2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant mid-generation refresh, resulting in a more muscular aesthetic with its new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights. This design shift moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained a touch of sophistication as the eye moved along the vehicle's sides and rear. The rear featured a new all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its centre. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica stood out from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival by balancing practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim. This top-tier model boasted a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted Nappa leather seats, creating a posh minivan experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX maintained its decade-old body shell with minor updates over the years, including the Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model did not receive any styling changes, but it featured standard silver 18-inch wheels and optional 19-inch wheels with the Executive package. Despite its age, the GX's styling remained coherent, with a tough, aggressive look that appealed to SUV shoppers. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury SUV standards, with wood trim resembling molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. The semi-aniline leather was standard, but the overall interior felt dated compared to newer models.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a V6 hybrid engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. In Canada, all-wheel drive (AWD) was an extra-cost option for internal combustion engine models, while hybrid models were front-wheel drive only. The AWD system activated on-demand based on various conditions, improving fuel efficiency by deactivating when not needed. The Pacifica Hybrid boasted an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with fuel consumption of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres and 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 8.4 on the highway, and 10.6 combined, with AWD models seeing slightly higher consumption.

The 2021 Lexus GX featured a single powertrain option: a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's 2,349-kilogram weight impacted its performance, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The SUV's body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with low grip and body roll in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen centre differential, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and various off-road drive modes. The GX offered 20.5 centimetres of ground clearance and respectable approach, departure, and break-over angles. It had a maximum towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms, with stability control including a trailer-sway control function.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and a padded centre console lid for a sense of togetherness. Storage space was ample, with an under-stack area for personal items. Standard features included rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, power windows, a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and Stow 'n Go seating for the second and third rows. The Pacifica's second-row under-console storage provided additional convenience, while the spacious cargo area offered best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high centre console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. Despite excellent outward visibility, forward visibility was limited by the tall hood. Storage options were limited, with small centre-console bins and cupholders. The GX offered three rows of seating for seven, but the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. Accessing the third row was challenging, and cargo space was minimal with the third row in use. With the second and third rows folded, the GX provided 1,833 litres of cargo space, less than competitors like the Land Rover Discovery.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable experience with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. The system was graphically appealing and responsive, with easy-to-use navigation. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games available. Audio options included a standard six-speaker system, a 13-speaker Alpine system, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon option. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions, with a separate display for time and temperature. However, analog controls for various functions provided a user-friendly interface. The GX included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and standard USB ports for the first two rows, but the third row lacked connectivity options.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 standard or available safety features, with most becoming available at the Touring-L grade. These included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with active braking. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, and more. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated the model.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera were standard. However, the GX lacked some safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.