2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite being a minivan, offered practical advantages that many three-row midsize crossover SUVs lacked. Its sliding side doors made it easy to load children in tight parking spaces, and its plug-in hybrid drivetrain was unique among mainstream brands. However, its rounded, flowing exterior and interior styling appeared soft and dated compared to the more modern, architectural designs of competitors. The Pacifica Hybrid was not cheap, with the base Touring L starting at $49,095 and the Pinnacle version costing $57,645. Our test vehicle, a Limited trim with additional features, had an MSRP of $57,680, including the destination charge.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition aimed to appeal to those who loved black-on-black vehicles, despite the challenges of keeping them clean. The Black Line treatment eradicated almost all chrome from the GX’s exterior, transforming it into a rolling black hole. However, the GX’s design looked dated, resembling the first-generation 2002 GX 470. Inside, the cabin’s quality was undeniable, with smooth, silky refinement and a quiet ride. The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210, including destination charges. The Black Line Special Edition started at $60,535.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The 16-kWh battery pack allowed the Pacifica Hybrid to travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone. The van never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible. On a Los Angeles driving loop, the Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg. However, the driving experience was dull, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and a lack of cornering grip.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, was equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds and achieve a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system provided stability and security. However, the GX’s high drag coefficient of 0.35 and its weight resulted in an EPA fuel economy estimate of 16 mpg in combined driving. The GX’s Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved ride and handling, but the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone automatic climate control, and numerous storage options. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica’s Stow n’ Go chairs, but they did not collapse into the floor. The third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, and the Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. With the third-row seats folded, cargo space increased to 87.5 cubic feet, and removing the second-row seats expanded it to 140.5 cubic feet.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position and clear outward visibility. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The front seats were heated and ventilated, while the rear seats were heated. However, the rear door openings were narrow, making entry difficult. The third-row seat was cramped and eliminated cargo space when in use. With the third-row seat stowed, the GX provided 46.7 cubic feet of cargo space, and with the second-row seat folded, it offered 64.7 cubic feet. The side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading and unloading.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system allowed for five user profiles and included a FamCam overhead camera system. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss. The test vehicle also had a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and an Amazon Fire TV-enabled rear-seat entertainment system. The surround-view camera system and parking assist were standard on higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system was easy to use, but the stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls. The GX also offered a dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition technology. The Intuitive Parking Assist technology was standard, and the SUV could be upgraded with surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive package of standard driver-assist and collision-avoidance features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. However, 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 a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.

The 2022 Lexus GX, lacking crash-test ratings, relied on its standard Lexus Safety System+ for safety. This included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors.