2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX 460’s styling was a testament to its long tenure on the market. Retaining the same basic body shell from a decade ago, it had undergone several updates over the years, including the addition of Lexus’ trademark spindle grille in 2014, which was further refined in 2020 with a new textured insert and triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model didn’t introduce any new styling changes but did make silver 18-inch wheels standard on the Premium trim level. Despite its age, the GX’s tough, aggressive look remained distinctive and appealing to SUV shoppers, although the interior lagged behind modern luxury standards with its dated wood trim and abundance of plastic.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a minivan that didn’t shy away from its identity. While it might not have been a looker, even with the S Appearance Package, it was a practical and efficient vehicle. The Pacifica Hybrid’s design was more about function than form, with its rounded, flowing exterior and interior styling appearing somewhat soft and dated compared to the more architectural motifs popular at the time. However, the interior was comfortable, with quality materials like black Nappa premium leather, and it offered a significant amount of space and utility, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Lexus GX kept things straightforward in the powertrain department with a single engine option: a 4.6-liter V8 producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX 460’s performance was a throwback to an earlier era of SUVs, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. However, its 5,130-pound weight made higher-speed maneuvers and stopping a challenge. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, lacking the refinement of modern unibody SUVs. Despite these drawbacks, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and several driver aids like hill-descent control and hill-start assist. An optional Off-Road Package further enhanced its ruggedness, making it a solid choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, on the other hand, was designed for efficiency and practicality. Its plug-in hybrid drivetrain combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible, and the regenerative braking system helped maximize efficiency. On a test drive in Los Angeles, the Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg. While the driving experience was somewhat dull, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes, the Pacifica Hybrid’s powertrain was impressive in its efficiency and smooth operation.

The 2021 Lexus GX’s interior reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console that limited legroom. The steering wheel’s odd angle and the tall seating position made it feel like driving a bus. However, the boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, and the array of buttons and knobs for various controls was user-friendly. 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, and virtually no space with the third row in use.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility. It offered three rows of genuinely comfortable seats and ample cargo space, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a massive 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and numerous storage options, including a large floor tray and multiple bins. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica’s Stow n’ Go seats, though they didn’t fold into the floor. The third-row seat was also reasonably comfortable, with amenities like cupholders, USB ports, and side window shades.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. The infotainment system was outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s and limited functionality. However, the analog controls for various functions were a refreshing change from the touchscreen-centric interfaces of other luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, on the other hand, was equipped with the latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display with appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and speedy response times. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available FamCam overhead camera system was a great feature for parents, and the 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system provided excellent audio quality. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered Amazon Fire TV for its rear-seat entertainment system, though it might not be necessary if passengers have their own devices.

The 2021 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, which included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, it lacked some of the advanced safety features available in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system to prevent leaving children or pets in the vehicle. It offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, though the adaptive cruise control needed refinement. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with the only concern being a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.