2021 Ford Expedition vs 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum was a welcome sight for a group of six weary travelers arriving at Los Angeles International Airport. After a week in a Dodge Grand Caravan, the plush and spacious Expedition promised comfort and luxury. However, the SUV's inability to accommodate all their luggage was a significant drawback. Despite its luxurious Platinum trim, which included features like Magnetic gray paint, 4WD, and a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package, the Expedition's cargo space fell short. The power-deploying running boards and leather-lined cabin added to its appeal, but the lack of space meant one passenger had to carry a suitcase on her lap during the ride home. The Expedition's bold presence, with its chrome grille and 22-inch wheels, was undeniable, but the extended-length MAX version would have been a better fit for their needs.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, though not a head-turner, offered practicality and efficiency. The minivan's plug-in hybrid drivetrain, based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, provided a total output of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. Its interior, with black Nappa leather and a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system, was comfortable and well-equipped. Despite its dated styling, the Pacifica Hybrid excelled in functionality, offering ample storage and seating for seven. The minivan's ability to switch seamlessly between electric and gasoline power, along with its impressive fuel economy, made it a compelling choice for families seeking efficiency and practicality.

The 2021 Ford Expedition was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque in most trims, with the Platinum trim receiving a boost to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. This powertrain, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided impressive acceleration even when fully loaded. The Expedition's towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, and it featured Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology for easier trailer maneuvering. However, the ride quality suffered due to the Platinum's 22-inch wheels, which transmitted road shock into the cabin despite the adaptive damping suspension. The Expedition's off-road capabilities were enhanced with the FX4 Off-Road Package, but our test vehicle did not include this option. On the road, the SUV averaged 17.1 mpg, slightly below the EPA's combined rating of 19 mpg for the 4WD model.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, on the other hand, offered a unique plug-in hybrid powertrain. Its 3.6-liter V6 engine, combined with a dual-motor electric drive system, produced 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short trips. The transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible, and the regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery. During testing, the Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg, outperforming its rival, the Toyota Sienna, which offered 36 mpg with a four-cylinder engine. The Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was less engaging, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes, but its powertrain efficiency was impressive.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with large, wide seats for all passengers and a leather-lined cabin. However, the regular-length model struggled to accommodate more than five people and their luggage simultaneously. The Expedition MAX offered more cargo space, with up to 121.5 cubic feet available, but still fell short compared to most minivans. The SUV's independent rear suspension ensured a comfortable ride, and storage for small items was plentiful. However, the high liftover height of the cargo floor could be a challenge when loading heavy items.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered exceptional comfort and utility, with three rows of comfortable seats and ample cargo space. The minivan's interior featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. Storage options were impressive, with extra shelves, a large floor tray, and a long storage bin behind the center console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than those in a standard Pacifica, but they did not fold into the floor, requiring removal for maximum cargo space. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded. Removing the second-row seats increased capacity to 140.5 cubic feet, surpassing the cargo space of a Chevy Tahoe.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured the aging Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen display that felt small by modern standards. Despite its age, Sync 3 offered essential features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a navigation system. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless smartphone charging, but lacked the available rear-seat entertainment system. The voice recognition system was enhanced for 2021, but still required specific language for complex commands.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display and a user-friendly interface. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid's 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system offered Amazon Fire TV, but our test passengers preferred their own devices. The Pacifica Hybrid also featured a surround-view camera system and parking assist, though the latter was less effective than manual parking.

The 2021 Ford Expedition had a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS had not tested it. The SUV's rollover-resistance rating was three stars with RWD and four stars with 4WD. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a semi-autonomous parking assistance system.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety features than any other vehicle. It included a rear-seat reminder system and a comprehensive package of driver-assist features. However, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist was not available. The Pacifica Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.