2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's past design ethos, which was often likened to utilitarian appliances. The XC90 presented a purposeful yet understated aesthetic, with a stout front end and an assertive grille that avoided being ostentatious. Its signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, distinguishing it from the boxy Volvos of the past. The vehicle's rectilinear dimensions were complemented by 21-inch wheels, adding a touch of drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior design was enhanced by wood deco inlays, creating a serene and sophisticated cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, particularly in the Limited trim with the S Appearance Package, offered a more practical and family-oriented design. The exterior featured body-coloured accents and black badging, with 18-inch wheels adding a touch of style. The split grille and LED headlamps provided a modern look, while the minivan's sliding doors and ample cargo space underscored its practicality. Inside, the Pacifica Hybrid's interior was dark but sophisticated, with Nappa leather seats and a few sweeping lines on the dash. The vehicle's layout was designed for family convenience, with features like the FamCam interior camera and a spacious third row, although the plug-in hybrid model sacrificed some versatility due to the battery placement.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain that replaced the older T5 and T6 engines. This new setup offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than its predecessor but with improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The mild-hybrid system used a lithium-ion battery to power a 13-volt starter generator, enhancing the vehicle's auto stop-start technology. The XC90 delivered a refined driving experience, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its size, the XC90 handled corners well, and its brakes provided a confident pedal feel. However, the vehicle lacked extensive customizable driving dynamics, focusing instead on simplicity and ease of use.

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, providing an all-electric range of 51 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. In testing, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these figures, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. The vehicle's CVT operated smoothly, and the steering was light but suitable for a minivan. However, the Pacifica Hybrid defaulted to all-electric mode first, which could be less efficient for highway commutes. Additionally, the hybrid model was limited to front-wheel drive and lacked some features available on the gasoline-only Pacifica.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a serene and elegant front cabin, but its Scandinavian minimalism led to limited storage space for smaller items. The second row was comfortable but adjusting the seats was challenging, and accessing the third row was difficult with the standard seven-passenger seating. Cargo space was decent, with 356 litres behind the third row and up to 1,856 litres with all seats folded, but it fell short compared to some competitors. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a more compact vehicle, offering a pleasant driving experience.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in family-friendly features, with the FamCam interior camera and comfortable seating for all passengers. The second-row seats were low but comfortable, and the third row offered enough space for adults on longer trips. However, the plug-in hybrid model lacked the Stow 'n Go seats due to battery placement, reducing its versatility. Cargo space remained generous, with 914 litres behind the third row and up to 3,978 litres with all seats folded. Despite some limitations, the Pacifica Hybrid provided ample room for families and their gear.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, the first of its kind as a standard system. It integrated Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant, offering excellent natural-language recognition. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating, and more physical controls would have been appreciated. Keyless entry was standard, with a head-up display available as an option.

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 supported 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, but its high cost was questionable given the prevalence of personal devices. The Pacifica Hybrid offered numerous charging options, ensuring devices remained powered throughout the journey.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. These technologies supported Volvo's Pilot Assist, providing a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a robust array of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was particularly effective, providing clear alerts. However, some features, such as parking assist, required additional packages or the top trim. The 2022 model received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, and the 2023 model was expected to perform similarly.