2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a striking vehicle, especially in its Black Onyx color. This model eradicated almost all chrome from the exterior, transforming the SUV into a sleek, dark presence on the road. However, it took less than a day for a layer of dust to make the Lexus look old and shabby. Despite its modern touches like the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, the GX's design felt dated, reminiscent of its first-generation predecessor from 2002. Inside, the cabin quality was top-notch, featuring smooth, silky refinement and a quiet ride, with only the faint roar of the V8 engine audible.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited with the S Appearance Package offered a more practical and modern look. The exterior featured body-colored door handles and mirrors, gloss black accents, and 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The split grille and LED headlamps added a touch of sophistication. Inside, the Pacifica's dark interior was offset by Nappa leather seats and a few sweeping lines on the dash, giving it a sophisticated feel. The chunky HVAC and audio knobs were user-friendly, though their proximity to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-liter V8 engine, produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds. Despite its 5,126-pound curb weight, the GX managed a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. However, its fuel economy was a mere 16 mpg in combined driving, which was slightly better than expected during testing. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) helped improve stability and off-road capability, but the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. The EPA rated it for 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined. In testing, the Pacifica exceeded these estimates, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. Charging the battery took two hours on a Level 2 charger, while a standard outlet required 14 hours. The Pacifica's default to all-electric mode was efficient for city driving but less so for highway commutes. The hybrid model lacked AWD, a spare tire, and a towing package, limiting its versatility compared to the non-hybrid version.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. Its tall, narrow, and short design made it maneuverable in various settings, though the slow steering required extra effort. The interior featured comfortable seats and well-padded surfaces, but the placement of controls was confusing. The Black Line Special Edition included NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and triple-zone climate control. However, the rear seat access was tricky, and the third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. The side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading, with only 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in interior functionality. The FamCam interior camera allowed parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The front seats were heated and cooled, with a comfortable and adjustable driver's seat. The second-row seats were also comfortable but low, and the third row offered enough space for adults on extended trips. The Pacifica's cargo space was impressive, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats down. However, the hybrid model lacked the Stow 'n Go seats, built-in vacuum cleaner, and heated second-row seats available in the non-hybrid version.

The 2022 Lexus GX featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant upgrade. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system was easy to use, with a dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition. However, the placement of stereo controls below the off-roading controls was awkward. The GX also offered a CD player, a Lexus app, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system (not in the test vehicle). Standard Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras added to the tech offerings.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its ease of use and crisp graphics. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and dual-phone Bluetooth connectivity. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens with games and streaming capabilities, though it was pricey. The Pacifica also featured numerous USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging, ensuring devices stayed powered.

The 2022 Lexus GX, despite its age, included Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked more advanced safety technologies like lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems. No crash-test ratings were available for the GX.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking assist, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was particularly effective. Optional features included parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist. The 2022 Pacifica received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and Good marks from IIHS, except for Marginal and Average grades in specific areas.