2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited, especially with the S Appearance Package, presented a sleek and modern aesthetic. This package added body-coloured door handles and exterior mirrors, a gloss black grille surround, and black badging, all complemented by 18-inch wheels with a "Foreshadow" finish. The minivan's split grille was flanked by standard LED headlamps, and the LED tail lamps spanned the rear width, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Limited trim featured a dark interior with Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. However, the proximity of the HVAC and audio knobs to the transmission selector dial could cause some confusion.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX embraced a bold, geometric design, departing from its predecessor's softer lines. The spindle grille was less pronounced, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights. The GX's front fascia stood more vertically, giving it an aggressive look, while the flat hood's humps aided off-road driving awareness. The SUV's profile was characterized by minimal character lines and a low window beltline for better visibility. The GX was available in a single trim with five packages, each catering to different needs, from luxury to off-roading. The interior blended luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a large 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering a unique plug-in hybrid option in the minivan segment. Official ratings from Natural Resources Canada indicated 51 km of all-electric range, 784 km of total range, and a fuel economy of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 km. However, real-world testing showed slightly better results, with 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. The Pacifica defaulted to all-electric mode, which was efficient in city driving but less so on highways. The hybrid model was front-wheel drive only and lacked some features available in gasoline-only models, such as all-wheel drive and a towing package. With 260 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, the Pacifica Hybrid offered adequate performance, though not as powerful as its non-hybrid counterpart.

The 2024 Lexus GX, now powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, delivered 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, surpassing its predecessor's V8. The torque was available low in the rev range, enhancing off-road capability. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX featured a stiffer chassis for improved stability. It employed a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time four-wheel drive with a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced off-road performance. The GX accelerated well and maintained composure on-road, with effective brakes and minimal body roll.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered family-friendly features like the FamCam interior camera, allowing parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The minivan's interior included heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and comfortable seating across all rows. However, the second-row seats were not as versatile due to the battery placement, limiting the use of Chrysler's Stow 'n Go feature. Cargo space remained generous, with 914 litres behind the third row, expanding to 3,978 litres with all seats folded. Despite this, competitors like the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey offered more overall space.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was a departure from its predecessor, featuring a minimalist and sophisticated design with fewer physical buttons. The first and second rows provided ample space for adults, with 1,047 mm of legroom in the front and 933 mm in the second row. The third row, available in certain packages, was tight and best suited for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with it folded. Overtrail models, without a third row, provided even more cargo capacity.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its user-friendly interface and crisp graphics. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. An optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens for second-row passengers, though its value was questionable given the prevalence of personal devices. The Pacifica offered numerous charging options, including USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a voice assistant and subscription-based services like Drive Connect and Remote Connect. The GX provided ample charging options, with USB-C ports for front and rear passengers and a 120-volt outlet in the trunk. Higher packages included a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was particularly effective, providing both visual and audible alerts. However, some features, like parallel parking assist, required additional packages. The 2022 model received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, except for a few areas.

The 2024 Lexus GX saw significant improvements in safety, with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 now standard. It included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. A new proactive driving assist feature enhanced safety during highway driving. While the 2024 GX had not yet been crash-tested, its modern architecture and advanced safety features inspired confidence.