Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs Lexus NX

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned and available in four model series, offered a range of trim levels from base to Luxury, with prices starting at $37,950. The NX 350 F Sport and Luxury trims were particularly notable for their design, featuring a distinctive spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, providing more passenger and cargo space. The interior was minimalist, with a focus on decluttering, though some controls integrated into the 14-inch touchscreen were not immediately intuitive. The NX 350 F Sport stood out with sport-bolstered seats, a unique mesh-pattern grille, and 20-inch gloss black wheels, while the Luxury trim offered real leather and open-pore wood trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, was a practical choice for families. The Limited trim with the S Appearance Package added stylish black accents and 18-inch wheels. The Pacifica's split grille and LED headlamps gave it a modern look, while the interior featured Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dashboard. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was dark but comfortable, with heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row seats were comfortable, though a bit low, and the third row offered ample space for adults. However, the plug-in hybrid model lacked the Stow 'n Go seats and some features available in the gasoline-only version.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and 39 mpg combined, and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower and 36 miles of electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The NX 350 F Sport added adaptive variable sports suspension and performance dampers, enhancing its dynamic capabilities. The NX 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury trim.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 32 miles of electric range and 82 MPGe. In testing, it achieved 33 miles of electric range and over 550 miles of total range. The Pacifica Hybrid's power delivery defaulted to electric mode, 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 capability. The Pacifica Hybrid delivered 260 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, with a smooth continuously variable automatic transmission and a lower center of gravity for improved handling.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided more interior room, with a cozy dashboard design and comfortable seating. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations and practical storage space. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, and the Luxury trim featured a Thematic Ambient Illumination system. Cargo space increased to 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

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 comfortable driver's seat and adjustable center armrest. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, while the third row offered ample space. The Pacifica Hybrid lacked Stow 'n Go seats due to the battery placement, but cargo space remained at 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with all seats down.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based features. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen optional. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and various connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The NX also offered a digital mirror, head-up display, and digital key capability.

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 and 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, with streaming capabilities and games. The Pacifica Hybrid featured numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, a 115-volt outlet, and wireless charging.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driver assistance systems such as Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, and semi-autonomous parking assist.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system provided visual and audible alerts, while the adaptive cruise control system offered smooth braking and acceleration. Optional features included parallel parking assist and front and rear parking assist. The 2022 Pacifica received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, and the IIHS gave it Good marks, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and Average grades for headlights and LATCH ease of use.