2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Lexus NX

When the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX went on sale in December 2021, it was available in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Depending on the model, available trim levels included base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with base prices ranging from $37,950 to $49,000, excluding the $1,075 destination charge. The NX 250 and the turbocharged NX 350 were not electrified, while the NX 350h was a hybrid, and the NX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid based on the Toyota Rav4 Prime. The review focused on the turbocharged NX 350 in F Sport and Luxury trim levels.

The NX was unmistakably a Lexus, featuring a jutting spindle grille and styling details reflecting a simplified and refined attention to detail. The new block lettering spelling out the brand name appeared on the SUV’s tailgate. The 2022 Lexus NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. Most NX models had NuLuxe simulated leather, while the NX Luxury included real leather and open-pore wood trim. The NX 350 F Sport distinguished itself with a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. Inside, sport-bolstered seats and a black headliner defined the sporty version of the NX.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a minivan that aimed to efficiently transport up to seven people. It featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on Chrysler’s 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system. The total system output was 260 horsepower, and the electric drive system’s torque was available immediately. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The base Touring L started at $49,095, with the Limited trim costing $54,095, and the Pinnacle version at $57,645.

The interior of the Pacifica Hybrid was comfortable, with black Nappa premium leather and a rounded, flowing design. It offered triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage was 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 seat, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down, and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

Electrification was a key focus for the 2022 Lexus NX, with two electrified versions available. The NX 350h offered a combined output of 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving. The NX 450h+ was a 302-hp plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, with front-wheel drive (FWD) and an optional AWD.

The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension and 20-inch wheels. The F Sport felt taut and lean on winding roads, while the NX 350 Luxury offered a softer driving character. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the NX 350. The observed fuel economy was 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury, with Lexus estimating 25 mpg in combined driving for the NX 350. The NX had a ground clearance of 7.7 inches, limiting its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid’s plug-in hybrid drivetrain was based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total system output of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system captured energy and fed it back to the battery, resulting in an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg on a Los Angeles driving loop.

The Pacifica Hybrid’s powertrain was smooth and efficient, with the transition from electric to gasoline power nearly imperceptible. The minivan’s driving dynamics were unremarkable, with light and uncommunicative steering, regenerative brakes that occasionally felt too grabby, and a lack of cornering grip. The Pacifica Hybrid’s performance was rated highly for its powertrain efficiency, but the driving experience was considered dull.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room for passengers and cargo, with a cozy and intimate dashboard design. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim provided better bolstering for the front seats, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX’s panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat. The NX had a 14% increase in cargo space, with 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The minivan featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage was 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 seat, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down, and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 9.8-inch touchscreen display as standard and a 14-inch screen as an optional upgrade. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based features. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural voice commands, and the NX included a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect service. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and User Profiles with digital key capability.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to check on 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 surround-view camera system and parking assist system were standard starting with Touring L trim.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) collection of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had standard blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, an adaptive front lighting system, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid claimed to offer more standard safety and security features than any other vehicle in the industry. The Pacifica Hybrid included a rear-seat reminder system, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and lane-keeping assist. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, the adaptive cruise control needed refinement, as it was slow to recognize lane departures and too abrupt when braking for vehicles cutting in.