2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift that gave it a more aggressive appearance. It featured a redesigned front end with new LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark grey vertical cladding, simulating large air intakes. The addition of a jutting simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model further enhanced its bold look. While these changes might not appeal to everyone, opting for a dark paint colour could help tone down the design's excesses. The Outback Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the audacious cladding well. The Limited trim, with its Cosmic Blue paint and Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery, offered a cohesive and upscale interior. Despite some hard plastic elements, the interior maintained a quality feel, with thoughtful details like light grey contrast stitching and a well-designed dashboard. However, the large infotainment screen and gloss black trim were prone to collecting dust and smudges.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, offered a practical and sophisticated design. Our test model, the mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package, featured body-coloured door handles and mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black badging and accents. The 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish added to its sleek look. The Pacifica Hybrid's split grille was flanked by standard LED headlamps, and the LED tail lamps spanned the rear width. While minivans might lack the cool factor of SUVs, the Pacifica Hybrid's practicality shone through with its sliding doors and ample cargo space. The interior, though predominantly black, was sophisticated with Nappa leather seats and sweeping dash lines. The chunky HVAC and audio knobs were user-friendly, though their proximity to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was equipped with horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design, which helped lower the vehicle's centre of gravity and provided a distinctive grumble and vibration. The standard 2.5-litre engine produced 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. While the CVT made good use of this power at lower speeds, the Outback struggled with passing and climbing. It had a towing capacity of 1,225 kilograms. Fuel efficiency was below expectations, with a combined rating of 9.2 L/100 km, despite an official estimate of 8.3 L/100 km. The turbocharged XT models offered a more satisfying 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, though at the cost of fuel efficiency and a higher price. The Outback's AWD system and X-Mode traction system enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its suspension provided a firm yet comfortable ride. However, the standard engine's lack of power was a notable drawback.

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. It boasted an all-electric range of 51 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with a combined fuel economy of 8.0 L/100 km. In testing, it exceeded these figures, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. Charging the battery took two hours on a Level 2 charger. The Pacifica Hybrid defaulted to all-electric mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. It lacked AWD and a towing package, limiting its versatility. The 260 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque provided adequate highway passing power, though acceleration wasn't brisk. The CVT operated smoothly, and the vehicle's low centre of gravity improved handling.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack, flat door sill trim, and a dashboard storage shelf. The Limited trim offered a comfortable interior with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Nappa leather upholstery added a touch of luxury. The Outback's spacious cabin accommodated four adults comfortably, with ample legroom and storage options. Its cargo space measured 923 litres behind the rear seats and 2,141 litres with them folded down. The vehicle's high ground clearance made entry and exit easy, while the roof rack was ready for accessories. However, more practical storage space could be added by redesigning the centre console.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The Limited trim offered heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a comfortable driver's seat. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, while the third row provided ample space for adults. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was slightly reduced due to the battery placement, with 914 litres behind the third row and 2,477 litres with the seats folded. The absence of Stow 'n Go seats in the hybrid model limited its versatility. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a spacious and comfortable interior, though competitors like the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey provided more overall cargo space.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate settings. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with subscription-based Starlink services. Depending on the trim, navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system were available. The system's usability had improved, though the graphics and icons were not particularly appealing. The voice recognition system was limited, struggling with basic commands. Additional technologies included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was not available.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, praised for its ease of use and crisp graphics. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as dual-phone Bluetooth connectivity. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens with apps and games, though its value was questionable given the prevalence of personal devices. The Pacifica Hybrid offered numerous charging options, including USB ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained powered throughout the journey.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was equipped with Subaru's EyeSight system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Outback earned top safety marks from the IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test. The EyeSight system's automatic emergency steering could avoid obstacles within the lane, though it was not an evasive steering assist. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems were less impressive, with an artificial steering feel. The rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways, limiting its usefulness.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided clear alerts, and the adaptive cruise control operated smoothly. However, features like parallel parking assist required additional packages or the top trim. The 2022 Pacifica received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, though it had some areas for improvement.