2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2024 Volvo XC90

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 mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black accents, all complemented by 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The minivan's front featured a split grille with standard LED headlamps, while the rear boasted LED tail lamps spanning its width. Despite the minivan's practical nature, its interior was somewhat dark unless upgraded to the top trim. The Limited trim offered Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design, though the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

In contrast, the 2024 Volvo XC90 exuded luxury with its subdued and earthy exterior paint palette, aligning with its focus on practicality, safety, and sustainability. The SUV offered various wheel designs up to 21 inches, with most versions featuring a Bright theme that contrasted with the blacked-out trend. Inside, the XC90's design was dated but rich in materials, especially in the Ultimate trim. Buyers could choose between wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, with an Orrefors crystal shift knob adding a touch of class. The interior also featured natural wood trim, and Volvo provided ample customization options for paint, wheels, and 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 51 kilometres of all-electric range 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 kilometres of electric range and 885 kilometres of total range. The Pacifica Hybrid delivered 260 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, sufficient for highway passing, though not for rapid acceleration. The minivan's CVT operated smoothly, and its lower centre of gravity improved handling. However, the Pacifica Hybrid was limited to front-wheel drive and lacked a spare tire and towing package.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 featured a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, an 18.8-kWh battery, and a 107-kW electric motor, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered 53 kilometres of electric-only range and an average fuel economy of 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The XC90 Recharge T8 accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in five seconds in Power mode. Recharging was straightforward, with options for standard or 240-volt outlets. The SUV's various driving modes, including Pure, Power, and Hybrid, allowed for flexibility in power usage. However, the XC90's ride quality was firm, and its handling was not as thrilling as some might expect from a luxury SUV.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered family-friendly features like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in 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 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 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The XC90 seated seven or six with optional captain's chairs, and the third row was more accommodating than expected. Cargo capacity was 1,854 litres with the third row folded, expanding to 2,426 litres with the second row down.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system was user-friendly with crisp graphics, and the optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid included numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained powered.

The 2024 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system used Google Built-in technology, providing navigation, Google Play access, and Google Assistant voice recognition. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with premium sound system options available. The XC90's infotainment system was intuitive, and the digital voice assistant was generally effective. The SUV also featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and 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 was effective, and the adaptive cruise control operated smoothly. However, some features required additional packages or the top 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 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating in all but rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. While the XC90's ADAS features were not groundbreaking, they included Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist. However, Pilot Assist struggled with certain conditions, and a significant error during highway exit shook confidence in the system.