2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Ford Bronco was a striking blend of retro-cool styling and modern engineering, available in nine distinct trim levels. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights made it unmistakable from afar. The Base trim had a primitive charm with steel wheels and minimal adornment, while the Raptor trim stood out with its wide stance, elevated height, and massive tires. The Heritage Edition trim added a nostalgic touch with a white grille, roof, and wheels, along with unique plaid seat upholstery. The interior continued the rugged theme with a broad dash and sealed switches, allowing for easy cleaning after off-road adventures. While the materials prioritized durability over luxury, the Bronco offered practical features like drain plugs, waterproof upholstery, and customizable handholds.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, offered a more practical and sophisticated design. The Limited trim with the S Appearance Package featured body-coloured door handles, gloss black accents, and 18-inch wheels. The split grille and LED headlamps added a modern touch, while the interior boasted Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was dark but comfortable, with heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the third row offered ample space for adults. However, the plug-in hybrid model lacked the Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement, reducing its versatility.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine options, starting with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. It was available with a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-litre V6 engine delivered 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the top-of-the-line Raptor featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos came with a 4WD drivetrain and a two-speed transfer case. The Bronco excelled in off-road capabilities, with a bouncy ride quality that was more comfortable than a Jeep Wrangler. However, its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curving roads.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. It was the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid, with an official all-electric range of 51 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. In testing, it achieved 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. The Pacifica Hybrid defaulted to all-electric mode before switching to hybrid mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. It lacked AWD and towing capabilities, but the CVT provided smooth performance.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, with the four-door model offering easier access to the rear seats. The two-door Bronco had 634 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,481 litres with the seats folded, while the four-door offered 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, limiting cargo versatility. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, enhancing its off-road appeal.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor rear passengers. The interior offered heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and comfortable second-row seats. However, the plug-in hybrid model lacked Stow 'n Go seats, reducing its versatility. Cargo space remained generous, with 914 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the seats folded, and 3,978 litres with all seats down.

The 2023 Ford Bronco featured G.O.A.T. drive modes, enhancing its off-road capabilities by optimizing engine and suspension settings. It offered numerous camera views for navigating tight spaces and a Trail Turn Assist feature for sharp turns. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available 12-inch display for ease of use.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running 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 and various apps. The Pacifica Hybrid also featured multiple USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from NHTSA. IIHS awarded it "Good" in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and hill-start assist. Optional packages added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The 2022 model received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, while IIHS gave it "Good" marks in most categories. However, some features, like parking assist, required additional packages.