2022 Nissan Armada vs 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, with its roots tracing back to the Pathfinder Armada of 2004. Sharing its platform with the Nissan Titan and the internationally sold Nissan Patrol, the Armada was produced in Canton, Mississippi, before moving to Japan in its second generation. This generation, still in production, was closely related to the Infiniti QX80 luxury SUV. The Armada's dimensions were substantial, measuring 5,305 millimetres in length, 1,925 mm in height, and 2,030 mm in width. Its design featured sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and a tasteful amount of chrome, giving it a luxurious appearance. The Armada SL in Canada came with standard features like LED fog lights, roof rails, a power moonroof, and 20-inch alloy wheels, while the Platinum trim boasted 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, offered a practical and stylish alternative to SUVs. Our focus was on the mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package, which added body-coloured door handles, gloss black grille surrounds, and black accents. The Pacifica Hybrid's exterior was complemented by 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The minivan featured a split grille with standard LED headlamps and LED tail lamps spanning the rear. While minivans lacked the cool factor of SUVs, the Pacifica Hybrid was a practical choice with sliding doors and ample cargo space. The interior of the Limited trim was dark but sophisticated, with Nappa leather seats and a well-designed dashboard. However, the transmission selector dial's proximity to the HVAC and audio knobs could cause confusion.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a robust 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. In Canada, it came standard with four-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic transmission. Despite its hefty weight of over 2,700 kilograms, the Armada could tow up to 3,855 kilograms and carry up to eight passengers. Fuel consumption was rated at 17.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 12.9 on the highway, and 15.4 combined. The Armada's braking system included 13.8-inch vented disc brakes with hydraulic brake assist and electronic brake force distribution. Its four-wheel independent suspension provided a smooth ride, even on rough roads, and the 22-inch wheels on the Platinum model added to its appeal.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, making it the only plug-in hybrid minivan available. It offered an all-electric range of 51 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with a fuel economy of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. Our test showed slightly better numbers, with 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. The Pacifica Hybrid's electric power delivery defaulted to all-electric mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The minivan was front-wheel drive only and lacked a spare tire and towing package. With 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, it provided adequate performance for highway passing, while the CVT operated smoothly.

The 2022 Nissan Armada's spacious interior accommodated seven to eight passengers comfortably. The first row featured power-adjustable bucket seats, while the second row offered a 60/40-split bench or optional captain's chairs. The third-row bench seat was roomy and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada's cargo capacity was impressive, with 467 litres behind the third row, 1,413 litres with the third row folded, and 2,701 litres with the second row down. The interior boasted dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and luxurious quilted leather in the Platinum trim.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered family-friendly features like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The minivan's interior included heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and comfortable second-row seats. However, the Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement, reducing its versatility. Cargo space remained generous, with 914 litres behind the third row, 2,477 litres with the third row folded, and 3,978 litres with all seats down. Despite this, competitors like the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey offered more space.

The 2022 Nissan Armada featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with NissanConnect technology, offering a customizable split-screen option. Standard tech included a wireless charging pad, navigation, hands-free text messaging, and a Bose audio system with 13 speakers. The Armada also supported wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and had multiple USB ports. The Platinum model added a Family Entertainment System with dual 8-inch monitors and wireless headphones.

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, and could connect two phones via Bluetooth. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens with apps and games, but its value was questionable given the prevalence of personal devices. The Pacifica Hybrid offered numerous charging options, including USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, featuring high beam assist, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional safety features included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, and an available intelligent rear-view mirror. The Armada had dual-stage front airbags, side impact airbags, and curtain airbags for all three rows. However, it lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided both visual and audible alerts. Optional features included parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist. While the 2023 model hadn't been rated by the NHTSA, the 2022 version received a five-star overall safety rating. The IIHS gave it Good marks, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.