Chrysler Pacifica vs Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica received a facelift that was met with mixed reactions. The updated design featured a lit-up logo and sharper lighting on trims above the base LX, which retained a more reserved look. While the new badge paired with the Chrysler wordmark was appreciated, the overall execution with sharp angles was less favored compared to the previous, classier front end. The unchanged side profile maintained its minivan identity, complemented by new two-tone wheels. The rear design, with a simple light bar, was considered the Pacifica's best angle. Inside, the cabin largely mirrored last year's refresh, offering comfortable seating with clean white piping and driver seat memory on higher trims. However, the lower cabin areas were criticized for excessive plastic use, contrasting with the more durable matte finishes found elsewhere.

The 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ continued to stand out with its striking design, maintaining its appeal over the years. Its interior was a blend of advanced technology and classic luxury, featuring top-notch materials and user-friendly toggle switches for climate controls. Despite its impressive design, the LYRIQ had a history of inconsistent build quality, with past models exhibiting rattles and misaligned trims. However, the test vehicle showed improvements, suggesting potential enhancements in quality. Buyers were advised to thoroughly inspect their vehicles before purchase. The LYRIQ's design and material quality were praised, but its build consistency remained a point of caution.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica was powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided ample power for the segment, outperforming the Toyota Sienna's four-cylinder hybrid. However, the engine's exhaust note was less refined, and the cabin was not well-insulated against noise. The Pacifica offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims except the base LX. This combination of V6 power and AWD was unique in the minivan segment. The Pacifica handled corners well but struggled with ride refinement on rough surfaces. The discontinuation of the plug-in hybrid left the V6 as the sole powertrain, with EPA estimates of 19 city, 28 highway, and 22 combined for FWD, and slightly lower for AWD. Real-world fuel economy fell short of these figures, highlighting the Pacifica's disadvantage compared to hybrid competitors.

The 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 102-kWh battery pack with a DC fast-charging speed of 190 kW. It adopted the North American Charging Standard, facilitating Tesla Supercharger use. The single-motor RWD model produced 365 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, offering an EPA-rated range of 326 miles. The dual-motor AWD Lyriq-V delivered 615 hp and 650 lb-ft, with a range of up to 285 miles. The tested AWD model had 515 hp and 450 lb-ft, with a range of 319 miles using the standard charger. Despite its power, the LYRIQ's throttle was tuned for smooth acceleration, reminiscent of a V8. The driving experience balanced comfort and refinement, with precise steering and good body control. The LYRIQ's ride comfort was notable, even with 22-inch wheels, and its braking system offered three settings for varied driving preferences.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica offered 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, the smallest among its competitors. However, the deep, tub-like shape was practical for strollers and luggage. The Pacifica excelled in cabin reconfiguration, with third-row seats folding into the cargo area and second-row Stow 'n Go seating folding flat into the floor. This feature was unmatched by competitors, which required removing middle-row seats for maximum cargo space. The Pacifica's sliding side doors were advantageous in tight spaces, and the Limited trim offered second-row captain's chairs for seven seats. Storage was thoughtfully designed, with a ventilated wireless charging pad, USB-C ports, and a pass-through beneath the console for additional storage.

The 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ's interior storage was nearly as good as its Optiq sibling's. It featured large cupholders, wide door bins, and a deep center armrest bin. The wireless charger was a space-saving diagonal slot. A large storage tray under the center console and a pull-out tray under the dash provided additional storage. The LYRIQ offered 28 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, slightly more than the Optiq. It could accommodate six suitcases with room to spare, despite lacking a frunk. The LYRIQ had less cargo capacity than the Audi Q6 e-Tron but offered ample legroom for rear passengers, accommodating six-footers comfortably. The second row was wider than the Optiq's, making it easier to fit three passengers.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica retained analog gauges across all trims, which felt outdated compared to rivals with digital displays. The 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen was standard, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the graphics were underwhelming for a 2027 model. The blind-spot camera system was a notable feature, providing a live view on the center screen when the turn signal was activated. Physical climate controls were a highlight, with buttons for temperature and fan adjustments. Heated seats were standard, with ventilated seats available on higher trims.

The 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a beautifully crisp OLED touchscreen with an arched design, enhancing the cabin's aesthetics. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google built-in functions like Google Maps and Assistant. The AKS audio system with Dolby Atmos was a standout feature, offering exceptional sound quality. The system's design and functionality were praised, although voice commands lacked some capabilities found in other systems.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with full-speed forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, ParkSense rear park-assist, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alert. The optional Enhanced Safety Sphere Package added a blind-spot camera and front camera. The Pacifica received a five-star rating from the NHTSA in 2026, but the IIHS rated it less favorably, with a Marginal score in the moderate-overlap front test. Despite this, it performed better than some competitors.

The 2027 Cadillac LYRIQ included standard driver-assistance features, with lane-keep assist being slightly intrusive but easily disabled. It offered GM's Super Cruise hands-free highway driving assist system as standard, a feature not commonly found in competitors. The LYRIQ received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS for crash safety and vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention, though it scored lower for vehicle-to-pedestrian prevention and headlight glare.