2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered a practical solution for families needing efficient transportation. While it didn't boast the rugged appeal of a midsize crossover SUV, it provided the convenience of sliding side doors, making it easier to load children in tight spaces. The Pacifica Hybrid was unique in its class as a plug-in hybrid minivan, offering a combination of practicality and efficiency that was hard to find elsewhere. However, its styling, even with the S Appearance Package, was not particularly striking, and its price point was on the higher side, starting at $55,995 for the base model.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a more luxurious and stylish option in the three-row SUV segment. It featured a modern design with a successful execution of Lincoln's signature face and grille. The Aviator's interior was undeniably fancy, with high-end materials and a plethora of design elements, though it might have been trying too hard to impress. The cabin was equipped with advanced technology and comfort features, but the third-row seating was cramped for adults, making it less practical for larger families. The Aviator's price range, starting at $73,400, positioned it as a premium choice, but it did not qualify for federal EV rebates due to its cost.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total of 260 horsepower. Its 16-kWh battery pack allowed for an electric-only range of up to 51 kilometres, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was smooth and efficient, with regenerative braking helping to recharge the battery. However, the driving experience was somewhat dull, with light steering and unremarkable handling. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiency, achieving an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, on the other hand, offered a more powerful performance with its plug-in hybrid drivetrain. It combined a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with an electric motor, producing an impressive 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. The Aviator provided an electric driving range of 34 kilometres and averaged 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The SUV featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV and Preserve EV, allowing drivers to optimize efficiency. While the Aviator's powertrain was potent, it sometimes exhibited unpredictable behaviour, and the regenerative braking system required careful attention for smooth stops. The Aviator's handling was commendable, but it lacked the fun-to-drive factor, focusing more on comfort and isolation.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in interior space and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo capacity. With 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row and up to 3,978 litres with the second-row seats removed, it provided more room than many SUVs. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior featured quality materials, triple-zone climate control, and numerous storage solutions, making it a practical choice for families. However, the second-row seats did not fold into the floor, requiring removal for maximum cargo space.

In comparison, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized luxury and comfort, with features like a four-zone climate control system, massaging front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. While the second-row captain's chairs were spacious and supportive, the third-row seating was cramped, limiting its practicality for adult passengers. The Aviator offered 519 litres of cargo space behind the third row and up to 2,200 litres with the seats folded, making it less spacious than the Pacifica Hybrid. The Aviator's focus on luxury and style came at the expense of some practicality.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a FamCam overhead camera system. While the system was user-friendly, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an optional rear-seat entertainment system, though it was not frequently used by passengers with personal devices.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring came loaded with technology, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 3 software, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. However, the voice recognition system was less reliable, and Sync 3 struggled with more complex requests. The Aviator featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and a digital key system. The SUV also included a comprehensive head-up display and a surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including 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 respond to changing traffic conditions. The Pacifica Hybrid 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 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The Aviator's driver aids performed well on straight highways but were less dependable in dense traffic. The SUV's steering wheel controls for safety features were unnecessarily complex. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.