2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 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 architectural motifs popular at the time. The Pacifica Hybrid was not cheap, with the base Touring L starting at $49,095 and the Pinnacle version costing $57,645. The interior featured quality black Nappa premium leather, but Chrysler did not attempt to disguise the Pacifica's minivan identity.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding presence with its huge spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and a total height of 74.2 inches. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colors. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's interior had a disappointing amount of plastic material, reflecting its low sales volume and the need for easy manufacturing. However, it still offered luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery. The GX's design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky designs, making it easier to place in technical driving situations.

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 electric drive system's torque was immediately available, and the Pacifica could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone. The regenerative braking system helped capture energy and feed it back to the battery, resulting in an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing. The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was smooth and nearly imperceptible when switching between electric and gasoline modes. However, the driving experience was dull, with light and uncommunicative steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and a low-mounted weight that sometimes produced an unnatural ride quality.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The V8 provided a linear rise in power and noise, making it satisfying for some drivers. However, its fuel economy was poor, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight made it roll through corners, but the roll was predictable and controllable. The brakes were strong and solid, and the Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential distributed the 4WD system effectively. The GX also featured a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) and an Off-Road Package for enhanced off-road capability.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. It featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were impressive, with extra shelves, a large floor tray, and multiple bins and cupholders. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go chairs, and the third-row seat was reasonably comfortable for two adults or three kids. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 140.5 cubic feet with the second row removed.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered plenty of cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin, a handy space for a phone, and conveniently placed cupholders. The GX retained physical controls, which were a blessing for those put off by touchscreens. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat option. However, the third row was too tight for regular use, even for children. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with 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 features like a FamCam overhead camera system and a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system. However, the voice recognition technology was hit-and-miss, and the rear-seat entertainment system was not used by teenagers during testing.

The 2023 Lexus GX had a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) was still present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. However, the infotainment system lagged and had outdated graphics compared to other Lexus models. The GX's off-road capability was impressive, with a real 4WD system, KDSS, and an Off-Road Package.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety and security features than any other vehicle in the industry. It included a rear-seat reminder system, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and lane-keeping assist. However, the adaptive cruise control needed refinement, as it was slow to recognize lane departures and inept at moderating speed when other motorists cut in. 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 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Despite its older engineering, it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. The GX's safety features were commendable, but its structural safety had not been updated since 2010.