2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a unique offering in the minivan segment, especially for those seeking a plug-in hybrid option. Despite its minivan status, which some might find less appealing compared to SUVs, it offered practical features like sliding side doors, making it convenient for families. The Pacifica Hybrid wasn't particularly stylish, even with the S Appearance Package, and it came with a hefty price tag. The interior, while comfortable with quality materials like black Nappa leather, felt somewhat dated compared to more modern designs. Chrysler didn't attempt to disguise the Pacifica's minivan identity, which could be a drawback for those looking for a more stylish family vehicle.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid presented a more refined and modern appearance. The RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models maintained the brand's signature design, with the latter offering a sportier look. The RX's interior was minimalistic and luxurious, featuring high-quality materials and ambient lighting. While the RX wasn't considered a standout in terms of exterior beauty, it offered a more contemporary and upscale feel compared to the Pacifica. The RX 350h Luxury model, in particular, provided a plush interior with Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, enhancing its appeal as a premium SUV.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering a total of 260 horsepower. It could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain was praised for its seamless transition between electric and gasoline modes, offering an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing. However, the driving experience was described as uninspiring, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes. Despite its efficient powertrain, the Pacifica Hybrid's driving dynamics were likened to a four-wheeled appliance.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two distinct hybrid powertrains. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a total output of 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving an estimated 36 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model, on the other hand, boasted a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, providing a more exhilarating driving experience. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and rear-wheel steering contributed to its athleticism, while the RX 350h offered a quieter and more fuel-efficient ride. The RX 500h's fuel economy was lower, averaging 20.9 mpg during testing, but it delivered a more engaging driving experience compared to the Pacifica Hybrid.

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. 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. Removing the second-row seats increased cargo capacity to 140.5 cubic feet. However, the process of removing the second-row seats was cumbersome compared to SUVs with fold-flat seats.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a comfortable and luxurious interior, especially in the RX 350h Luxury trim with ten-way power-adjustable front seats and premium leather. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model featured sportier seats with larger side bolsters. The RX's rear seats provided excellent leg support, but headroom was limited due to the lower roofline. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. While the RX's cargo space was an improvement over the previous model, it still fell short compared to some competitors.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system allowed for five user profiles and included a FamCam overhead camera system for monitoring rear passengers. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the sound quality of the Harman Kardon premium sound system required adjustments. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered an optional rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV, though it was deemed unnecessary for tech-savvy passengers with personal devices.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system with the Lexus Interface, offering connected services like Service Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, and Drive Connect. The system featured a cloud-based navigation system and an Intelligent Assistant digital voice assistant. While the system worked reasonably well, it had limitations, such as the inability to view multiple screen menus simultaneously and the absence of a tuning knob. The available head-up display with dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel was a notable feature, though it posed challenges for users wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, though the adaptive cruise control system required 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 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. The RX also offered Proactive Driving Assist, which maintained safe following distances and recharged the battery through regenerative braking. While the safety features generally operated with refinement, some aspects, such as the front cross-traffic alert system and curve-speed reduction tech, had room for improvement. The RX also offered Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park, though these features were not tested.