2020 Lexus RX vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

Lexus refreshed the RX for the 2020 model year, giving it significant upgrades inside and out. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned to resemble Lexus cars more closely, and two new paint colors were introduced: Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl. The rear received a new shape with dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the cabin remained well-appointed with various interior colors and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique features like a special steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels, among others. Leather-wrapped surfaces provided a premium feel, though the center stack's design was starting to show its age.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh, featuring a revised exterior with new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille, giving it a more muscular look. The rear sported an all-LED taillamp running the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. Six new wheel designs were offered, along with the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which featured quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats. The flat dashboard housed a 10.1-inch touchscreen, the largest in its class, with high-resolution screens for the rear entertainment system. The Pacifica's doors felt well-weighted, and the minivan boasted advanced sound-deadening technology for a quieter ride.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The three-row RX 350L had the same engine but was limited to 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor for 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450hL achieved 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX 350 achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h AWD got 30 mpg combined. The F Sport models featured adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels for improved agility. The RX offered various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV mode for hybrids. The RX 350 F Sport provided a smooth driving experience with good throttle response and shifting, though it struggled in snowy conditions without torque-vectoring technology.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid version combined the V6 with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from the motors. The Pacifica Hybrid had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of over 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 22 mpg combined, while the AWD version got 20 mpg combined. The AWD system activated on-demand based on driving conditions and deactivated to improve fuel efficiency when not needed. The Pacifica's hybrid powertrain allowed for both on-road driving and wall charging to add power to the battery.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior was not as minimalist or stylish as its German luxury SUV competitors, but it was functional. The two-row RX model comfortably seated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best for small children or pets. The cabin was wide and tall in its two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and good outward visibility, though the A-pillar impeded the driver's view of curbs and corners. The cargo area was smaller than competitors, with a high load floor that compromised space. The RX 350L and 450hL had even less cargo space compared to rivals like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models and standard on long-wheelbase RX-L versions.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seats were roomy, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. The under-stack area provided additional storage for items like purses or muddy shoes. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, power windows, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, Stow 'n Go bucket seats with in-floor storage bins, and a Stow 'n Go third-row bench seat. The second- and third-row seats offered ample legroom, though taller adults would be more comfortable in the middle row. The Pacifica's cargo area was spacious, with best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters in the Pinnacle trim.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for the 2020 model. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved 5.5 inches closer to the driver. Despite these changes, the system remained difficult to navigate. However, standard Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations helped mitigate these issues. The RX featured six USB ports and a standard 12-speaker audio system, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system. A CD player was also standard, catering to audiophiles.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern and customizable, with a clean design and quick responsiveness. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the navigation system was easy to use. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with new games added for 2021. The Pacifica offered a six-speaker sound system, with 13-, 19-, and 20-speaker Harman Kardon options available. The Pinnacle trim featured FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with rear-facing child seat view, split-view display, and zoom-to-seat functionality.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features for 2020 included daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX also came with a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, advanced brake assist, third-row lockout, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.