2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Kia Telluride

The 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models showcased a refreshed design with updated front and rear styling, new headlights and taillights, and fresh wheel designs. The SUV was available in new paint colours like Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, while the interior offered new hues such as Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green. The X-Line model replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro model added exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the Telluride boasted a digital instrumentation panel and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a curved 24-inch piece of glass, giving the interior a modern touch. The SUV's interior changes included new colours, minor trim updates, a redesigned steering wheel, and a more functional centre console. The X-Line and X-Pro trims had their names embossed on the front seatbacks, adding a touch of exclusivity.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited with the S Appearance Package featured body-coloured door handles and exterior mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black badging and accents. The minivan's exterior was completed with 18-inch wheels in a "Foreshadow" finish. The Pacifica Hybrid's split grille was flanked by standard LED headlamps, and the rear boasted LED tail lamps spanning its width. While minivans may lack the cool factor of SUVs, the Pacifica Hybrid offered practicality with sliding doors and ample cargo space. The Limited trim's interior was predominantly black, with Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. The HVAC and audio knobs were chunky, but their proximity to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was comfortable, with heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel, though taller passengers might find the second-row seats a bit low.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the AWD system offering a low-speed Lock setting for even power distribution. The Telluride X-Line averaged 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, while the X-Pro returned 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. Official fuel economy ratings were 11.4 L/100 km combined. The Telluride's suspension was raised by 10 mm, improving ground clearance to 21.3 mm, and the traction control system was modified for better off-road performance. The X-Pro model featured 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an improved cooling system, increasing towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride excelled in off-road conditions, showcasing its AWD Lock mode, ground clearance, and stability. On highways, it offered a smooth ride, though the steering in Sport mode was overly firm.

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. The Pacifica Hybrid achieved better numbers during testing, with 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. Charging the battery on a Level 2 home charger took two hours, while a standard outlet predicted a 14-hour charge time. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode before switching to hybrid operation, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only and lacked a spare tire and towing package. Despite these limitations, it offered a smooth driving experience with a CVT and a lower centre of gravity for better handling.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The interior was spacious, with comfortable front seats and a power lumbar stabilization system. The second row featured manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. A button on the second-row captain’s chairs facilitated access to the third row, which was more comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride offered ample storage space, with a "smart" power tailgate and generous cargo capacity: 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with the third row folded, and 2,455 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. 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 centre pathway allowed easy access to the spacious third row. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement, reducing versatility. Cargo space was 914 litres behind the third row, 2,477 litres with the third row folded, and 3,978 litres with all seats down. However, it lacked features like a built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and Kia Connect services. The system supported over-the-air updates and Bluetooth pairing for two devices. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror were available. The optional head-up display had a larger viewing area, and the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature.

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 apps and games for long trips. The Pacifica Hybrid had numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained charged.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and lane-keeping assist. The SUV also had adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, Highway Drive Assist, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. The Telluride received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid included standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided visual and audible alerts. The Pacifica Hybrid had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 version received a five-star 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.