2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling updates, enhancing its sporty appeal with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a redesigned rear bumper that concealed the tailpipes. The front grille was reworked to house sensors for driver-assist systems behind the heated Volvo logo, ensuring functionality in cold weather. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC60 shared its foundation with other Volvo models like the XC90 and S90. Inside, the XC60 retained its clean design, with a new digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented touchscreen. While the interior was generally subdued, the B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan image, offered practicality with its plug-in hybrid drivetrain. It combined a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, providing 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes. The interior featured black Nappa leather and a flowing design, though it appeared dated compared to more modern motifs. The Pacifica Hybrid's pricing started at $55,995, with the Limited trim costing $58,995. Despite its higher cost, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a unique combination of efficiency and utility, with a spacious interior and advanced features like the Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 versions. Both powertrains featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter generator, adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 powertrain also included an electric supercharger. The B5 delivered 258 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission and came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The XC60's acceleration times were slightly slower than the 2021 model, with the B5 reaching 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, achieving 60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 horsepower and 494 pound-feet, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system. It produced 260 horsepower, with immediate torque from the electric drive system. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, making it suitable for short commutes. The regenerative braking system captured energy to recharge the battery, resulting in an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain seamlessly switched between electric and gasoline modes, providing a smooth driving experience. However, the driving dynamics were unremarkable, with light steering, uncommunicative brakes, and limited cornering grip. Despite its dull driving experience, the Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain impressed with its efficiency and practicality.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,410 litres with them folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity, with 597 litres with the seats up and 1,396 litres with them down. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. It featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were abundant, with extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin behind the centre console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go chairs, though they required removal for maximum cargo space. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, with cupholders, USB ports, and window shades. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third-row seats folded. Removing the second-row seats increased cargo capacity to 3,978 litres.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system. It included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The system featured Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. Over-the-air software updates were also enabled. The system was compatible with iPhones, though Android users benefited from additional functionality. The digital instrument cluster could display a map or a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and quick response times. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and Amazon Fire TV for the rear-seat entertainment system. The surround-view camera system and parking assist features were useful, though the adaptive cruise control required refinement.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2021 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. An optional driver assistance system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety features than any other vehicle in the industry. It included a rear-seat reminder system to prevent leaving children or pets inside. The Pacifica Hybrid had a comprehensive package of driver-assist and collision-avoidance features, though it lacked adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist. The adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist required refinement. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.