2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe, with its Selenite Gray paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, presented a balanced aesthetic that was neither overly aggressive nor understated. Its design, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker, was complemented by polished brightwork, giving it a refined yet sporty appearance. Inside, the GLE 53 Coupe offered a luxurious experience with high-end materials like Nappa premium leather and brushed aluminum trim. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment system added a modern touch, though the lack of traditional controls required some acclimatization for new users.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered practicality and efficiency. Its design, while not groundbreaking, was functional, especially with the S Appearance Package. The interior, featuring black Nappa leather, provided a comfortable environment, though it lacked the contemporary edge seen in some competitors. The Pacifica Hybrid's focus was on utility, with ample space and features like a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system, making it a practical choice for families despite its higher price point.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine, delivering 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. The EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhanced performance and fuel efficiency, achieving a fuel consumption of 12.7 L/100 km. The GLE 53 Coupe featured a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, offering various driving modes like Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. Its adaptive damping control air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control suspension provided a balanced ride, though the 22-inch wheels and sporty tuning were less forgiving on rough surfaces. The GLE Coupe excelled in urban settings with its nimble handling and tight turning radius, while its performance-oriented features shone on challenging roads.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing 260 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid system allowed for an electric-only range of 51 kilometres, ideal for short commutes and errands. The Pacifica Hybrid's regenerative braking system contributed to an average fuel economy of 6.3 L/100 km. While the Pacifica Hybrid lacked the driving excitement of the GLE, its powertrain seamlessly transitioned between electric and gasoline modes, offering a smooth and efficient driving experience. However, its steering and braking were less engaging, and the ride quality could feel unnatural due to the low-mounted battery weight.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe accommodated up to five passengers, though it was best suited for four adults. The front seats offered numerous adjustments, including heating, ventilation, and massage functions, ensuring comfort on long journeys. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo area offered 655 litres of space, expandable to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. Despite its coupe design, the GLE Coupe maintained practicality with features like heated rear seats and a four-zone climate control system.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, with three rows of seating and a spacious interior. The Pacifica Hybrid Limited featured triple-zone climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage solutions were abundant, with various compartments and a large cargo area. The second-row seats offered comfort and adjustability, though they required removal for maximum cargo space. The third-row seats were comfortable for adults, and the Pacifica Hybrid provided 914 litres of cargo space, expandable to 3,978 litres with the seats removed.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens, offering navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included a head-up display and a Burmester surround-sound system. The MBUX Interior Assistant and augmented video navigation were available, though the touchpad on the centre console could be inadvertently activated.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen with customizable user profiles. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the FamCam system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The Harman Kardon sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The Pacifica Hybrid offered Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat entertainment, though personal devices were often preferred by passengers. The surround-view camera system and parking assist features enhanced convenience, though the latter was less effective than traditional driving skills.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Intelligent Drive Package added 13 driver-assist systems, enhancing safety and collision avoidance. The Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist systems were particularly noteworthy. While crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. While adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist was unavailable, the Pacifica Hybrid offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. The adaptive cruise control required refinement, as it was slow to resume speed and overly cautious in traffic. The Pacifica Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.