2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2024 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited, with its 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 like the Pacifica Hybrid might lack the trendy allure of 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 dashboard design. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue underwent its first major styling update since its 2021 launch, featuring a new, larger grille that seamlessly integrated with its distinctive stack headlights and daytime running lights. The rear fascia saw minor changes, with redesigned inner taillight elements. The Rogue SV grade received a new 18-inch wheel design, while the Platinum model boasted 19-inch wheels with a machined finish and additional black exterior trim. Inside, the Rogue's dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, giving it a more premium feel. The Rogue SV models received new materials throughout the interior, enhancing the overall aesthetic. The Platinum trim offered leather seats with quilted stitching and a new Chestnut brown colour option, providing a luxurious touch.

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 boasted 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. However, real-world testing showed an improved electric range of 53 kilometres and a total range of 885 kilometres. The Pacifica Hybrid's electric power delivery defaulted to all-electric mode, which was efficient for city driving but less so on highways. The minivan's 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque provided adequate highway passing power, though it lacked the acceleration of its non-hybrid counterpart. The Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only and lacked a spare tire and towing package, limiting its versatility.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with VC-Turbo technology, allowing it to vary its compression ratio for power or fuel economy. With 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, the Rogue's engine outperformed many competitors. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was slow to transfer power to the wheels, affecting overall performance. The Rogue's suspension felt firmer than expected, impacting ride quality without improving handling. Despite these drawbacks, the Rogue's engine performance was commendable, though its exhaust note was less impressive.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered family-friendly features like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The minivan's interior included 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 third row provided ample space for adults. 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 3,978 litres with all seats folded.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue provided competitive passenger space, with slight variations in legroom compared to rivals. Its cargo space measured 1,033 litres with rear seats in place and 2,098 litres with seats folded. The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for flexible cargo configurations, while a molded-in space held grocery bags. The Rogue offered a power liftgate and a motion-activated liftgate on higher trims. The centre console featured a pass-through space and a storage tray, though accessing the latter was awkward.

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. An optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, though its value was questionable given the prevalence of personal devices. The Pacifica Hybrid offered numerous charging options, including USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, while SL and Platinum models received a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Rogue was the first Nissan to offer Google built-in software, integrating Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store. However, connectivity was free for only five years, and a data plan was required for third-party apps. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup improved the infotainment experience, though the touchscreen was occasionally slow to boot. The Rogue provided ample charging options, including USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a range of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system effectively alerted drivers with visual and audible signals. The adaptive cruise control system provided smooth braking and acceleration. However, features like parallel parking assist required additional packages. 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 Nissan Rogue received top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard driver assist features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, added automated lane centring for highway driving. The SL and Platinum trims offered a more advanced version that used navigation data to slow for curves and interchanges.