2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Honda Passport bore a striking resemblance to the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, especially from the front doors forward. This similarity was due to the shared vehicle platform with the Ridgeline, Odyssey minivan, and Pilot SUV. The Passport was essentially a shorter version of the Pilot, minus the third-row seating, and featured distinct styling. Honda's design updates aimed to give the Passport a more rugged appearance, particularly with the new TrailSport trim, which was intended to appeal to off-road enthusiasts. Despite its off-road-inspired looks, the TrailSport was more about aesthetics than actual capability, although it did offer some off-pavement prowess with its ground clearance and traction management modes.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid presented a more practical and family-oriented design. Available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, the Pacifica Hybrid Limited with the S Appearance Package added a touch of style with body-coloured door handles, gloss black accents, and 18-inch wheels. The minivan's split grille and LED lighting gave it a modern look, while the interior offered a sophisticated feel with Nappa leather seats and a well-designed dashboard. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was dark unless upgraded to the top trim, but it provided ample space and comfort for passengers, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The V6 engine was smooth and responsive, offering a satisfying driving experience. The Passport's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the TrailSport trim achieving an average of 11.0 L/100 km. The i-VTM4 AWD system provided mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing the SUV's handling on twisty roads. However, the Passport's brakes could become less confidence-inspiring on mountain descents, and its off-road capabilities were limited compared to more rugged SUVs.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering a unique plug-in hybrid option in the minivan segment. It provided 51 kilometres of all-electric range 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 estimates, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. The Pacifica Hybrid's power delivery was smooth, but its electric mode was depleted quickly on highways. The minivan was front-wheel drive only and lacked a towing package, but it offered a comfortable and efficient driving experience with 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque.

The 2022 Honda Passport offered easy access with large doors and a low step-in height. Inside, it featured spacious and comfortable seating, with leather upholstery and heated front seats as standard. The TrailSport trim added heated rear seats, while the Touring trim included ventilated front seats. The Passport's interior was roomy, with ample storage options and a generous cargo space of 1,430 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,854 litres with the seats folded down. The SUV's utility and comfort made it a practical choice for daily use and road trips.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid catered to families with features like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The minivan offered heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and comfortable second-row seating. However, the second-row seats were not available with the Stow 'n Go feature due to the battery placement. Cargo space was substantial, with 914 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 3,978 litres. Despite some limitations, the Pacifica Hybrid provided a spacious and versatile interior for families.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The TrailSport trim added satellite radio, while the Touring trim featured a navigation system and a premium audio system. The system was functional but lacked advanced features, and the navigation system was clunky compared to using Apple CarPlay. Wireless smartphone charging was standard on all but the base trim, offering convenience for tech-savvy users.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a 10.1-inch touchscreen with 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, offering apps and games for long trips. The Pacifica Hybrid also featured multiple USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging, ensuring devices stayed powered throughout the journey.

The 2022 Honda Passport came equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. However, some features, like lane-departure warning and lane-centring assist, were less refined and could be intrusive. The Passport received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it top ratings, with an Acceptable rating for front-passenger protection in a small overlap collision.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a comprehensive set of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was effective, providing both visual and audible alerts. The adaptive cruise control was smooth and responsive. The 2022 Pacifica received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, and the IIHS gave it Good marks, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.