Chrysler Pacifica vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Lexus TX presented a sophisticated exterior with a variety of trim levels tailored to different powertrains. The TX 350 offered Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling trims, while the 500h hybrid came in F Sport Performance Premium and F Sport Performance Luxury trims. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid was exclusively available in the top Luxury trim. Notable updates for the 2026 model included a standard panoramic glass roof for the 550h+ and a striking Matador Red Mica paint option. The vehicle maintained its large grille, reminiscent of the older spindle grille design, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and a sleek rear LED light bar. Inside, the TX offered ambient lighting and suede trim, though the overall material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics evident throughout. The redesigned door handles, which operated through pressure rather than mechanical levers, were a unique feature, though some might have preferred more attention to cabin detail.

In contrast, the 2027 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a facelift that introduced a more aggressive front end, featuring a lit-up logo and sharper lighting signature on trims above the base LX. While the new badge and wordmark were appealing, the overall execution of the front design was divisive. The base LX retained a more reserved look, appealing to styling purists. The Pacifica's side profile remained unchanged, with new two-tone wheels adding subtle visual interest. The rear featured a clean, modern light bar across the tailgate. Inside, the Pacifica retained the cabin from the previous year's refresh, offering comfortable seats with clean white piping and driver seat memory on trims above the base. However, the lower cabin areas were dominated by plastic materials. The Pacifica's interior was thoughtfully designed, with ample storage solutions and a practical layout, making it a strong contender in the minivan segment.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of powertrain options, with the base model delivering 317 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid variant, however, boasted an impressive 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The vehicle featured a seven-kilowatt charger, allowing for a full battery charge in under three hours with a home charger. The TX provided versatile driving options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gasoline-only modes, along with Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes. The 550h+ delivered a smooth and quiet ride, with a capable suspension that absorbed road imperfections effectively. The all-wheel-drive system offered flexibility, distributing power between the front and rear wheels as needed, and included a Trail Mode for enhanced traction on slippery surfaces.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica was powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, producing 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the engine provided ample power for the segment, it lacked refinement, with a hoarse exhaust note and noticeable noise, vibration, and harshness. 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 with composure, though its ride quality on rough pavement left room for improvement. The discontinuation of the plug-in hybrid variant left the V6 as the sole powertrain option, with EPA estimates of 19 city, 28 highway, and 22 combined for FWD models. However, real-world fuel economy fell short of these figures, highlighting a disadvantage compared to hybrid competitors.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ offered standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The second row featured captain's chairs with a removable center console, while the third row provided ample space and comfort for adults. The vehicle's cargo space was impressive, with 20.2 cubic feet available behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 97 cubic feet with the second row down. The TX could tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile option for families.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica excelled in cargo space versatility, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row and a total of over 140 cubic feet with seats stowed. The Stow 'n Go seating system allowed the second and third rows to fold flat into the floor, providing unmatched flexibility for switching between passenger and cargo configurations. The Pacifica's sliding side doors were a practical feature, especially in tight parking spaces. The interior offered thoughtful storage solutions, including a ventilated wireless charging pad, multiple USB-C ports, and a pass-through beneath the center console. The cabin layout maximized space, making it an ideal choice for families.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch color touchscreen with quick response times, though some features lacked polish, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. The steering wheel housed multi-functional buttons, which were not labeled, leading to confusion when switching between functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose. The vehicle offered a range of subscription-based features, including in-dash navigation and a voice assistant. The backup camera provided a clear view, with an available bird's-eye view and Advanced Park system for automated parking. The TX included seven USB ports and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained powered.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica retained analog gauges, which felt outdated compared to rivals with digital displays. The 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5 was standard, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The blind-spot camera system activated with the turn signal, providing a live view on the center screen, though it took over the entire display. 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 Pacifica's tech offerings were practical, though not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2026 Lexus TX came equipped with Safety System+ 3.0, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane centering, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though the steering wheel controls were confusing. The TX 350 and TX 500h received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, while the IIHS awarded the TX an "Acceptable" rating in the small overlap front crash test and "Good" ratings for other measures.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Enhanced Safety Sphere Package added a blind-spot camera and front camera, enhancing safety during maneuvers. The NHTSA awarded the Pacifica five stars in 2026, though the IIHS ratings were mixed, with a "Marginal" score in the moderate-overlap front test. Despite this, the Pacifica remained competitive in the minivan segment.