space, the CX-50 had a power liftgate for easier access. The cargo area wasn't ideal for bulky items, and the optional roof platform was high. The interior featured a substantial shifter and Mazda's rotary infotainment controller, maintaining a sensible layout and adequate storage space.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its user-friendly interface and crisp graphics. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, offering apps and games for long trips. However, the cost of this feature was hard to justify 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 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, operated via a rotary controller and buttons on the centre console. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with dual front and rear USB ports. Higher trims offered wireless phone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Mazda's touchscreen-free interface required adjustment but provided physical feedback. While the infotainment system felt dated, it suited buyers seeking simplicity. The system's graphics were basic, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration mitigated this.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid included standard safety features like 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 effectively alerted drivers, and the adaptive cruise control operated smoothly. However, features like parallel parking assistance required additional packages or the top Hybrid Pinnacle trim. The 2023 model hadn't been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 version received a five-star overall safety rating. The IIHS awarded it Good marks, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with Good scores in crash tests and a Superior score for front-crash prevention in the vehicle-to-pedestrian daytime test. However, it received a Basic score for the nighttime test, and standard headlights were rated Average. NHTSA ratings for the 2024 model were incomplete, with a five-star frontal crash-test rating and a four-star rollover rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included emergency lane-keeping, rear automatic braking, traffic-jam assist, and a 360-degree camera system.