2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX was available in several trims, including the base 350, F Sport, and L for its gas powertrain, with a hybrid model known as the RX 450h. The RX 350 and F Sport seated five, while the L trim offered a three-row, 7-passenger configuration. The 2022 model retained the modern and sporty design introduced in its 2020 facelift, featuring a revised grille and other exterior enhancements. Competing in the midsize luxury crossover segment, the RX stood out with its aggressive styling, characterized by sharp character lines and angular features, particularly in the front and rear. The F Sport trim, in particular, added a performance-oriented look with 20-inch wheels, black-housing mirrors, and unique front fascia.

Inside, the RX maintained a luxurious appeal across all trims, with the F Sport adding sporty elements like model-specific badging and Scored Aluminum trim. The cabin offered nearly a dozen color combinations, with non-F Sport models featuring a mix of NuLuxe or semi-aniline leather seats and various metal and wood trims. Despite the high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces, the center stack felt dated due to an abundance of buttons. Comfort was a mixed bag, with the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport trim lacking cushioning and lumbar support. The limited-edition Black Line trim added exclusive black-colored features and contrast gray stitching for a premium look.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan image, offered a unique package for efficiently transporting up to seven people. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The 16-kWh battery pack allowed for up to 32 miles of electric-only driving, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior featured quality materials like black Nappa leather and triple-zone automatic climate control. Storage options were plentiful, with extra shelves, large floor trays, and multiple bins for USB ports and wireless charging.

The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, offering better cushioning and adjustability. The third-row seat provided reasonable comfort for two adults or three kids, with cupholders, USB ports, and side window shades. Cargo space was impressive, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second row removed. The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain seamlessly transitioned between electric and gas modes, offering a smooth and efficient driving experience. However, the driving dynamics were unremarkable, with light steering and occasional grabby brakes.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h added two high-torque electric motors for a combined output of 308 horsepower. All RX models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard on the RX 350 and all-wheel drive available. The hybrid RX 450h was exclusively all-wheel drive. Despite the F Sport designation, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension, sport steering, and a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system, but the driving experience remained uninspiring.

The RX excelled in driving comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing rough patches and isolating road noise effectively. Fuel efficiency for the RX 350 was estimated at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, with slight variations for all-wheel drive and three-row models. The RX 450h hybrid achieved 30 mpg combined, with 31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid's plug-in hybrid drivetrain combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing 260 horsepower. The electric drive system's torque was immediately available, providing adequate power even with a full load. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, with regenerative braking capturing energy to recharge the battery. During testing, the Pacifica Hybrid achieved an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg, outperforming the Toyota Sienna's 36 mpg combined rating.

The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain operated smoothly, with nearly imperceptible transitions between electric and gas modes. However, the driving experience was dull, with light steering, unremarkable regenerative brakes, and limited cornering grip. The Pacifica Hybrid excelled in efficiency and practicality but lacked engaging driving dynamics.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in the standard two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults. Headroom measured 39.4 inches in the front and 39.1 inches in the rear, with 44.1 inches of front legroom and 38.0 inches in the back. The three-row L models shared the same wheelbase, resulting in limited space for the third row. Cargo space in the two-row RX was 16.0 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row models offered 7.45 cubic feet with all seats upright, 23.03 cubic feet with the third row down, and 58.48 cubic feet with both back rows folded. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured quality materials, triple-zone automatic climate control, and numerous storage options. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, with better cushioning and adjustability. The third-row seat provided reasonable comfort for two adults or three kids, with cupholders, USB ports, and side window shades. Cargo space was impressive, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second row removed. The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain seamlessly transitioned between electric and gas modes, offering a smooth and efficient driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus RX came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available as an option. Despite being moved 5.5 inches closer to the driver, the touchscreen's positioning remained ergonomically unfriendly. The infotainment system included voice commands and a touchpad, both of which were frustrating to use. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, Amazon Alexa compatibility, a WiFi hotspot, and premium audio systems. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity and personalization options.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The system offered appealing graphics, a simple user interface, and quick response times. Uconnect 5 included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium 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 RX came standard with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, a pre-collision system, and intelligent high beams. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a head-up display, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS when equipped with optional triple-beam LED headlights and received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. The Pacifica Hybrid's adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist needed refinement, particularly in recognizing lane departures and moderating speed. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.