2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator continued to impress with its luxurious design and spacious interior, despite not undergoing significant updates since its last refresh in 2022. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, showcased a sleek Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. Inside, the cabin exuded an upscale feel with quality materials, although some chrome plastic elements fell short of conveying true luxury. The ambient lighting added character, and the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, though pricey, was largely ignored by tech-savvy teenagers. The Navigator's MSRP reached $104,715, including destination charges.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited trim, equipped with the S Appearance Package, offered a practical and stylish minivan option. The exterior featured body-colored door handles, gloss black accents, and 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The interior, while predominantly dark, boasted Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dashboard design. The Pacifica Hybrid's practicality shone through with its sliding doors and ample cargo space, although the interior's dark tones might not appeal to everyone. The Limited trim provided a comfortable ride, with the driver's seat offering easy adjustments and a soft center armrest for added comfort.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a robust twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain, the Navigator offered five driving modes, including Conserve, Normal, and Excite. Despite its adaptive damping suspension, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, with a truck-like feel over smaller bumps and a floating sensation over larger dips. The Excite mode improved handling on winding roads but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size posed challenges in urban environments, making parking and maneuvering difficult.

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. As the only plug-in hybrid minivan, it boasted an EPA rating of 32 miles of all-electric range and 82 MPGe. In real-world testing, the Pacifica exceeded these figures, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. However, the Pacifica's default to all-electric mode first limited its efficiency on highway commutes. The hybrid model lacked AWD and towing capabilities, but its smooth CVT and light steering provided a pleasant driving experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating across all three rows and an extended body style for increased cargo capacity. The power-deploying running boards facilitated easy entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided heating, ventilation, and massage features. However, the multitude of adjustments proved challenging to perfect. The Navigator's storage solutions were generous, and the extended-length Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, making it ideal for families with substantial luggage needs.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the innovative FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the rear seats. The minivan's heated and cooled front seats, along with a heated steering wheel, ensured comfort for the driver. While the second-row seats were comfortable, taller passengers might find them low. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space remained ample, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, the absence of Stow 'n Go seats and a built-in vacuum cleaner in the hybrid model was a drawback.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator offered a range of digital displays, including a 12-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Sync 4 system provided wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a navigation system and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant excelled in voice recognition, while the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered impressive sound quality. However, the wireless smartphone charger overheated devices, and the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system was underutilized by passengers.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its user-friendly interface and crisp graphics. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Amazon Alexa compatibility. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, but its value was questionable given the prevalence of personal devices. The Pacifica Hybrid offered numerous charging options, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained powered throughout journeys.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) through the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and Drive packages. Notable features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise struggled with certain driving conditions and required frequent driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, but lacked a full crashworthiness assessment.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a robust array of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system effectively alerted drivers to potential hazards, while the adaptive cruise control provided smooth braking and acceleration. Additional features, such as parallel parking assist, were available through optional packages. The 2022 Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, with some areas for improvement in seat belt reminders and headlights.