2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a unique offering in the minivan segment, standing out as a plug-in hybrid with three rows of seating. Despite its minivan label, which some might find less appealing compared to SUVs, it offered practical features like sliding side doors for easy access in tight spaces. The Pacifica Hybrid was not designed to hide its minivan identity, unlike some competitors, and its styling, while not cutting-edge, was functional. The interior, with its black Nappa leather, provided a sense of quality, though the overall design felt somewhat dated compared to more modern, angular motifs. The Pacifica Hybrid was priced on the higher side, with the Limited trim reaching $64,960, but federal and provincial EV rebates helped make it more affordable.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling update, shedding some of its previous quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The new design featured a lowered beltline and cleaner lines, contributing to a sleeker look. The HR-V's interior was thoughtfully designed, with the EX-L trim offering perforated leather seats and a premium feel. Despite the fastback design, visibility remained good, and the cabin was comfortable, though the eight-way power driver's seat was unavailable in Canada due to supply shortages. The HR-V's interior followed the trend of refinement seen in the 2022 Civic, with quality materials and a well-designed centre console.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total of 260 horsepower. The electric drive system provided immediate torque, ensuring the Pacifica never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded. It could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless. The Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres, outperforming its main rival, the Toyota Sienna, in terms of efficiency. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous model. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) included a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. The HR-V offered multiple drive modes, including Normal, Snow, ECON, and Sport, to suit different driving conditions. While the HR-V was fun to drive on mountain roads, it was not overpowered, and the cabin was quieter than before, though still noisy at higher speeds. The HR-V's suspension and widened tracks contributed to its enjoyable driving dynamics, but it lacked the powertrain options available in some competitors.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. It featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were plentiful, with extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin behind the centre console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, though they required removal to maximize cargo space. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, and the Pacifica Hybrid provided 914 litres of cargo space behind it, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third-row seats folded and 3,978 litres with the second-row seats removed.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, as a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a centre console featuring a shelf for storage. The HR-V's cargo space measured 691 litres with the rear seats up and 1,559 litres with them folded, slightly smaller than the previous model. The 60/40 split rear seats created a nearly flat floor when folded, and the HR-V's passenger volume varied slightly between trims. While rear-seat legroom decreased, front-row passengers enjoyed improved legroom. The HR-V's interior was comfortable and well-designed, though not as spacious as larger SUVs.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, offering appealing graphics and a user-friendly interface. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM satellite radio. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, though its default settings required adjustment for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but not essential if passengers had their own devices. The surround-view camera system and parking assist were useful features, though the latter was not a substitute for driving skills.

The 2023 Honda HR-V's infotainment system featured a tablet-style touchscreen with physical knobs for power and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, with wireless versions available on the EX-L trim. The EX-L also offered a 9-inch infotainment display with Smart Shortcuts and a wireless charging pad. The HR-V included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a 7-inch colour touchscreen display, with an eight-speaker audio system on the EX-L trim. The HR-V's technology offerings were comprehensive and user-friendly, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, though the adaptive cruise control required refinement. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and automatic high-beams. The HR-V's safety features were effective and unobtrusive, providing peace of mind. The HR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, though the NHTSA had not yet rated it.