2022 Kia Sportage vs 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Kia Sportage presented a mixed bag in terms of design. While Kia's signature tiger-nose grille worked well on other models, it seemed out of place on the Sportage, resembling a Halloween party mustache. Despite this, the Sportage excelled in other design aspects, with its four-dot running lights reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and a rear design echoing Volkswagen's symmetry. The SX trim's 19-inch alloy wheels added to its stylish and planted stance. Inside, the Sportage adopted a Germanic design with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and straightforward instrumentation. The interior was user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy control of the stereo, cabin temperature, and infotainment system, contributing to an upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited with the S Appearance Package offered a more cohesive design. The minivan featured body-coloured door handles, gloss black grille surrounds, and black accents, complemented by 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 SUV's cool factor, the Pacifica Hybrid was a practical choice with sliding doors and ample cargo space. The interior, though predominantly black, was sophisticated with Nappa leather seats and sweeping dash lines. The HVAC and audio knobs were chunky but could be confused with the transmission selector dial due to their proximity.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options. Most models came with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, forming a competitive yet unremarkable powertrain. The Sportage SX, however, boasted a more robust engine with 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it suitable for those living at higher elevations. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the Dynamax all-wheel-drive system was standard on all but the entry-level LX FWD. The Sportage SX delivered quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm, providing a spirited driving experience. The suspension system, featuring MacPherson struts and independent multi-link rear suspension, offered a smooth and compliant ride, though some body roll and lateral rocking were present. The Sportage felt athletic in turns, but the steering and tires could have been sharper.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, making it the only plug-in hybrid minivan available. It offered an official all-electric range of 51 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with a fuel economy of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. In practice, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these figures, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. Charging the battery on a Level 2 home charger took just two hours, while a standard outlet required 14 hours. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode before switching to hybrid mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only and lacked a spare tire and towing package. Despite these limitations, it offered a pleasant driving experience with 260 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, though acceleration was not as brisk as the non-hybrid version. The CVT operated smoothly, and the lower centre of gravity improved handling.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though smaller on the compact crossover scale, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX trim provided comfort with perforated leather upholstery, contrast stitching, and piping. The driver's seat had ten-way power adjustment, while the front passenger enjoyed an eight-way power adjustment, both heated and ventilated. Rear passengers benefited from generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port, with heated seats on the SX grade. However, the maximum cargo volume was limited, with 1,703 litres available when the second-row seats were folded, falling short of competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The Sportage featured Kia's smart liftgate technology, allowing hands-free access by standing near the back for a few seconds.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered family-friendly features like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor second-row captain’s chairs and third-row seats. The interior included heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a comfortable driver's seat. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the centre pathway allowed easy access to the spacious third row. However, taller passengers might prefer the legroom in the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow ‘n Go seats due to the battery placement, reducing versatility. Cargo space remained at 914 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with seats folded, and 3,978 litres with everything down. However, competitors like the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey offered more space. The plug-in hybrid also missed out on features like the built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The SX trim added UVO Intelligence connected services, satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for stereo volume and radio tuning, and logical onscreen menus. However, the UVO Intelligence system lagged in technological sophistication, lacking a WiFi hotspot and offering wired smartphone mirroring.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, known for its ease of use and crisp graphics. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, with apps and games for long trips. However, the cost of this feature was hard to justify given the prevalence of personal devices. The Pacifica Hybrid provided ample charging options, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2022 Kia Sportage EX and SX grades included safety features like forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were also available. The SX trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favourable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX earning an Acceptable headlight rating for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered standard safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking assist, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was effective, providing visual and audible alerts. The adaptive cruise control system was smooth and responsive. However, features like parallel parking assistance and front and rear parking assist required additional packages or the top Hybrid Pinnacle trim. The 2023 Pacifica Hybrid had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 version received a five-star overall safety rating. The IIHS gave it Good marks, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.