2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a unique offering in the minivan segment, especially for those seeking a plug-in hybrid option. Despite its minivan status, which some might find less appealing compared to SUVs, it offered practical features like sliding side doors, making it convenient for families. The Pacifica Hybrid was not particularly stylish, even with the S Appearance Package, and it came with a hefty price tag. However, its interior, adorned with black Nappa premium leather, provided a sense of quality, though the design felt somewhat dated compared to more modern competitors.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid presented a more contemporary and minimalistic design. The RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models shared a similar appearance to the standard RX 350, with subtle differences like the badge on the liftgate. The RX 500h stood out with its performance-oriented styling, featuring a blacked-out grille and matte-black wheels. While the RX maintained its popularity, it wasn't considered particularly attractive, with a design that seemed front-heavy. Inside, the RX offered a cleaner look with fewer controls and a new infotainment system, enhancing its modern appeal.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-litre V6 engine, paired with a dual-motor electric drive system. This setup delivered a total of 260 horsepower, providing sufficient power even when fully loaded. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. Its regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless. However, the driving experience was somewhat uninspiring, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two distinct hybrid powertrains. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 246 horsepower and achieving a combined fuel economy of 6.5 L/100 km. It accelerated to 100 km/h in about 7.5 seconds. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, on the other hand, boasted a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, delivering 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. It reached 100 km/h in around 6 seconds but consumed more fuel at 8.6 L/100 km. The RX 500h offered a more engaging driving experience with its adaptive suspension and rear-wheel steering, though accessing different drive modes required navigating the infotainment system.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three spacious rows of seats and ample cargo space. It featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated front seats. Storage options were abundant, with various bins and compartments throughout the cabin. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, though they required removal to maximize cargo space. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third row folded and 3,978 litres with the second row removed.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid prioritized comfort with its ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance offered eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters. The battery placement under the rear seat slightly elevated the cushion, providing good leg support but limited headroom. Cargo space was improved over the previous model, with 838 litres behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with the seat folded. While the RX offered more cargo space than its predecessor, it still fell short compared to some rivals.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the FamCam overhead camera system. The system allowed for multiple user profiles and simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent. The Pacifica Hybrid also had a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, though the sound quality required adjustment. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but not widely used by passengers.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Drive Connect feature offered cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant. The system worked reasonably well, though it had some limitations, such as displaying only one screen menu at a time. The available head-up display included dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which could be distracting, especially for those wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist, though the adaptive cruise control needed refinement. The Pacifica earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driver assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. It also included Proactive Driving Assist, which maintained safe following distances and recharged the battery through regenerative braking. While the system generally performed well, some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had room for improvement. The RX also offered Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park, though these features were not tested.