2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a 20-inch design becoming standard. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with the Lincoln star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced the vehicle's elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were largely successful, with the new grille being a minor footnote. Inside, the Navigator impressed with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, highlighted by the Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen added to the vehicle's appeal, offering ample display space. The Navigator continued to be available in standard and long-wheelbase styles, with trim levels including Standard, Reserve, and Black Label, starting at an MSRP of $78,405.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, featured the mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package, adding body-colored door handles, exterior mirrors, and black accents. The exterior was completed with 18-inch wheels. The Pacifica Hybrid's split grille was surrounded by standard LED headlamps, and the LED tail lamps spanned the rear width. While minivans lacked the SUV's cool factor, they offered practicality with sliding doors and more cargo space. The Limited's interior was dark but sophisticated, with Nappa leather seats and a few sweeping lines on the dash. The HVAC and audio knobs were chunky, though they could be confused with the transmission selector dial due to their proximity.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive options. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on wheelbase and drivetrain. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology improved ride quality by preparing for road imperfections. The new electronic brake booster enhanced brake pedal feel and response. During testing, the Navigator averaged 18.6 mpg, slightly above the EPA's 18 mpg estimate for combined driving.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. It was the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid, with an EPA rating of 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined fuel economy. In testing, the Pacifica exceeded these estimates, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode before switching to hybrid operation, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive only and lacked a spare tire and towing package, unlike its gasoline-only counterparts.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator offered exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, with an upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, and the Navigator's independent rear suspension design contributed to its comfort. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 103.3 cubic feet with the second row collapsed.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor second and third-row passengers. The front seats were heated and cooled, with a heated steering wheel, and the driver's seat was comfortable and adjustable. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, while the third row offered enough space for adults. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked the Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement but still provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering a user-friendly interface with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. The system featured two data panels for navigation and music details, with physical controls for volume and climate functions. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services. The test vehicle also had a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its ease of use and crisp graphics. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, with the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. The optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens with games and streaming capabilities. The Pacifica Hybrid offered numerous charging options, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed hands-free driving on approved highways but required driver attention. The system performed well within its limits but required human intervention in certain situations.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered standard safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking assist, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was effective, and the adaptive cruise control was smooth. The 2022 Pacifica received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, and the IIHS gave it Good marks, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.