Chrysler Pacifica vs Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh, showcasing a revised exterior with new standard LED headlights flanking a hexagonal grille. This update gave the Pacifica a more muscular appearance, moving away from the elegance of previous models. The sophistication of the original design remained evident as one moved from the front to the sides and rear, highlighted by a new all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle. Chrysler introduced six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, featuring darkened elements and black accents.

Inside, the Pacifica differentiated itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona. While the Sienna emphasized spaciousness and the Sedona opted for a utility-vehicle-like design, the Pacifica balanced practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim. This top-tier model offered comfort with soft-touch materials, a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and upscale finishes like quilted leather seats and wood accents. The Pacifica's doors felt substantial, and sound-deadening technology ensured a quiet ride.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid maintained its sharp-edged, streamlined profile, fitting between the Lexus UX and RX crossovers. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX's styling had not significantly changed over the years. Underneath, it shared a platform with the previous-generation Toyota RAV4, making it less advanced than its Toyota counterpart. The F Sport Black Line model featured a larger mesh grille, dark-finish 18-inch wheels, and a striking Grecian Water paint, which contrasted nicely with the dark trim.

Inside, the NX's design, once radical, had become familiar. The F Sport model included a heated steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and NuLuxe upholstery with blue stitching. However, the interior materials leaned more towards mainstream quality rather than luxury. The dashboard's stepped center console was functional, but the overall material quality did not match the luxury brand's expectations.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrains: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a hybrid version with a V6 engine, dual-motor transmission, and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower. The base Touring and Touring L models came with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered AWD or hybrid options. The AWD system, reintroduced after 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions, enhancing efficiency by deactivating when not needed. The hybrid model boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 achieved 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, with AWD models slightly less efficient.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. Standard AWD was included, but the NX's performance was more focused on fuel efficiency than excitement. The hybrid's 0-60 mph time was 9.1 seconds, with a top speed of 112 mph. The F Sport model's sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drivetrain struggled with quick acceleration. Drive modes like Eco and Sport offered minimal impact on performance, emphasizing the NX's focus on efficiency.

The Chrysler Pacifica was designed for family life, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seats provided ample space, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Storage included an under-stack bin for personal items. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow ’n Go seating for flexible cargo space. The Pacifica Pinnacle offered best-in-class storage of 227.6 liters, making it ideal for family travel.

The Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with rear legroom being the worst in its class. The front seats, however, were comfortable with 10-way power adjustment and available heated and ventilated options. The sloping roofline and thick pillars hindered rear visibility, but large mirrors helped. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. A power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

The Chrysler Pacifica featured Uconnect 5, a modern infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Hands-free sliding doors were available on mid-grade models. The second-row entertainment system offered games and multiple ports for personal devices. Audio options ranged from a six-speaker system to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon setup. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the system felt dated with text-heavy menus. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims. The base audio system lacked the quality expected from a luxury brand.

The Chrysler Pacifica came with 97 standard safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, with forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were newly standard, but a 360-degree camera system was absent.