2022 Nissan Armada vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered a unique proposition in the automotive market. It was a plug-in hybrid, three-row vehicle that provided the practicality of a minivan with the added benefit of electric-only driving. While it didn't boast the rugged appearance of an SUV, it excelled in functionality with its sliding side doors and spacious interior. The Pacifica Hybrid was not a standout in terms of aesthetics, even with the S Appearance Package, and its pricing was on the higher side, starting at $55,995. However, the interior was comfortable, featuring quality materials like black Nappa leather, though its design felt somewhat dated compared to more modern competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Armada was a large, imposing SUV that made no apologies for its size. With dimensions of 5,305 mm in length, 1,925 mm in height, and 2,030 mm in width, it was a vehicle that commanded attention. The Armada's exterior was adorned with sculptural details, LED lighting, and tasteful chrome accents, giving it a luxurious appearance. It was available in five colours, and the Platinum trim featured 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels that complemented its grand stature. The Armada's design was both bold and elegant, making it a standout choice for those seeking a commanding presence on the road.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that combined a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total output of 260 horsepower. The electric drive system provided immediate torque, ensuring the Pacifica never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded. It could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless. The Pacifica Hybrid achieved an impressive average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres, outperforming its rival, the Toyota Sienna, in terms of efficiency. However, the driving experience was somewhat uninspiring, with light steering, unremarkable brakes, and limited cornering grip.

The 2022 Nissan Armada, on the other hand, was powered by a robust 5.6-litre V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, provided ample power for the Armada's substantial weight. While its fuel consumption was higher, with ratings of 17.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.9 on the highway, the Armada excelled in towing capacity, capable of hauling up to 3,855 kilograms. The SUV's four-wheel independent suspension delivered a comfortable ride, even on rough roads, and its braking system was effective in managing its considerable mass. The Armada's performance was characterized by its power and capability, making it a suitable choice for those needing a vehicle with substantial towing and off-road potential.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in interior comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seating and ample cargo space. The minivan's interior featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone climate control, and a range of storage solutions, including a large floor tray and multiple bins. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go chairs, though they required removal to maximize cargo space. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third row folded, and up to 3,978 litres with the second row removed.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport seven to eight passengers in comfort, with spacious seating across all three rows. The first row featured power-adjustable bucket seats, while the second row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain's chairs. The third-row bench seat was roomy and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada's interior boasted dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and luxurious quilted leather appointments in the Platinum trim. With 467 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,413 litres with the third row folded, and up to 2,701 litres with the second row down, the Armada was well-suited for transporting both passengers and cargo.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the FamCam overhead camera system. The system allowed for multiple user profiles and simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the Harman Kardon sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The Pacifica also offered Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat entertainment, though it was not frequently used by passengers with personal devices.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came equipped with NissanConnect technology, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a customizable split-screen option. Standard tech features included wireless device charging, navigation, satellite radio, and a Bose audio system with 13 speakers. The Armada also offered wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity, along with a Family Entertainment System in the Platinum trim, which included dual 8-inch headrest monitors and HDMI input. The Armada's technology package was comprehensive, catering to tech-savvy families with a range of connectivity and entertainment options.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control system required refinement, as it was slow to resume speed and overly cautious in traffic. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection received four stars.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included high beam assist, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional safety features included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, and an intelligent rear-view mirror. The Armada also featured dual-stage front airbags, side impact airbags, and curtain airbags for all three rows. While the IIHS and NHTSA had not released safety ratings for the Armada, its comprehensive safety package provided peace of mind for drivers and passengers.