2024 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 overly flashy. 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 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid shared its sleek styling with the non-hybrid Pacifica, maintaining a contemporary look despite its long tenure in the market. The exterior was clean and streamlined, with a rounded front fascia and integrated elliptical headlights. The Pacifica Hybrid was available in Select and Pinnacle trims, featuring all-LED exterior lighting and a choice of 17 or 18-inch wheels. The Pinnacle trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and small pillows for the second-row seats, though some premium elements clashed with lower-level model components. Overall, the Pacifica Hybrid maintained a refined appearance, with a focus on practicality and comfort.

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 utilized a lithium-ion battery pack to power a 13-volt starter generator, aiding in functions like climate control and ignition. While it didn't offer the same fuel economy as full hybrids, the XC90's mild-hybrid system provided a nearly imperceptible auto stop-start feature. The XC90 delivered a reserved yet enjoyable driving experience, with quick acceleration and a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. Its handling was commendable, with minimal body roll despite its size, and the brakes inspired confidence with a solid pedal feel.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a two-motor hybrid system and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This setup provided 260 horsepower, slightly less than the non-hybrid model, but the electric motor torque compensated for the power deficit. The Pacifica Hybrid offered front-wheel drive only and was not recommended for towing. The electric assistance allowed for quiet operation and quick acceleration, with a smooth transition from electric to hybrid mode. The regenerative braking system, while not offering one-pedal driving, contributed to a comfortable and quiet ride, making it easy to converse with passengers.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a peaceful and pleasant front-seat experience, though its Scandinavian minimalism led to some storage frustrations. The lack of dedicated space for smaller items, such as cell phones, was notable, and the USB port placement in the small centre console bin was less than ideal. While the second row was comfortable and spacious, accessing the third row was challenging, especially with the standard seven-passenger seating configuration. The XC90 provided 356 litres of cargo space with the third row in place, expanding to 1,183 litres with the seats folded, and maxing out at 1,856 litres. Despite its smaller size compared to typical three-row SUVs, the XC90 offered a driving experience akin to a smaller vehicle.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in interior space and accessibility, thanks to its minivan design. The low step-in height and sliding doors made rear-seat access easy, and the interior dimensions compared favourably to other minivans. While the Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow ‘n Go second-row seats due to the battery pack, it still offered ample cargo space: 911 litres behind the third row, 2,477 litres behind the second row, and 3,978 litres behind the first row. The Pinnacle trim featured an Ultra Console with additional storage, though its design was somewhat awkward. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered the Stow ‘n Vac built-in vacuum cleaner, a practical feature for a family vehicle.

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’s Android Auto, Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant, with Apple CarPlay compatibility. The natural-language recognition was a standout feature, allowing for seamless interaction. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions, such as adjusting the driver’s seat or activating the heated steering wheel, could be frustrating. While the minimalist design was appealing, more physical buttons would have been appreciated. Keyless entry was standard, with an optional head-up display.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM with 360L. Built-in navigation and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system were available. The system remained user-friendly and up-to-date, though the lack of a fully digital instrument cluster was a minor drawback. The Pacifica Hybrid offered up to 12 USB-C ports, an optional FamCam rear-facing camera, and the Uconnect Theatre rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV connectivity. However, it lacked a rear-seat intercom system.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS in 2022. It came standard with advanced driver safety tech, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Volvo’s Pilot Assist technology further enhanced safety by maintaining distance from the car ahead and assisting with lane-keeping.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a five-star side crash-test rating and four-star frontal and rollover ratings. It shared safety features with the non-hybrid Pacifica, including blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Pinnacle models added a 360-degree camera system and park assist. A new Emergency Vehicle Alert System provided warnings about nearby emergency vehicles or road hazards.