2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 presented a refreshed exterior with new LED headlights and taillights, which offered more distinctive illumination. This change aimed to address the issue of drivers inadvertently driving without their regular lights on. The model also featured updated bumpers, a revised grille, a redesigned rear liftgate, and new alloy wheel designs. The top-tier Signature trim received body-colour lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda's aspiration to be seen as a premium brand. Inside, the CX-5 maintained its luxurious feel, especially in the Signature trim, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort, and the driving position was sportier, offering a more natural relationship to the steering wheel and controls.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, showcased a sleek design with the S Appearance Package on the Limited trim. This package added body-coloured door handles and mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black badging, complemented by 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The minivan's practicality was evident with its sliding doors and ample cargo space, making it a sensible choice over an SUV. The interior, though predominantly black in the Limited trim, featured handsome Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. The controls were user-friendly, though the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a base Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a revised six-speed automatic transmission for enhanced responsiveness, and all models featured standard all-wheel drive. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, or 9.0 L/100 km with cylinder deactivation. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged engine option delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The turbo engine also featured the revised transmission and standard AWD, with a fuel consumption rating of 9.8 L/100 km in combined driving. The CX-5's driving dynamics were improved with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, offering a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride.

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. Official ratings from Natural Resources Canada included 51 kilometres of all-electric range, 784 kilometres of total range, and a fuel economy of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. In testing, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these figures, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. The van's electric power delivery defaulted to all-electric mode first, which was efficient for city driving but less so for highway commutes. The Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only, with a total output of 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, providing adequate performance for highway passing. The continuously variable transmission operated smoothly, and the vehicle's handling benefited from a lower centre of gravity due to the battery placement.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and seating with new, more supportive seats and a sportier driving position. The interior featured leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The back seat remained snug, but heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout, however, was a source of frustration due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system. Cargo space was adequate, with 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded, comparing favourably to entry-level luxury SUVs but less so against mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered family-friendly features like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The interior included heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and comfortable seating throughout, though taller passengers might find the second-row seats low. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was slightly reduced due to the battery placement, with 914 litres behind the third row and 3,978 litres with all seats folded. However, it lacked the Stow 'n Go seats and built-in vacuum cleaner available in the standard Pacifica.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display and Bluetooth, but it lacked a touchscreen interface and natural voice recognition. Users had to rely on centre console and steering wheel controls, which required acclimation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a two-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. The optional Bose premium sound system provided satisfactory audio quality, and SiriusXM satellite radio was available on higher trims.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system was praised for its ease of use and crisp graphics. An optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, though its value was questionable given the prevalence of personal devices. The Pacifica Hybrid included numerous charging options, including USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features like parallel parking assist required higher trims or packages. The 2022 Pacifica received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, and the 2023 model was expected to perform similarly.