2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, moving away from the traditional design that many associated with childhood road trips. Toyota's efforts were evident in the Sienna's front-end styling, which drew inspiration from a Japanese bullet train, and the availability of larger wheels on certain trims. The Sienna offered a variety of trim levels, including the base LE, XLE, sporty XSE, and the luxurious Limited, with a special 25th Anniversary Edition also available. Inside, the Sienna impressed with its high-quality materials and thoughtful design, providing seating for seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim. The interior was both functional and stylish, with features like power-sliding doors and a power liftgate, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, offered a sleek and modern design with the S Appearance Package adding a touch of sophistication. The exterior featured body-coloured door handles, gloss black accents, and 18-inch wheels. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was comfortable, with Nappa leather seats and a well-designed dashboard. However, the Limited trim's interior was predominantly dark, with the option for a lighter interior only available on the top trim. The Pacifica Hybrid's practicality was evident in its sliding doors and ample cargo space, making it a sensible choice for families seeking a minivan with a touch of elegance.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two front-mounted electric motors, and an additional rear-mounted motor for AWD models. This setup delivered a combined 245 horsepower, which was somewhat underwhelming compared to its competitors. The Sienna's CVT was not the most refined, and its acceleration left something to be desired. However, the Sienna excelled in handling, with a nimble chassis and light steering, making it easy to maneuver in urban settings. The Sienna offered various drive modes, but the Normal mode was recommended for the best balance of performance and efficiency.

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 boasted an all-electric range of 51 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with a fuel economy rating of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. In real-world testing, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these figures, achieving 53 kilometres of electric range and 885 kilometres of total range. The Pacifica Hybrid's power delivery was smooth, with 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, but it lacked the option for AWD and a towing package. The CVT operated quietly, and the vehicle's low centre of gravity contributed to better handling than expected for a minivan.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage, with numerous cubbies, shelves, and bins. It featured a large open cubby below the centre console and a long shelf across the dashboard, perfect for storing personal items. The Sienna's dimensions, at 5,175 millimetres in length and a 3,061-millimetre wheelbase, provided ample space for passengers and cargo. It offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,129 litres with the seats folded, and a total of 2,860 litres. However, the middle row could not be removed or folded into the floor, limiting maximum cargo capacity. The second-row captain's chairs were highly functional, with extending ottomans and adjustable tracks for added comfort.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the innovative FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the rear seats. The interior offered heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and comfortable second-row seats, although taller passengers might find them a bit low. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was slightly reduced due to the battery placement, with 914 litres behind the third row and 2,477 litres with the seats folded, totalling 3,978 litres. The absence of Stow 'n Go seats in the hybrid model limited its versatility compared to the standard Pacifica. Additionally, features like the built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats were not available in the hybrid version.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured an older infotainment system, lacking the latest technology found in other Toyota models. It included a 9-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although both required a wired connection. The system had physical buttons, which were practical but the interface felt outdated and clunky. Despite these drawbacks, the Sienna's technology was reliable, and the 12-speaker JBL audio system provided good sound quality.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its user-friendly interface and crisp graphics. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, but its high cost made it less appealing given the prevalence of personal devices. The Pacifica Hybrid featured numerous charging options, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained powered throughout the journey.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, highlighting its commitment to safety. While it lacked some of the more novel features found in competitors, the Sienna's safety technology was robust and reliable.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a wide range of standard safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was particularly effective, providing both visual and audible alerts. However, some features, like parking assist, required additional packages or the top trim. The 2022 Pacifica Hybrid received a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, and the 2023 model was expected to perform similarly, with Good ratings from the IIHS, except for a few areas where it received lower marks.