2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh. Its styling, characterized by a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, maintained the subtle seductiveness that Mazda vehicles have been known for over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a ruggedness with its blistered and boxed fender swells, lower body cladding, and faux skid plates. The oversized air intake and vent designs added a performance edge without being visually offensive. When combined with the standard black grille, mirror caps, and optional 20-inch alloy wheels, the CX-50 presented an appealing exterior. The introduction of the CX-50 Meridian Edition later in the year brought exclusive wheels, all-terrain tires, and a roof-mounted load platform, enhancing its adventurous appeal.

Inside, the CX-50 continued Mazda's tradition of driver-focused design with a mix of quality materials and polished metallic trim. The interior featured black leather with caramel-coloured stitching, and the dashboard was equipped with round analog and digital gauges. While the vertical air vents framed the instrument cluster, the lone off-centre vent seemed like an afterthought. Despite this, the interior was well-received for its comfort and style, with the option of terracotta upholstery on higher trims. Overall, the CX-50 was a good-looking compact crossover, both inside and out.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, offered a different aesthetic. Our test model, the mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package, featured body-coloured door handles and mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black badging. The exterior was completed with 18-inch wheels in a "Foreshadow" finish. The split grille was flanked by standard LED headlamps, and the LED tail lamps spanned the rear width. While minivans may lack the cool factor of SUVs, the Pacifica Hybrid was a practical choice, offering sliding doors and ample cargo space.

Inside, the Limited trim's interior was dark but sophisticated, with Nappa leather seats and a dash featuring sweeping lines. The chunky HVAC and audio knobs were appreciated, though they were easily confused with the transmission selector dial due to their proximity. The interior was comfortable, with the driver's seat being easily adjustable and the centre armrest providing a soft resting place. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the centre pathway allowed easy access to the spacious third row. However, taller passengers might find more legroom in competitors like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was practical and comfortable, though it lacked some features available in the non-hybrid model due to the battery placement.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The base GT model featured a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. It delivered fuel consumption figures of 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. For those seeking more power, the GT Turbo trim offered a turbocharged version of the same engine, producing between 227 hp and 256 hp depending on the fuel used. Torque ranged from 310 lb-ft on 87-octane gas to 320 lb-ft on 93-octane. The turbo model's fuel economy was slightly higher, at 10.4 L/100 km city, 8.1 highway, and 9.4 combined. The CX-50 Turbo provided smooth acceleration and a firm ride, with a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. Its off-road capabilities were commendable, though it lacked a downhill assist control system.

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 an all-electric range of 51 km and a total range of 784 km, with a fuel economy of 2.9 L/100 km equivalent and 8.0 L/100 km combined. In testing, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these figures, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km total range. Charging the battery took two hours on a Level 2 charger, while a standard outlet required 14 hours. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on the highway. The hybrid model was front-wheel drive only and lacked a towing package, but it offered a smooth driving experience with 260 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque. The CVT operated seamlessly, and the lower centre of gravity improved handling.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 GT Turbo was equipped for winter with heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors. Ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control provided comfort in warmer weather. The driver's seat and front passenger seat were comfortable for long drives, though more side bolstering would have been beneficial. The back seat was spacious, with rear air vents and charging ports. The rear doors opened wide for easy access. Cargo space was adequate, with 889 litres behind the rear seats and 1,595 litres with the seats folded. The load floor was long but narrow, with side bins and hooks for securing items.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a family-friendly interior with the available FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The front seats were heated and cooled, with a heated steering wheel. The driver's seat was comfortable and adjustable, and the centre armrest was soft. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the centre pathway allowed access to the spacious third row. Cargo space was 914 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the seats folded, and 3,978 litres with all seats down. However, the hybrid model lacked the Stow 'n Go seats and built-in vacuum cleaner available in the non-hybrid version.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While Mazda historically avoided touchscreens, the CX-50 allowed touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's interface was sometimes frustrating, with centre console buttons, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. An Active Driving Display projected data within the driver's line of sight, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its ease of use and crisp graphics. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with apps, games, and streaming capabilities. The Pacifica Hybrid featured numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained charged.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to headlight configurations and night-time pedestrian collision avoidance. The NHTSA had not rated it at the time of writing. The CX-50 included a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, with features like active blind-spot monitoring, Traffic Jam Assist, and a surround-view camera system. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in.

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 provided both visual and audible alerts. The adaptive cruise control was smooth and responsive. Additional features like parallel parking assist required a package or the top Hybrid Pinnacle trim. The 2022 Pacifica received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, and the IIHS gave it Good marks, with some exceptions.