2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered a practical solution for families needing efficient transportation. While it didn't boast the rugged image of a crossover SUV, it provided the convenience of sliding side doors, making it easier to load children in tight spaces. The Pacifica Hybrid stood out as a unique option, being the only plug-in hybrid minivan available, with a price starting at $49,095 for the base Touring L trim. The interior, though comfortable with quality leather, appeared somewhat dated compared to more modern designs, and Chrysler made no attempt to disguise its minivan identity.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a more luxurious and stylish option in the three-row SUV category. It featured a modern Lincoln face and a sophisticated interior with high-end materials, including rich caramel-hued leather seats. The Aviator's design aimed to convey a sense of effortless luxury, with features like electric door handles and ambient lighting. However, some design elements, such as the chrome detailing, felt less premium than expected for a vehicle in its price range, which could reach up to $91,225 for the top-tier Black Label Grand Touring model.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiency, thanks to its 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, it provided ample power for transporting up to seven people. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. It achieved an impressive average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing, outperforming its main rival, the Toyota Sienna, in terms of electric driving capability. However, the driving experience was somewhat uninspiring, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered a powerful performance with its twin-turbocharged V6 engine and electric motor, producing 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. It offered 21 miles of electric driving range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator's driving modes, including Pure EV and Preserve EV, allowed for efficient use of the battery charge. While the Aviator provided plenty of power and a smooth ride, its drivetrain occasionally exhibited unpredictable behavior, and the brake pedal could be inconsistent. Despite its commendable handling, the Aviator wasn't particularly engaging to drive, focusing more on comfort and isolation.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. It featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go chairs, though they required removal to maximize 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 seats folded. Removing the second-row seats increased cargo capacity to 140.5 cubic feet, surpassing many full-size SUVs.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats. However, its third-row seat was less accommodating for adults, with limited legroom and a flat cushion. The Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in use, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded. Maximum cargo capacity reached 77.7 cubic feet, which was less than the Pacifica Hybrid's capacity.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. It allowed for multiple user profiles and included a FamCam overhead camera system for monitoring rear passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, though its default settings required adjustment for optimal sound quality. The available rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was a notable feature, though not essential for families with personal devices.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration. However, it ran on the older Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition accuracy. The Aviator's technology package included a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and the Phone As A Key digital key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were user-friendly, and the surround-view camera system aided parking. Despite its advanced features, the Sync 3 system fell short in meeting the expectations of a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. However, its adaptive cruise control system required refinement, as it was slow to resume speed and overreacted to lane changes. The Pacifica 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 2023 Lincoln Aviator offered a range of driver aids through its Co-Pilot360 packages, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and forward-collision warning. The Aviator's driver assistance systems performed well on straight highways but struggled in dense traffic and curves. The steering wheel controls for these features were unnecessarily complex. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the Grand Touring model had not been specifically rated.