2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV, continued to impress with its imposing presence and upscale design. Despite the anticipation of an electric version, the current model remained largely unchanged from its 2022 refresh. The Navigator Reserve, the sole trim available in Canada, featured a striking triple-black exterior with the Monochromatic Package, adding black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. Inside, the cabin exuded luxury with its all-black interior, real wood trim, and chrome accents, although some switchgear failed to convey the premium feel. The ambient lighting added a touch of character, and the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, though pricey, was largely ignored by tech-savvy teenagers.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a more practical and family-oriented design. Available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, the Pacifica Hybrid Limited with the S Appearance Package featured body-coloured door handles, gloss black accents, and 18-inch wheels. The minivan's split grille and LED headlamps added a modern touch, while the interior, though dark, was comfortable with Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. The Pacifica Hybrid's practicality was evident with its sliding doors and ample cargo space, although the battery placement limited the availability of the Stow 'n Go seats, reducing its versatility compared to non-hybrid models.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD drivetrain, it offered a Natural Resources Canada fuel economy rating of 13.2 L/100 km in combined driving, though our testing loop averaged 15.0 L/100 km. The Navigator featured five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an optional Hill Climb mode. Despite its adaptive damping suspension, the ride quality was inconsistent, with the SUV feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floating over larger dips. Excite mode improved handling on mountain roads but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size was a challenge in urban settings, with its large dimensions proving cumbersome in tight spaces.

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 a Natural Resources Canada rating of 51 km of all-electric range and 8.0 L/100 km combined non-hybrid fuel economy. Our testing exceeded these figures, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. The Pacifica Hybrid's electric power delivery defaulted to all-electric mode first, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The minivan's FWD configuration and lack of towing capability were trade-offs for its hybrid efficiency. Despite these limitations, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a smooth driving experience with its CVT and better-than-expected handling due to its low centre of gravity.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating across all three rows and a cavernous cargo area. Power-deploying running boards facilitated easy access to the cabin, which featured Lincoln's 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. While the front seats were comfortable, their numerous adjustments could be overwhelming. The Navigator's storage solutions were generous, with ample space for passengers and cargo. The long-wheelbase Navigator L model provided even more cargo capacity, making it ideal for those needing to transport both people and luggage.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid catered to families with its available FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the rear seats. The minivan's interior featured heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a comfortable driver's seat. The second-row seats, though comfortable, were low, and taller passengers might find the legroom lacking compared to competitors. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was substantial, with 914 litres behind the third row, expanding to 3,978 litres with all seats folded. However, the lack of Stow 'n Go seats in the hybrid model reduced its versatility, and it missed out on features like a built-in vacuum cleaner and heated second-row seats.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator offered a suite of digital displays, including a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Sync 4 system provided wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, and a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The digital assistant performed well, understanding commands accurately. The Navigator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered impressive sound quality. However, the wireless smartphone charger overheated devices, and the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system was underutilized by passengers.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, known for its user-friendly interface and crisp graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity for two phones. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens with apps and games, though 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, ensuring devices remained powered throughout journeys.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. Unique features like Evasive Steering Assist and Intersection Assist enhanced safety, while BlueCruise offered hands-free driving on designated highways. However, BlueCruise struggled with certain driving conditions and required driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came standard with a comprehensive array of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system effectively alerted drivers to potential hazards. While some features required additional packages, the Pacifica Hybrid's safety credentials were strong, with the 2022 model receiving a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, except for a few areas.