2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a notable makeover, extending its length by 4 centimetres compared to the 2021 model. The updated design featured a revised grille, enhanced LED lighting, and new character lines, giving it a more sophisticated appearance. The sporty N Line and Kona N trims introduced unique styling elements, such as body-colour cladding and rocker panels, which added to the vehicle's athletic look. Inside, the Kona's interior was redesigned to emphasize a more horizontal layout, creating a wider and more spacious feel. The N Line trim offered exclusive black seats with red stitching, a black headliner, and alloy sport pedals, enhancing the sporty vibe.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited with the S Appearance Package presented a more practical and family-oriented design. The exterior featured body-coloured door handles, gloss black accents, and 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The split grille was flanked by LED headlamps, and the LED tail lamps spanned the rear width. While minivans lacked the cool factor of SUVs, the Pacifica Hybrid offered practicality with sliding doors and ample cargo space. The interior was dark but sophisticated, with Nappa leather seats and a few sweeping lines on the dash. The HVAC and audio knobs were chunky, though their proximity to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a range of powertrains, catering to different performance preferences. The Essential and Preferred trims featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The N Line trim boasted a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque through a seven-speed DCT. The high-performance Kona N was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, producing 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT. The Kona N also featured exclusive driving modes and performance enhancements, such as launch control and an electronic limited-slip differential.

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 experience. 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 testing, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these figures, achieving 53 kilometres of electric range and 885 kilometres of total range. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode before switching to hybrid operation, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The Pacifica Hybrid delivered 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, with a smooth CVT and light steering.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, despite its compact size, offered ample front-seat comfort with generous headroom and legroom. The N Line's front seats provided excellent support during spirited driving. However, rear-seat occupants faced challenges, with small door openings and limited head- and legroom. Cargo space was tight, with 544 litres available with all seats up, expanding to 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded. Towing was not recommended for the Kona.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in interior space and versatility. It featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor rear-seat occupants. The front seats were heated and cooled, with a comfortable driver's seat and adjustable armrest. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, while the third row offered ample space for adults. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was impressive, with 914 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the seats folded. However, the plug-in hybrid lacked Stow 'n Go seats and a built-in vacuum cleaner.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona introduced more tech features for 2022. The base Essential trim featured an 8-inch display with Bluetooth connectivity, while the Preferred trim added SiriusXM and Hyundai BlueLink. The Kona N and N Line with the Ultimate Package offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard with the base screen, while the larger screen required wired connections. The Kona's infotainment system was user-friendly, with easy smartphone connectivity.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with apps and games for long trips. The Pacifica Hybrid featured numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained charged throughout the journey.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning. Available technologies included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Kona received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in all IIHS crashworthiness tests. However, it did not achieve Top Safety Pick status due to "Marginal" ratings for child-seat anchors.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided both visual and audible alerts. The Pacifica Hybrid had not been rated by the NHTSA for 2023, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall safety rating. The IIHS awarded it "Good" marks, except for "Marginal" grades for seat belt reminders and "Average" grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.