2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited, especially with the S Appearance Package, presented a sleek and modern aesthetic. It featured body-coloured door handles and mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black accents, all complemented by 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The split grille and LED headlamps added to its contemporary look, while the LED tail lamps spanned the rear, enhancing visibility. Inside, the Limited trim offered a dark but sophisticated interior with Nappa leather seats and a well-designed dash. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2024 Acura MDX impressed with its refined and modern design, highlighted by a large shield grille, rakish headlights, and a distinctive lower bumper. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but somewhat cluttered with numerous controls. The MDX was available in several trims, including the sporty A-Spec and the luxurious Type S Ultra. Standard features included tri-zone climate control, a panoramic moonroof, and heated seats. The Type S Ultra trim added premium touches like a 25-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, offering a luxurious driving experience. Despite its busy interior, the MDX's cabin was comfortable and well-appointed.

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 51 km of all-electric range and a total range of 784 km, with a fuel economy of 2.9 L/100 km equivalent. In testing, it exceeded these figures, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km total. The Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only, with 260 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate power for highway driving. However, it lacked the option for all-wheel drive and a towing package, which were available on non-hybrid models.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The Type S Ultra trim boasted a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's SH-AWD system. The MDX Type S Ultra offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with adaptive air suspension and Brembo brakes enhancing performance. It could tow up to 2,268 kg when properly equipped, making it a versatile choice for those needing power and capability.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a family-friendly interior with features like the FamCam interior camera, heated and cooled front seats, and a spacious third row. However, the second-row Stow 'n Go seats were unavailable due to the battery placement, reducing versatility. Cargo space was generous, with 914 litres behind the third row, expanding to 3,978 litres with all seats folded. Despite this, competitors like the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey offered more overall space.

The 2024 Acura MDX provided three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive. The third row was smaller, best suited for children. Cargo space was 512 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,690 litres with all seats folded. The MDX included a hands-free power liftgate and additional storage under the cargo floor. The centre console offered ample storage, but the centre stack of controls was cluttered, with a touchpad shifter that took some getting used to.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, though it was an expensive addition. The Pacifica Hybrid featured numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging, ensuring devices stayed powered.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a clumsy touchpad interface controlling the 12.3-inch display. Despite this, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX included multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless charging. The clever placement of charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad were thoughtful touches, but the overall system was unintuitive.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with a range of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, features like parallel parking assist required additional packages. The 2022 model received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and Good marks from IIHS, except for some areas like seat belt reminders and headlights.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. The 2022 MDX received a five-star rating from NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, with Superior crash-prevention technology. However, the infotainment system's distraction potential was a concern.