2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

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 image of an SUV, it provided the convenience of sliding side doors, making it easier to load children in tight spaces. The Pacifica Hybrid stood out as a unique option, being the only plug-in hybrid minivan available, with no direct competitors offering the same combination of features. However, its design was considered somewhat dated, and it wasn't a budget-friendly choice, with the Limited trim reaching a price of $64,960 after options and destination charges.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator maintained its status as a luxury full-size SUV, offering a spacious and upscale interior. Despite lacking significant updates since its 2018 redesign, the Navigator continued to impress with its size and luxury features. The test vehicle, a Navigator Reserve model, came equipped with a Monochromatic Package and a Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, bringing its price to $131,614, including destination charges and luxury tax. The Navigator's interior was all black, with real wood trim and chrome accents, providing a sophisticated atmosphere. However, some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the overall luxury feel.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total 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 extend the electric range, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The Navigator offered five drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an adaptive damping suspension for improved ride quality. However, the ride was criticized for being truck-like over smaller bumps and floating over larger ones. In Excite mode, the Navigator felt more agile on mountain roads, but it negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The SUV's size posed challenges in urban environments, making parking and maneuvering difficult.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. It featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were abundant, with various bins and trays throughout the cabin. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, but they couldn't be collapsed into the floor. The third-row seat provided reasonable comfort, and the Pacifica Hybrid offered 914 litres of cargo space behind it, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third-row seats folded.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator prioritized functionality, with roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo capacity. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position front seats offered heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the numerous adjustments made it challenging to find the perfect seating position. Storage space was generous, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The Navigator L model provided significantly more cargo space, with 971 litres behind the third row, 2,075 litres behind the second row, and 3,403 litres with all seats folded.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, offering appealing graphics and a user-friendly interface. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM satellite radio. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the Harman Kardon sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but often went unused by tech-savvy teenagers.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator boasted a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a dual-screen Lincoln Play infotainment system. The Sync 4 system included Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The digital assistant performed exceptionally well, accurately responding to commands. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered impressive sound quality. However, the wireless smartphone charger caused overheating issues. The Lincoln Play system was available for rear-seat passengers but was often ignored in favour of personal devices.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, but the adaptive cruise control system needed refinement. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. It also offered Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise struggled with curves, mixed pavement surfaces, and construction zones, requiring driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.