2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that gave it a more muscular aesthetic, moving away from the elegance of previous years. The new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights contributed to a streamlined front end, while the all-LED taillamp at the rear added a touch of sophistication. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality with luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which featured premium materials like quilted Nappa leather seats and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The minivan's sound-deadening technology ensured a quiet ride, making it a standout in its class.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX retained a design reminiscent of its first-generation model, with the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The cabin, while crafted with care and featuring high-quality materials, maintained a similar theme to the original GX. The GX offered a comfortable and quiet ride, with a focus on refinement. The Black Line Special Edition added NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim, enhancing the interior's appeal. However, the GX's design, both inside and out, felt dated compared to more modern SUVs.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a hybrid version with a combined 260 horsepower. The hybrid model provided an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. The Pacifica's AWD system, available for the first time in 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions, enhancing traction without compromising fuel efficiency. The traditional V6 achieved 12.4 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, while the hybrid used 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres.

The 2022 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system. The GX's towing capacity reached 2,948 kilograms, and it accelerated to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. However, its fuel consumption was high, with a combined estimate of 14.5 L/100 km. The GX's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System improved stability and off-road capability, but the steering and brake pedal detracted from the driving experience.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and ample storage, including under-console storage for second-row passengers. Standard features included power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating, providing flexibility for cargo and passengers. The Pacifica boasted best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position and comfortable seating, but its narrow width and short length made rear seat access challenging. The third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space, while the side-swinging tailgate complicated loading. Despite these drawbacks, the GX offered 1,322 litres of cargo space with the third row folded, though it fell short of competitors in overall capacity.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, praised for its responsiveness and clean design. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with optional rear-seat entertainment. The Pinnacle model added FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2022 Lexus GX introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD player, along with a Lexus app and Enform connected services. However, the placement of stereo controls was awkward, and the system lacked some modern features found in competitors.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 safety features, with many standard on higher trims. These included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated it.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings but included the Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring and Safety Connect services were standard, but the GX missed some advanced safety technologies available in competitors.