2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Ford Expedition

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite being a minivan, offered practical advantages that many three-row midsize crossover SUVs couldn't match. Its sliding side doors made it easy to load children in tight parking spaces, and its plug-in hybrid drivetrain was unique among mainstream brands. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's design, even with the S Appearance Package, wasn't particularly attractive, and its price tag was steep, starting at $49,095 for the base Touring L trim and going up to $57,645 for the Pinnacle version. The interior, while nice with black Nappa premium leather, felt somewhat dated compared to more modern designs.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition received several updates, including a new grille, headlights, and bumper, giving it a fresh look. The rear also saw revised taillights and a new bumper. The Expedition came in various trims, from the base XL STX to the luxurious Platinum, with prices ranging from just over $55,000 to nearly $84,000. The new Timberline trim catered to off-road enthusiasts with features like 4WD, all-terrain tires, and suspension modifications. The Stealth Edition packages added black 22-inch wheels and other stylish touches. Inside, the Expedition boasted a redesigned dashboard with the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, and our test vehicle's MSRP was $80,155, including several options.

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 16-kWh battery pack allowed the Pacifica Hybrid to travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone. During testing, the Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg, combining electric and gasoline power. The transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible, and the vehicle's regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was described as dull, with light and uncommunicative steering and an unremarkable ride quality.

The 2022 Ford Expedition, on the other hand, was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and fuel economy ranged from 17 to 19 mpg in combined driving. The Expedition could tow between 9,000 and 9,300 pounds, depending on the model and equipment. The twin-turbo V6 provided addictive power, but the test vehicle's observed fuel economy was 16.2 mpg. The Expedition's driving dynamics were generally good, but the sport-tuned suspension of the Stealth Edition Package resulted in a sometimes harsh ride quality. The Expedition excelled on the highway, offering a comfortable and quiet ride.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering 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 plentiful, with extra shelves, covered bins, and a large floor tray. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, but they didn't collapse into the floor. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, and the Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. With the third-row seats folded, cargo space increased to 87.5 cubic feet, and removing the second-row seats expanded it to 140.5 cubic feet.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered exceptional comfort, with power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs provided plenty of legroom and their own climate controls. The third-row seat was easy to access and offered good leg support, though headroom could be tight for taller passengers. Cargo space behind the third row measured 19.3 cubic feet, but the Expedition Max offered a larger 34.3 cubic-foot cargo hold. With the third-row seats folded, the standard Expedition provided 57.5 cubic feet of cargo space, and with both rear rows folded, it offered 104.6 cubic feet. The Expedition Max increased these figures to 73.3 and 121.5 cubic feet, respectively.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system allowed for five user profiles and included the FamCam overhead camera system. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the Harman Kardon premium sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but not used by the teenagers during testing.

The 2022 Ford Expedition came with the Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The standard Sync 4 system included a 12-inch touchscreen, while Sync 4A offered a larger 15.5-inch touchscreen. Both systems featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect, and natural voice recognition. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and Bang & Olufsen premium sound systems. Sync 4A had an upgraded voice-recognition system and an adaptive dashcard user interface. However, the system had some quirks, such as difficulty restarting Apple CarPlay and accidental activation of the defroster function. The Expedition also offered an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV and Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive package of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It had 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.

The 2022 Ford Expedition's safety features were grouped into three Ford Co-Pilot360 packages. The standard package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, a driver monitoring system, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and new features like intersection assist and evasive steering assist. The Co-Pilot Assist 2.0 package, standard on higher trims, included a surround-view camera system and rear automatic emergency braking. The Expedition also offered Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving technology. The adaptive cruise control performed well, but the lane-centering assist had some issues, particularly in heavier traffic.