2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Ford Expedition

The 2022 Ford Expedition underwent significant updates, featuring exterior styling revisions and enhanced infotainment technology. The front of the vehicle showcased a new grille, headlights, and bumper, while the rear was updated with revised taillights, tailgate trim, and a new bumper. Redesigned wheels were introduced across the model lineup, adding to the refreshed appearance. In Canada, the Expedition was available with a standard four-wheel drive (4WD) drivetrain and offered in XLT, Limited, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from just under $70,000 to over $95,000, excluding the destination charge. The new Timberline trim catered to off-road enthusiasts with all-terrain tires and suspension modifications. Inside, the Expedition featured a redesigned dashboard with the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, the latter boasting a 15.5-inch touchscreen. The Limited Stealth Edition, with its leather-lined interior, offered a luxurious experience despite some F-150 pickup-grade plastic trim.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, with the mid-trim Limited featuring the S Appearance Package. This package added body-coloured door handles and mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black accents, complemented by 18-inch wheels. The Pacifica Hybrid's practicality was highlighted by its sliding doors and ample cargo space, making it a more sensible choice than an SUV. The interior, while predominantly black, featured Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dashboard design. The HVAC and audio knobs were user-friendly, though their proximity to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was comfortable, with a spacious third row accessible through a generous centre pathway, although taller passengers might find the second-row seats a bit low.

The 2022 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 380 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. With 93-octane fuel, these figures increased to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. The Stealth Edition Performance Package could boost output to 440 hp and 510 lb-ft. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering a towing capacity of up to 4,173 kg. Fuel economy ranged from 12.9 to 13.9 L/100 km, with observed consumption at 14.5 L/100 km. The Expedition's driving dynamics were enhanced by its sport-tuned suspension, though the ride could be harsh due to the 22-inch wheels. Despite its size, the Expedition was easy to park, thanks to excellent visibility and parking aids. On the highway, it provided a quiet and comfortable ride, ideal for long trips.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. It was the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid, with an all-electric range of 51 km and a total range of 784 km. In testing, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these figures, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. Charging the battery took two hours on a Level 2 charger, while a standard outlet required 14 hours. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The hybrid model was front-wheel drive only and lacked a spare tire and towing capability. Despite these limitations, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a smooth driving experience with its CVT and handled well due to its low centre of gravity.

The 2022 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort, offering easy access with available electric running boards. The interior was spacious, with power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and individual climate controls, while the third row offered good leg support but limited headroom. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row, expandable to 1,627 litres with the third row folded. The Expedition Max variant offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the rear seats. The interior included heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, while the third row was spacious enough for adults. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was 914 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the seats folded. However, the hybrid model lacked the Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement, reducing its versatility.

The 2022 Ford Expedition was equipped with Ford's Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The standard Sync 4 featured a 12-inch touchscreen, while Sync 4A offered a 15.5-inch display. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and FordPass Connect. Sync 4A added advanced voice recognition and an adaptive dashcard interface. The Expedition also offered a Bang & Olufsen audio system, though the sound quality was inconsistent. The rear-seat entertainment system featured Amazon Fire TV, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 was available for easier trailer reversing.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its user-friendly interface and crisp graphics. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. The optional rear-seat entertainment system included two 10-inch screens with Amazon Fire TV and HDMI ports. The Pacifica Hybrid offered numerous charging options, including USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured Ford Co-Pilot360 safety systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and intersection assist. The Platinum trim included a surround-view camera and rear automatic emergency braking. Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving technology was available, though the lane-centring assist had some issues with accuracy and reliability.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered standard safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was effective, providing both visual and audible alerts. The adaptive cruise control was smooth and responsive. Additional features like parallel parking assist were available on higher trims. The 2022 Pacifica received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and Good marks from IIHS, except for some areas like seat belt reminders and headlights.