2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure from its predecessors with its assertive and truck-like design. It was longer and wider, giving it a more muscular stance. The classic D-pillar taillights were modernized with three L shapes, complementing the blockier rear end and bold front fascia. The Hybrid Touring trim, driven in Canyon River Blue, featured sporty black accents and 19-inch wheels. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed the premium design trend seen in other Honda models, with high-quality materials and attractive contrast stitching.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited with the S Appearance Package offered a practical yet stylish minivan option. It featured body-coloured door handles, gloss black accents, and 18-inch wheels. The split grille and LED lighting added a modern touch. While minivans lacked the SUV's cool factor, the Pacifica Hybrid provided practicality with sliding doors and ample cargo space. The interior, though dark, was sophisticated with Nappa leather seats and a well-designed dash. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a simplified powertrain choice, featuring a hybrid system that combined a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, with a top speed of 185 km/h. The hybrid system's 15 lb-ft torque boost improved responsiveness, especially for highway merging. The CR-V Hybrid also introduced a CVT and a new Snow drive mode, enhancing its adaptability. The updated AWD system could send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels, and the new hill-descent control system added to its capabilities. The "B" shifter position allowed for increased regenerative braking, contributing to an estimated fuel consumption of 6.0 L/100 km in the city, 6.9 on the highway, and 6.4 combined.

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 lb-ft of torque. It was the only plug-in hybrid minivan, with an official all-electric range of 51 km and a total range of 784 km. However, real-world testing showed better results, with 53 km of electric range and 885 km total. The Pacifica Hybrid's electric power delivery defaulted to all-electric mode first, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The lack of AWD and towing capability were trade-offs for the hybrid model. Despite these limitations, the Pacifica Hybrid provided a smooth driving experience with its CVT and light steering.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to increased interior space, offering 1,028 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 2,030 litres with them folded. This was slightly less than the gas-only CR-V but competitive with other hybrids. The Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate and wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased to 1,042 mm, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The interior boasted practical features like a cubby for smartphones and eight cupholders, with best-in-class console storage.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered family-friendly features like the FamCam interior camera, heated and cooled front seats, and a spacious third row. However, the plug-in hybrid's battery placement meant the loss of Stow 'n Go seats, reducing versatility. Cargo space remained at 914 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with seats folded. While the Pacifica Hybrid provided ample space, competitors like the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey offered more overall. The absence of features like a built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats was a downside.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid catered to tech-savvy consumers with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display, while higher trims featured a 9-inch screen. Physical buttons for volume and tuning were retained, reflecting consumer preferences. The CR-V Hybrid was well-equipped with USB ports, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, and heated features. The Hybrid Touring trim added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Honda's smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the route.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, known for its user-friendly interface and crisp graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity for two phones. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, but its high cost was questionable given the prevalence of personal devices. The Pacifica Hybrid offered numerous charging options, including USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging, ensuring devices stayed powered.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and the Honda Sensing suite. New features for 2023 included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The CR-V Hybrid earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with additional structural enhancements for crash protection and improved visibility.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided both visual and audible alerts, while the adaptive cruise control system impressed with its smooth operation. However, features like parallel parking assist required additional packages or the top trim. The 2023 Pacifica Hybrid had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 model received five stars, and the IIHS gave it Good marks, except for some areas.