2024 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, particularly in the mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package, presented a sleek and modern exterior. This package added body-colored door handles and exterior mirrors, a gloss black surround on the grille, and black accents, all complemented by 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The split grille was flanked by standard LED headlamps, and the rear featured LED tail lamps spanning its width. Despite its minivan status, the Pacifica Hybrid offered practicality akin to an SUV, with sliding doors and ample cargo space. Inside, the Limited trim's interior was predominantly dark, with handsome Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus debuted with a sophisticated and streamlined exterior, signaling a new design direction for Lincoln. Its grille, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz's bifurcated design, featured LED lighting that illuminated the Lincoln star logo. The rear mirrored this horizontal aesthetic with a full-width animated LED light bar and dual exhaust ports. The interior was the highlight, boasting a full-width screen and high-quality materials like open-pore wood and fine leather. The Jet Appearance Package offered additional customization with two-tone paint and black exterior trim. While the piano key shifter style was a nod to Lincoln's design tradition, it might not appeal to everyone.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, making it the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid. It offered an EPA-rated 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined fuel economy. However, real-world testing showed slightly better numbers, with 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode, which was efficient for city driving but quickly depleted on highways. The hybrid model was front-wheel drive only and lacked a spare tire and towing package, unlike its gasoline-only counterpart. With 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, the Pacifica Hybrid provided adequate highway passing power, though it lacked the acceleration of the non-hybrid version.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid option, available for an additional $1,500, offered 310 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined. The hybrid's total range exceeded 600 miles, though it fell short of the Lexus RX hybrid's 36 mpg combined. All Nautilus models featured all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with the hybrid equipped with a CVT that avoided typical droning issues. While not a driver's car, the Nautilus could satisfy occasional performance desires.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered family-friendly features like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor second and third-row passengers. The heated and cooled front seats and heated steering wheel provided comfort, though second-row seats were low for taller passengers. The Pacifica's flat-fold Stow 'n Go seats were unavailable in the hybrid due to battery placement, but cargo space remained generous with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 140.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, competitors like the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey offered more overall space.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats, with the Black Label model offering 24-way Perfect Position seats with massage and extended heating functions. Rear seats provided 43 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Lincoln Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images for relaxation, and a scented cabin option added to the luxury experience. Cargo space in the Premiere trim was 36 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 71 cubic feet with seats folded, though slightly less in higher trims. The Nautilus seated five, unlike some competitors with cramped third-row options.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, praised for its user-friendly interface 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 for second-row passengers, though its value was questionable given the prevalence of personal devices. Charging options included USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus boasted a 48-inch curved display, with a digital dash for the driver and customizable sections for various information. An 11.1-inch touchscreen handled basic infotainment duties, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. While HVAC controls were easily accessible, adjusting vents required navigating menus, which was distracting. Unlabelled steering wheel controls added to the distraction, though Google maps, Alexa Built-in, and OTA updates were appreciated. Wireless charging and USB-A and -C ports were standard throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid included standard safety features like 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 adaptive cruise control provided smooth operation. Optional features included parallel parking assistance and front and rear parking assist. The 2023 model had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 version received five stars overall. The IIHS rated it Good in most areas, with some Marginal and Average grades.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite of ADAS features, including lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. The Blue Cruise 1.2 technology offered hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, with a trial available for lower trims and standard on the Black Label. The NHTSA had not rated the 2024 model, but the 2023 version received five stars for frontal and side crash protection and four stars for rollover protection. The IIHS rated the 2024 model Good in crashworthiness, with some ratings pending.