2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, despite its minivan label, offered a unique proposition in the automotive market. It was a plug-in hybrid minivan, a rarity among mainstream brands, providing a practical solution for families needing space and efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid's design was not particularly striking, even with the S Appearance Package, and its price point was on the higher side, starting at $55,995. However, the interior was comfortable, featuring quality black Nappa leather, though its styling appeared somewhat dated compared to more modern designs. Chrysler made no attempt to disguise the Pacifica's minivan identity, which could be a drawback for those seeking a more rugged image.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX presented a fresh take on luxury SUVs with its fifth-generation model. Built in Canada, the RX was shorter in height but broader and longer in wheelbase than its predecessor, offering more cargo space despite its compact appearance. The exterior design was modern, with a spindle-style grille and a floating roof effect, making it easily recognizable as a Lexus. Inside, the RX boasted a thoroughly modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The quality was high, with options for genuine leather and simulated suede, ensuring a luxurious feel. The RX was available in various trims, including hybrid options, with pricing starting at $58,650.

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, delivering a total of 260 horsepower. The electric drive system provided immediate torque, ensuring the Pacifica never felt underpowered, even when fully loaded. It could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, making it ideal for short commutes and errands. The regenerative braking system helped extend the range, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless. However, the driving experience was somewhat dull, with light steering and unremarkable regenerative brakes. Despite this, the powertrain's efficiency and capability were impressive, offering an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered more torque than the previous V6, improving performance at higher altitudes and slightly enhancing fuel economy. The RX 350 AWD could accelerate to 100 kilometres per hour in approximately 7.3 seconds, providing a satisfying driving experience. The F Sport 3 trim, with its adaptive damping suspension, offered a more secure and composed ride, especially in Sport mode. However, the turbo engine's sound was less refined than the V6, and the RX's fuel economy averaged 10.5 to 10.8 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable 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 plentiful, with various bins and trays 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 third-row seat was reasonably comfortable, and the Pacifica Hybrid provided 914 litres of cargo space behind it, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third row folded. Removing the second-row seats increased capacity to 3,978 litres, surpassing many full-size SUVs.

The 2023 Lexus RX offered a comfortable and sophisticated interior, with the Executive trim featuring semi-aniline premium leather upholstery and ten-way power-adjustable front seats. The F Sport 3 trim had sportier seats with more bolstering, providing better support during spirited driving. The back seat was roomy and supportive, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX's cargo area measured 838 litres with the second row in place, expanding to 1,308 litres with the seats folded. While this was an improvement over the previous model, it remained less generous than some competitors.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the FamCam overhead camera system. The system allowed for five user profiles and simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the Harman Kardon premium sound system required adjustments for optimal sound quality. The rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV was available but not essential if passengers had their own devices.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface multimedia system with a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The Intelligent Assistant voice recognition was generally accurate, though it occasionally provided unrelated results. User profiles could be set up for different drivers, and streaming services like Apple Music and Amazon Music were available. The Mark Levinson premium sound system offered excellent sound quality with some adjustments. The RX also featured digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, and optional head-up display and digital key technology.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, the adaptive cruise control system required refinement, as it was slow to resume speed and overly cautious in moderate traffic.

The 2023 Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driving assistance systems such as lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Semi-autonomous technologies like Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available. While LSS+ 3.0 was impressive, some features, like curve-speed reduction, were not predictive, and the HUD was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.