2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that revised its exterior. New standard LED headlights flanked the Pacifica’s new hexagonal grille, giving the front end a more muscular aesthetic compared to the elegance of previous years. The rear featured a new all-LED taillamp running the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. Chrysler also introduced six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents.

Inside, the Pacifica differentiated itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by balancing practicality and luxury. The Pacifica Pinnacle trim, in particular, offered premium features such as a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim with wood accents, and quilted leather seats. The minivan also boasted sound-deadening technology, ensuring a quiet ride.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 retained its decade-old body shell with minor updates over the years, including the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model added silver 18-inch wheels as standard on the Premium trim. Despite its age, the GX’s styling remained coherent and distinctive, appealing to SUV shoppers with its tough, aggressive look.

However, the interior of the GX felt outdated for a modern luxury SUV. The wood trim in the Premium test car looked and felt like molded plastic, and there was an abundance of actual plastic. While leather upholstery was standard, the overall interior did not meet the standards expected in a luxury vehicle.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine paired with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower. The base Touring and Touring L trims came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered either all-wheel drive (AWD) or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, new for 2021, activated on-demand based on various driving conditions to improve fuel efficiency.

The Pacifica Hybrid had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of more than 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD models slightly lower at 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX’s 5,130-pound weight impacted its performance, making merging and overtaking maneuvers challenging. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners.

Off-road, the GX excelled with a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and driver aids like hill-descent control and hill-start assist. The optional Off-Road Package added features like a transmission cooler, fuel-tank protector, and Multi-Terrain Select. The GX had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds and respectable off-road metrics, though it was outperformed by the Land Rover Discovery in some areas.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seats provided ample space, and the center console included a handy under-stack area for storage. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow ’n Go seats for easy cargo loading. The Pacifica Pinnacle offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2021 Lexus GX’s interior ergonomics felt outdated, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The dashboard shape provided excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was limited by the tall hood. Storage options were limited, with small center-console bins and cupholders. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games for 2021. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with advanced features. Audio options ranged from a six-speaker system to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The 2021 Lexus GX lacked modern tech features, with no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a straightforward interface.

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, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Lexus GX included the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models. The GX had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.