2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited, with its S Appearance Package, presented a sleek and modern aesthetic. The package added body-coloured door handles and exterior mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black badging, all complemented by 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The minivan's split grille was flanked by standard LED headlamps, and the LED tail lamps spanned the rear width, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Limited trim featured a predominantly black interior with Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dashboard design. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5, despite minor updates, retained its appealing design from the second-generation model introduced in 2017. The new Suna trim, exclusive to the U.S., featured Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts. The CX-5's design, characterized by traditional Mazda styling cues, remained modern and attractive. The interior boasted high-quality materials, with leather standard on most trims and premium Nappa leather on the Signature trim. The cabin's design and quality elevated the CX-5 above many mass-market rivals, offering a near-luxury experience.

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 rating of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. However, real-world testing showed an improved electric range of 53 kilometres and a total range of 885 kilometres. The Pacifica Hybrid delivered 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, with a continuously variable transmission providing smooth operation. Despite its efficiency, the Pacifica Hybrid was limited to front-wheel drive and lacked a towing package.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo, when fueled with premium gas, delivered 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. On regular gas, it still offered 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The CX-5's powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach, allowing the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine to shine. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with a combined rating of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The CX-5's suspension and handling improvements, including G-Vectoring Control Plus, provided a smooth and responsive driving experience. The SUV's all-wheel drive and off-road capabilities added versatility, though its towing capacity was limited to 900 kilograms.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered family-friendly features like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The minivan's interior included heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and comfortable second-row captain's chairs. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's battery placement meant it lacked the Stow 'n Go seating system, reducing its versatility. Cargo space remained generous, with 914 litres behind the third row and up to 3,978 litres with all seats folded. Despite this, competitors like the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey offered more overall space.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 provided a comfortable and supportive interior, with standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The driver’s seat offered six-way power adjustment, while rear passengers enjoyed good support and rear air conditioning vents. The CX-5's interior, though smaller than some competitors, featured high-quality materials and a design that rivaled luxury brands. Cargo space was adequate, with 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the rear seats folded, though it fell short compared to other compact crossovers.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The 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 USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained powered.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 eschewed touchscreens in favour of traditional controls, though it allowed touchscreen operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.25-inch display was navigated using a console-mounted knob, with quick access buttons for key functions. Mazda Connected Services offered remote engine starting and other features, while a 10-speaker Bose sound system enhanced the audio experience in higher trims.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. While some features required additional packages, the Pacifica Hybrid's safety systems performed well in testing. The 2022 model received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, though the 2023 model had not yet been rated.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 included advanced driving assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist as standard. Higher trims offered additional safety features, such as adaptive headlights and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5's safety systems were effective, with the adaptive headlights particularly praised. While the 2024 model had not received a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, it maintained a five-star rating from the NHTSA.