2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that gave it a more muscular aesthetic, moving away from the elegance of previous years. The new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights contributed to a streamlined front end, while the all-LED taillamp at the rear added a touch of sophistication. Chrysler offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which featured a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, quilted Nappa leather seats, and sound-deadening technology for a quieter ride.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, exuded elegance and understatement despite its massive size. Its styling featured simple rectilinear shapes, a body-colour grille, and a few chrome accents. The interior impressed with seven colour palettes and high-quality materials, including Perfect Position seats with 30-way adjustability. The Navigator's cabin was plush and quiet, offering a refined driving experience. However, its technology felt dated compared to competitors, with a 10-inch touchscreen and a lack of wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid version with a V6 engine and dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. The traditional V6 Pacifica had fuel consumption ratings of 12.4 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, while the AWD version saw a slight increase in these figures.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD, the Navigator offered impressive acceleration and towing capacity of 3,765 kilograms. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with a combined rating of 13.8 L/100 km. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a comfortable ride, but its handling and braking were not as precise as some competitors.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and ample storage options. Standard features included rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for the second and third rows. The Pacifica boasted best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior with seating for up to eight passengers. Its boxy shape provided generous cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row and 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator's front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, while the second-row seats could be removed for maximum storage. However, the lack of electric reclining and other features in the second row was a drawback.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was modern, responsive, and easy to use. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while the Pinnacle model added FamCam, an interior monitoring camera. The available Harman Kardon sound system provided a high-quality listening experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt outdated, with a 10-inch touchscreen and no wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. However, the Navigator offered wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came with up to 116 safety features, including automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator also received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included inflatable rear seat belts for the second row.