2024 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. Its upscale appearance was enhanced by 22-inch silver-finished wheels, particularly in the TX 350 Executive packages, which significantly improved its presence. The styling of the TX was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, offering a conservative design that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's bolder aesthetics. The TX was available in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, although the TX 550h+ was not yet on sale. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, with options for Ultra Luxury or Executive packages in Canada. The interior, while luxurious, was criticized for being too dark, even with the panoramic glass sunroof, but overall, it met the expectations of a Lexus badge.

In contrast, the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica maintained its contemporary exterior styling despite not being refreshed or redesigned for several years. Its smooth design and modest grille offered a tasteful alternative to the flashier Toyota Sienna and avoided the SUV-like styling of the Kia Carnival. The Pacifica's clean look was achieved by hiding sliding-door tracks, unlike the Honda Odyssey. Available in Touring, Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, the Pacifica featured standard LED lighting and a range of wheel sizes. The S Appearance and Road Tripper Packages added unique styling elements and functional features. Inside, the Pacifica's dashboard was minimalist and well-integrated, with a sculpted look that avoided unnecessary bulges. The Pinnacle trim boasted luxurious brown Nappa leather upholstery, but some interior elements felt less premium. The rotary shifter was a quality touch, though it was easily confused with the volume knob.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial concerns about its suitability for a midsize luxury SUV, the engine performed adequately for typical driving situations, accelerating to 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, only slightly better than the previous RX L model. During testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km, with the ride and handling praised for their balance between firmness and comfort. The steering was accurate, and the interior remained quiet on the highway. However, the brake pedal felt too soft, though it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine, known as the Pentastar, delivering 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on certain trims. The V6 engine provided peppy acceleration and a towing capacity of 1,632 kilograms. The Pacifica's chassis tuning prioritized comfort and stability, effectively damping body motion and road imperfections. However, some weight transfer was noticeable during acceleration and deceleration. The Pacifica was positioned as a step above mainstream minivans, offering a quiet and comfortable ride, though not quite reaching luxury levels.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs by offering a more spacious and comfortable interior. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional captain's chairs available. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, providing better leg support and visibility than previous models. However, sliding the second-row seat forward to accommodate third-row passengers compromised second-row comfort. The TX offered 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row folded and 2,746 litres with the second row down. Storage options were plentiful but lacked lining, potentially causing noise and vibration.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica excelled in interior space and versatility, thanks to its Stow 'n Go seating system, which allowed second-row seats to fold flat into the floor, creating large storage bins. The Pacifica offered seven seats with standard second-row bucket seats and a 60/40 split-folding third-row bench. Pinnacle models featured a power-folding third-row seat and a power liftgate. Passenger space was competitive, with ample headroom and legroom across all rows. The Pacifica provided 914 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 2,477 litres behind the second row and 3,978 litres with both rows folded. The Stow 'n Vac built-in vacuum cleaner was a convenient feature, though the raised centre console's storage area was difficult to access.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional options like a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX also included free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and a three-year Remote Connect subscription. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and available SiriusXM with 360L. The instrument cluster featured analog gauges with a 7-inch digital display. The Pacifica offered up to 12 USB-C ports, built-in navigation, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Uconnect Theatre system provided rear-seat entertainment with touchscreens, wireless headphones, and Amazon Fire TV connectivity. The FamCam interior camera allowed parents to monitor rear-seat occupants, though an intercom system was not available.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist offered additional braking and steering assistance, though it was not always transparent in operation. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors and traffic jam assist. The system generally performed well, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in front.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included a 360-degree camera system and park assist.