2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This review focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX retained the sharp design lines and familial styling attributes of Lexus, resembling the smaller UX and larger RX. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added sportier elements like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the F Sport models featured exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior color schemes. The material fit and finish were excellent, with a familiar gauge cluster and a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the center stack design appeared outdated, featuring a rare CD player and elevated climate-control buttons. Despite its functional design, the lack of open small-item storage between the driver and passenger was a drawback.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan image, offered a unique plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system. This setup provided a total system output of 260 horsepower and an electric-only driving range of up to 32 miles. The Pacifica Hybrid never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded, and could be recharged overnight using a standard household outlet. The transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible, and the regenerative braking system helped capture energy to feed back into the battery.

However, the Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was less engaging, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and a sometimes unnatural ride quality due to the low-mounted weight. Despite these drawbacks, the Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiency, achieving an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg on a mixed driving loop. The lack of driving modes simplified the experience, allowing the powertrain to operate as efficiently as possible.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with the powertrain becoming noisy under hard acceleration. The F Sport models featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically, though some purists found this gimmicky.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50 percent of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX offered a smooth and comfortable driving experience, with three drive modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—affecting throttle response and power-steering assist. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The electric drive system provided immediate torque, ensuring the Pacifica Hybrid never felt underpowered. It could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped capture energy and feed it back into the battery, contributing to an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg on a mixed driving loop.

The Pacifica Hybrid's driving experience was less engaging, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and a sometimes unnatural ride quality. However, the transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible, and the lack of driving modes simplified the experience, allowing the powertrain to operate as efficiently as possible.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate second-row legroom. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. The NX provided 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats, expanding to 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. These figures made the NX's storage capacity one of the smallest in its class. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were plentiful, including extra shelves in the front door panels, a large floor tray under the center console, and a long storage bin behind the center console. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats but required removal to maximize cargo space.

The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, with cupholders, USB ports, and side window shades. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Removing the second-row seats increased cargo capacity to 140.5 cubic feet, surpassing many full-size SUVs.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available as part of the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. The Lexus infotainment system was criticized for its user-unfriendly interface, relying on a touchpad and burying functions deep in menus. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system with eight speakers was standard, with a Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available on higher trims.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, appealing graphics, and a simple user interface. The system supported 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 allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and an Amazon Fire TV rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with no recalls reported.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. The Pacifica Hybrid's adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist needed refinement, as it was slow to recognize lane departures and moderate speed when other vehicles cut in. The Pacifica Hybrid earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection from the NHTSA.