2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Lincoln Corsair

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair was introduced as a replacement for the Lincoln MKC, which had been around since 2014. The MKC, despite a facelift in 2019, never quite matched the athleticism of its Ford Escape counterpart and had a dated cabin. The Corsair, built on the new C2 platform shared with the Escape, marked a significant departure from its predecessor. Lincoln managed to differentiate the Corsair from its Ford counterpart, a feat that other manufacturers like General Motors struggled to achieve with their models. The Corsair's design was refined, featuring slab sides and blacked-out rear pillars, giving it a larger presence. Inside, the Corsair shared design elements with more expensive Lincoln SUVs, though it didn't quite match their fit and finish. The cabin was spacious, with options for lighter color palettes appealing to younger buyers.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, while not a visual standout, offered a unique proposition as a plug-in hybrid minivan. It wasn't cheap, with the base Touring L starting at $49,095, but it provided a practical and efficient way to transport up to seven people. The interior was comfortable, with quality materials and thoughtful storage solutions. The Pacifica Hybrid's styling, both inside and out, was softer and more rounded compared to the more architectural designs gaining popularity. Despite this, Chrysler didn't shy away from its minivan identity, focusing instead on practicality and efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid's electric-only driving range made it an excellent choice for short-distance travel, though it lacked the all-wheel-drive option available in its rival, the Toyota Sienna.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder producing 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the 2.0-liter available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the 2.3-liter was exclusively all-wheel drive. The Corsair featured unique drive modes like "Conserve" and "Excite," with the latter providing a sportier driving experience. The suspension was designed to absorb road imperfections, though road noise was noticeable. The Grand Touring trim introduced a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with electric motors for a total of 266 horsepower, offering 28 miles of pure electric driving and 33 mpg in hybrid mode.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless. The Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing. While the driving experience was not particularly engaging, the Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiency and practicality, with a smooth ride and light steering.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair offered a spacious cabin with comfortable seating and ample storage. However, the pronounced lip at the doorframe could be a tripping hazard. The rear seats were adjustable, providing impressive legroom for a compact SUV. The Corsair offered 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 57.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was average for its class. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, with three rows of comfortable seating and significant cargo space. The interior featured quality materials, triple-zone climate control, and ample storage solutions. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, though they required removal for maximum cargo space. The Pacifica Hybrid offered 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second row removed. The power liftgate was easily accessible, though the onboard vacuum cleaner was not available in the hybrid model.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running SYNC 3, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a logical menu layout. The Reserve trim added wireless device charging, a 14-speaker Revel audio system, and a head-up display with crisp graphics.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. It offered appealing graphics, a simple interface, and quick response times. The system supported multiple user profiles, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The FamCam overhead camera system was a useful feature for parents. The 20-speaker Harman Kardon audio system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system offered Amazon Fire TV, though it might be unnecessary for families with personal devices. A surround-view camera system and parking assist were standard on higher trims.

The 2021 Lincoln Corsair came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Lincoln CoPilot360 Plus package added advanced features like adaptive LED headlights and a 360-degree camera. The Corsair earned a Top Safety Pick Plus rating from the IIHS when equipped with high-feature headlights.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. While adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist were included, the system required refinement. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though frontal-impact protection received four stars.