2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Nissan Armada

The 2021 Nissan Armada, a close relative of the Nissan Patrol, received a significant facelift, aligning it with Nissan's new signature exterior design. Available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, the Armada's highest Platinum trim featured a redesigned exterior with a new grille, front fenders, bumpers, and LED headlights and taillights. These updates modernized the SUV while retaining its traditional beefy and athletic styling. Standard features included body-color over fenders, dark-painted roof rails, and an acoustic windshield, with options for LED fog lights, a power sliding moonroof, and side mirrors with puddle lamps. The Armada rode on 18-, 20-, or 22-inch aluminum alloy wheels, depending on the trim, and featured a full-size spare tire in upper trims. The new Nissan logo was prominently displayed on the grille, rear, steering wheel, and wheel caps. Despite these updates, the Armada's interior remained somewhat dated, with modern tech features but design choices that made it appear past its prime.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, while not a looker even with the S Appearance Package, offered a unique plug-in hybrid minivan experience. Starting at $49,095 for the base Touring L and going up to $57,645 for the Pinnacle version, the Pacifica Hybrid was not cheap. Our Limited-trim test vehicle, with extra-cost paint, the S Appearance Package, and a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system, had an MSRP of $57,680. The interior featured black Nappa premium leather, but the rounded, flowing styling made it appear soft and dated compared to more modern designs. Despite this, the Pacifica Hybrid's electric-only driving range and efficient transportation for up to seven people made it a standout in its class.

The 2021 Nissan Armada was equipped with a robust Endurance 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque when running on premium fuel. Paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, the Armada offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with automatic four-wheel drive available. Despite its hefty weight of over 6,000 pounds, the Armada was a capable off-roader with a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, and Hitachi twin-tube shock absorbers. It had a ground clearance of 9.2 or 9.1 inches, depending on the trim, and a best-in-class towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. However, its fuel economy was on the low end, with RWD models getting 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, while 4WD models achieved 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. The Armada's handling had improved over the years, but it still felt like a large SUV, with a turning radius and maneuverability typical of its size.

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. With a total system output of 260 horsepower, the Pacifica Hybrid never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded. It 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 nearly imperceptible. On a Los Angeles driving loop, the Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg. While the driving experience was not particularly exciting, the Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiency and practicality, with a smooth and quiet ride.

The 2021 Nissan Armada offered practicality and functionality for families, with standard running boards and in-cabin handles for easy entry and exit. The new 12.3-inch touchscreen was a standout feature, though some controls were a bit of a reach. The first and second-row seats provided ample comfort, with power-adjustable options and available captain's chairs in higher trims. The third-row seating was less comfortable for adults but usable in a pinch. Cargo space was 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 95.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. However, the high load floor made loading and unloading a challenge, and small-item storage in the cabin was limited.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, with three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were impressive, with numerous bins, shelves, and cupholders. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n’ Go seats, though they did not fold into the floor. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, with cupholders, USB ports, and side window shades. Cargo space was 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo area was more versatile than many SUVs, though removing the second-row seats required some effort.

The 2021 Nissan Armada featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class, with navigation, a six-speaker stereo, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, NissanConnect Services, keyless entry, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available upgrades included a wireless charging pad, a 13-speaker Bose audio system, a rearview camera mirror, and a second-row entertainment system. The analog tachometer and speedometer, along with a functional steering wheel, provided basic control over the driver information screen and infotainment system.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, appealing graphics, and a simple user interface. It supported simultaneous Bluetooth pairing, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The voice recognition technology had some limitations, but the 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system provided excellent audio quality. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV offered a range of entertainment options, though it might not be necessary if passengers have their own devices. The surround-view camera system and parking assist system added convenience and safety.

The 2021 Nissan Armada came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking. Additional standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear door alert. However, the Armada lacked advanced driving assist technologies like Nissan ProPilot Assist or Super Cruise. The NHTSA gave the Armada a three-star rollover rating due to its 23.7-percent rollover risk.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, though the adaptive cruise control needed refinement. The Pacifica Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.