2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Subaru Outback

2023 Subaru Outback
2023 Subaru Outback
$28,395MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
$50,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Subaru Outback
$28,395MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
$50,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$28,395
$50,795
Average price
$37,104
$47,951
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
5.0
4.6
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

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7.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Great safety ratings
  • Excellent value for money
  • Impressive off-roading capability (for a crossover)
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Frustrating voice recognition system
Pros
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Great safety ratings
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Poor value for money
Summary

People love crossover SUVs because they drive like cars but provide the utility of an SUV, and the Subaru Outback was one of the first modern crossovers when it went on sale almost 30 years ago.

Now, the 2023 Subaru Outback gets several updates. The improvements include fresh styling, new infotainment and safety technologies, and the Onyx Edition joins the Canadian line-up, which features blacked-out exterior trim and water-resistant upholstery.

These changes to the 2023 Outback build on the momentum established by the rugged Subaru Outback Wilderness, which debuted last year.

Minivans have gotten a bad rap. Many folks think of them as boring, nondescript family vehicles that signal the end of one’s carefree youth. In truth, they are often a better choice than a hulking SUV for moving gear and people. Case in point is the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica, particularly the plug-in hybrid version. This minivan is extra efficient and has plenty of tech and comforts. However, our tester compromises a bit on some key features and is priced way above its competitors.
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Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.5L 182 hp H4
3.6L 260 hp V6 Hybrid
Drive Train
AWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
7
Horsepower
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
EV Battery Capacity
16 kWh
MPG City
26
87
MPG Highway
32
77
Battery Charge Time (120V)
14 hours
Battery Charge Time (240V)
2 hours
Look and feel
2023 Subaru Outback
7/10
2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
8/10

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.

Performance
2023 Subaru Outback
6/10
2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
6/10

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.

Form and function
2023 Subaru Outback
9/10
2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
7/10

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.

Technology
2023 Subaru Outback
6/10
2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
7/10

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.

Safety
2023 Subaru Outback
9/10
2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
8/10

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.

Cost Effectiveness
2023 Subaru Outback
undefined/10
2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
undefined/10
N/A

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2023 Subaru Outback is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid scores 7.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Subaru Outback is the recommended choice, offering a better balance of performance, utility, and comfort.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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