2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and an overall height of 74.2 inches. The front end appeared ready to dominate the road, framed by large headlights that accentuated its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colors: Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and Nori Green Pearl.

Despite its luxury badge, the GX's dimensions seemed to shrink when viewed from the side, with a short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky aesthetics, making it easier to navigate technical driving. However, the interior was marred by an abundance of plastic, which detracted from its luxury appeal. Nevertheless, features like heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery added some luxury touches.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, with our review focusing on the mid-trim Limited with the S Appearance Package. This package added body-colored door handles and exterior mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black accents, complemented by 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The front featured a split grille surrounded by standard LED headlamps, while the rear boasted LED tail lamps spanning its width.

The interior of the Limited trim was dark but sophisticated, with handsome Nappa leather seats and a dash featuring sweeping lines. The chunky HVAC and audio knobs were practical, though their proximity to the transmission selector dial could cause confusion. The Pacifica Hybrid's practicality shone through with its sliding doors and ample cargo space, making it a more practical choice than an SUV.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, which delivered a linear rise in noise and power as the accelerator was depressed. The 4.6-liter V8 produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While not impressive on paper compared to newer engines like Toyota's 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid, the GX's V8 offered a satisfying sound and feel for some drivers.

However, the GX's performance had its drawbacks. Its 6,500-pound towing capacity was decent but not exceptional, and 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, though it remained predictable and controllable. The steering was vague off-center, but the brakes were strong and reliable. The GX's Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard 4WD system made it user-friendly in various conditions.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two small electric motors, making it the only plug-in hybrid minivan available. The EPA rated it for 32 miles of all-electric range, 520 miles of total range, 82 MPGe, and 30 mpg combined. In real-world testing, it exceeded these estimates, achieving 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range.

Charging the Pacifica Hybrid's battery took about two hours on a Level 2 home charger, while a standard outlet required 14 hours. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode first, which was efficient in city driving but less so on the highway. The plug-in hybrid model was front-wheel drive only and lacked a spare tire and towing package, limiting its versatility. Despite these limitations, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a smooth driving experience with 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, though it lacked the acceleration of the non-hybrid model.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin, a phone space ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, sticking with older USB-A ports. The GX's physical controls were a blessing for those who preferred hard buttons over touchscreens, though the abundance of buttons required some getting used to.

The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and fold-out cupholders, while the third row was too tight for regular use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 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 side-hinged, non-power-operated trunk door was also inconvenient.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor children in the second and third rows. The front seats were heated and cooled, with a heated steering wheel, and the second-row seats were comfortable but low. The center pathway allowed easy access to the spacious third row, though taller passengers might prefer the legroom in competitors like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.

The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was generous, 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 folded. However, the plug-in hybrid model lacked the Stow 'n Go seats, built-in vacuum cleaner, and heated second-row seats available in the standard Pacifica.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, revamped in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. However, the graphics and responsiveness lagged behind newer Lexus models. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo, and a CD player.

The GX's off-road capabilities were more impressive, with a real 4WD system, two-speed transfer case, locking center differential, and various driving aids like downhill assist and hill-start assist. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) and Off-Road Package further enhanced its off-road prowess.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, praised for its ease of use and crisp graphics. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, though it was pricey at $2,795.

The Pacifica Hybrid offered numerous charging options, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, auxiliary ports, and wireless charging. This ensured that no device would be without a charge.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was originally engineered for the 2010 model year, meaning it lacked some modern structural safety improvements. However, it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with 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, and the adaptive cruise control was smooth and responsive.

Optional safety features included parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist, available through packages or the top Pinnacle trim. The 2023 Pacifica Hybrid had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall safety rating. The IIHS gave it Good marks in most categories, with Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.