2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, particularly in the mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package, presented a sleek and modern exterior. This package added body-colored 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 was flanked by standard LED headlamps, and the rear featured LED tail lamps spanning its width. While minivans like the Pacifica Hybrid might lack the allure of SUVs, they offered practicality with sliding doors and ample cargo space. Inside, the Limited trim's dark interior was adorned 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 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless style, though the M Sport treatment gave it a station wagon-like appearance. Our test vehicle featured optional 21-inch "741M" wheels with staggered-width summer tires, enhancing its sporty look. The X5 was available with various powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine. The xDrive50e M Sport specification, with Brooklyn Grey paint and every available equipment package, had an MSRP of $88,075. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh and introduced the BMW Curved Display, modernizing the interior while retaining high-quality materials and construction.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, making it the only plug-in hybrid minivan available. It offered an EPA-rated 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined fuel economy. In practice, it exceeded these numbers, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. Charging the battery on a Level 2 home charger took just two hours, while a standard outlet required 14 hours. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode, which was efficient in city driving but quickly depleted on highways. The plug-in hybrid model was front-wheel drive only and lacked a spare tire and towing package. With 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, it provided sufficient power for highway passing, though not blistering acceleration.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured a new, more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It offered 38 miles of electric-only driving and 22 mpg in combined driving. The xDrive50e produced 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV excelled in electric driving, achieving 33.7 mpg during a journey and 38.8 mpg on an evaluation drive. Equipped with adaptive damping air suspension, it handled well despite its weight, and the 21-inch wheels provided a comfortable ride. The X5's quick steering and excellent visibility made it a joy to drive, and it even gained battery charge during spirited driving.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered family-friendly features like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor rear passengers. Heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and comfortable second-row seats were highlights. However, taller passengers might find the second-row seats low. The Pacifica's cargo space included 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubes with seats folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats down. The plug-in hybrid lacked Stow 'n Go seats, a built-in vacuum cleaner, and heated second-row seats.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e provided a spacious and luxurious interior with room for five people. The cargo area offered 33.1 cubic feet, expanding to 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design allowed for a convenient seating area but required stretching to access deep cargo. The X5 featured standard Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, sport seats, and the Climate Comfort Package, which added multi-contour front seats with heating and ventilation, four-zone climate control, and heated rear seats. The panoramic sunroof and side window sunshades enhanced passenger comfort.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, but its value was questionable given the prevalence of personal devices. The Pacifica featured numerous charging options, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Running BMW Operating System 8.5, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, leading to navigation issues. The available head-up display and augmented video function for navigation were highlights, but the reduction in physical controls was less favorable.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid included standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking assist, and adaptive cruise control. The 2022 version received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, which worked well in specific conditions but could be unpredictable in heavy traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance performed well, but the system occasionally engaged hard braking without cause. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS, though lower headlight ratings prevented it from earning a safety award. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall crash-test rating.