Chrysler Pacifica vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica maintained its contemporary appeal despite not undergoing frequent redesigns. Its smooth exterior styling, with a modest grille, offered a refreshing alternative to the flashier designs of competitors like the Toyota Sienna. Chrysler's decision to avoid dressing up the Pacifica as an SUV, unlike the Kia Carnival, resulted in a clean look, further enhanced by hidden sliding-door tracks. Available in various trims, including the base Touring and the luxurious Pinnacle, the Pacifica featured standard LED lighting and a range of wheel options. The interior boasted a minimalist dashboard with well-integrated controls, although some elements, like the rotary shifter, were easily mistaken for other controls.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, part of the third generation, continued to evolve with subtle yet effective design improvements. The most noticeable update was the frameless grille with a curved wing bar, creating a visual connection with the headlights. The aerodynamic air inlets and outlets around the wheel arches improved fuel efficiency and reduced road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid balanced rugged utility with refined comfort, featuring consistent material quality and thoughtful design. The Canadian model came with black leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof, creating an airy atmosphere. Chrome-trimmed power window switches added an upscale touch, while the "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats reminded occupants of the vehicle's electrified powertrain.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on select trims. The V6 engine, known as the Pentastar, provided peppy acceleration and a towing capacity of 1,632 kilograms. The chassis tuning prioritized comfort and stability, making it a quiet and refined choice compared to rivals. However, some weight transfer was noticeable during acceleration and deceleration.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre engine paired with an 118 hp traction motor, resulting in a total system output of 194 hp. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with smoother acceleration than the gas-only version. The hybrid powertrain utilized two motor-generators for engine start/stop functions and regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. Subaru's AWD system, combined with the X-Mode traction management system, provided capable performance on variable terrain, although the steering remained light and somewhat disconnected.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica offered the innovative Stow ‘n Go seating, allowing second-row seats to fold flat into the floor, creating large storage bins. The standard configuration included seven seats, with a power-folding third-row seat available on Pinnacle models. The Pacifica provided ample passenger space, with competitive headroom and legroom across all rows. Cargo space was generous, with 914 litres available with all seats in place, expanding to 3,978 litres with the second and third rows folded. The Stow ‘n Vac built-in vacuum cleaner was a convenient feature, although the centre console storage was less accessible.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon previous iterations by offering more horsepower and cargo space. With a 527-litre cargo volume behind the rear seats and a total capacity of 1,433 litres, it provided practical storage without compromising on fuel efficiency. The Crosstrek Hybrid retained a large 63-litre fuel tank, allowing for extended driving ranges. Rear-seat space was generous, with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, but the inclusion of a wireless charging pad and deep door pockets added convenience.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system was intuitive and sharp, although a shortcut for the 360-degree camera system would have been appreciated. The Uconnect Theatre system provided rear-seat entertainment with dual touchscreens, wireless headphones, and Amazon Fire TV connectivity. The FamCam allowed parents to monitor rear-seat occupants, although an intercom system was absent.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the infotainment system lagged behind competitors. The software was slow, and many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing an alternative to the Starlink software. The Crosstrek Hybrid included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, although the navigation map was limited to the touchscreen.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard features like blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, it missed the highest IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award due to low scores in certain crash tests and middling ratings for headlights and front crash prevention tech.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, but the NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Subaru's EyeSight ADAS suite was standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. The Crosstrek Hybrid also featured a surround-view camera and the DriverFocus distraction mitigation system.