2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite being a minivan, offered practical advantages that many three-row midsize crossover SUVs lacked. Its sliding side doors made it easy to load children in tight parking spaces, and its plug-in hybrid capability was unique among mainstream brands. However, its rounded, flowing exterior and interior styling appeared soft and dated compared to the more architectural motifs popular at the time. The Pacifica Hybrid was not a looker, even with the S Appearance Package, and it was quite expensive, with the Limited trim costing $54,095 and the Pinnacle version reaching $57,645.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, especially in the Black Label trim with 21-inch machined-finish wheels, was an attractive SUV with balanced and detailed styling. The Black Label model featured luxurious interior design themes like Chalet and Flight, with premium leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner. The Nautilus Black Label was decadent in many ways, though some chrome-plated plastic pieces looked a bit cheap. The base model started at $44,225, while the loaded Black Label began at $66,825, with our test vehicle priced at $68,325 due to the Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats with Active Motion massage.

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. The van never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded, and achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg on a mixed driving loop. However, the driving experience was dull, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and a lack of cornering grip.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine with 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, available on the Black Label and Reserve trims. The Nautilus featured Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with Normal mode providing the best balance. The twin-turbo V6 delivered an official EPA fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 25 mpg over 871.1 miles. The Nautilus was quiet, comfortable, and athletic on mountain roads, though the steering lacked engagement.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and up to 140.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second-row seats removed. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and ample storage options. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Stow n’ Go chairs, but they did not collapse into the floor, requiring removal to maximize cargo space. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, and the Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind it.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label featured smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive. The front seats were heated, ventilated, and offered 22-way power adjustments with massage programs. The rear seats were heated and reclined, but legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. Practical storage space was adequate, though some locations were hard to access. The Nautilus provided 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 68.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system allowed for five user profiles and included a FamCam overhead camera system. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and an Amazon Fire TV-enabled rear-seat entertainment system, though our teenage passengers preferred their own devices.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Sync 4 software, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Lincoln Connect connected services, and a 19-speaker Revel premium audio system. The system was intuitive and offered physical stereo and climate controls. The Nautilus also included Phone as a Key, turning your smartphone into a digital key.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive package of standard driver-assist and collision-avoidance features, including a rear-seat reminder system. However, its adaptive cruise control needed refinement, as it was slow to recognize lane departures and inept at moderating speed when other motorists cut in. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection rated four stars.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Black Label added Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and a surround-view camera system. The Nautilus earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not assessed the Nautilus for safety.