2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated yet subtle design, especially in its Type S Ultra trim. This model was characterized by its chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and a panoramic moonroof. The Type S Ultra trim featured luxurious interior elements such as quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it difficult to use certain controls. Despite its appealing aesthetics, the MDX's body design sometimes gave the illusion of a dented side, and the electronic transmission switchgear was occasionally confusing.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid maintained a sleek and contemporary look, sharing its styling with the non-hybrid Pacifica. The exterior was clean and streamlined, with a rounded front fascia and integrated elliptical headlights. The Pacifica Hybrid was available in Select and Pinnacle trims, featuring all-LED exterior lighting and options for 17-inch or 18-inch wheels. The Pinnacle trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and small pillows for second-row seats, although some premium elements clashed with lower-level model components. The Pacifica Hybrid's design was understated, with only the charge port and badging hinting at its plug-in hybrid nature.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard 3.5-litre V6, but the Type S also weighed more, impacting its performance. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S featured various driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the performance upgrades did not integrate seamlessly, leading to issues like indecisive transmission and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S averaged 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, falling short of its official fuel consumption rating.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid utilized a 3.6-litre V6 engine running on the Atkinson cycle, combined with a two-motor hybrid system and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This setup delivered a total system output of 260 horsepower, slightly less than the non-hybrid model. The Pacifica Hybrid was only available with front-wheel drive and was not recommended for towing. However, the electric-motor torque provided quick acceleration and a quieter ride. The transition from electric to hybrid mode was somewhat clunky, and regenerative braking did not allow for one-pedal driving. The Pacifica Hybrid's chassis offered a comfortable ride, and the plug-in hybrid powertrain made the vehicle even quieter.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats, with options for two or three second-row seating positions. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row seat could slide to provide more space for third-row passengers, but the third row was best suited for children. The MDX's interior prioritized style over storage space, with limited storage options in the centre console. The cargo area provided 461 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid retained most interior dimensions from the non-hybrid model, offering competitive space compared to other minivans. The Pacifica Hybrid featured second-row captain's chairs instead of the Stow 'n Go seats, as the battery pack occupied the underfloor space. Cargo space remained generous, with 911 litres behind the third row, 2,477 litres behind the second row, and 3,978 litres behind the first row. The Pacifica Hybrid included a power liftgate and various storage options, such as the Premium Console and Ultra Console.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, operated via a True Touchpad Interface (TTI). While the TTI aimed to improve driver interaction, it was less intuitive than a touchscreen and occupied valuable console space. The MDX offered Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system provided excellent sound quality. The MDX also included a 10.5-inch head-up display with navigation instructions and driving assistance status.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM with 360L. Built-in navigation and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system were available. The Pacifica Hybrid included up to 12 USB-C ports, an optional FamCam rear-facing camera, and the Uconnect Theatre rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV connectivity.

The 2023 Acura MDX included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as a collision mitigation braking system, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, the MDX experienced a false collision warning during testing, which was concerning.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid shared safety features with the non-hybrid model, including blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. A new Emergency Vehicle Alert System provided warnings about nearby emergency vehicles or road hazards.