2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, marked its fifth generation with a design that was both familiar and fresh. It was shorter in height, broader in width, and had a longer wheelbase compared to its predecessor, yet maintained the same overall length. The reduction in rear overhang and softer design lines contributed to a smaller appearance, while the floating roof effect added a modern touch. The front featured a well-integrated spindle-style grille with a modern mesh texture, leading into an elevated hood. The rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper, ensuring the RX was easily recognizable as a Lexus, yet distinct from the previous model.

Inside, the RX offered a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The quality was high, with options for NuLuxe artificial leather or genuine leather, and trims of textured black plastic, real wood, and aluminum. The RX was available in several trims, including hybrid and performance hybrid options, with Canadian pricing starting at $58,650. The interior was designed to be both luxurious and functional, with a focus on modern technology and high-quality materials.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, available in Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle trims, offered a practical and stylish option for families. The Limited trim with the S Appearance Package added body-coloured accents and black badging, complemented by 18-inch wheels. The split grille and LED headlamps provided a modern look, while the LED tail lamps spanned the rear. Despite its minivan status, the Pacifica Hybrid was a practical choice with sliding doors and ample cargo space.

Inside, the Pacifica Hybrid Limited featured a dark interior with Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. The controls were user-friendly, though the proximity of the HVAC and transmission selector dials could cause confusion. The interior was comfortable, with heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the third row offered enough space for adults, though taller passengers might prefer competitors like the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was generous, though not as versatile as the non-hybrid model due to the battery placement.

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 and better high-altitude performance than the previous V6, though it lacked the same smoothness. The RX 350 AWD could accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds, with a combined fuel economy estimate of 9.9 L/100 km. During testing, the RX 350 Executive trim showed some torque steer and body motion over uneven surfaces, while the F Sport 3 trim, with its adaptive suspension, provided a more stable ride.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 260 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. It was the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid, with an all-electric range of 51 km and a total range of 784 km. In testing, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these estimates, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km of total range. The van's CVT operated smoothly, and the steering was light but adequate for a minivan. However, the Pacifica Hybrid was limited to front-wheel drive and lacked a towing package, unlike its gasoline-only counterpart.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered a comfortable interior with premium materials and modern design elements. The Executive trim featured semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport 3 trim had sportier NuLuxe seats and Dark Graphite trim. Both models provided ample rear seat comfort, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX's cargo space was improved, with 838 litres behind the second row and 1,308 litres with the seats folded, though still not class-leading.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in family-friendly features, such as the FamCam interior camera and a spacious cabin. The front seats were heated and cooled, with a comfortable driver's seat and adjustable armrest. The second-row seats were comfortable but low, and the third row offered enough space for adults. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was generous, with 914 litres behind the third row and 3,978 litres with all seats folded. However, the lack of Stow 'n Go seats in the hybrid model reduced its versatility compared to the standard Pacifica.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured 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 system allowed for user profiles and streaming through embedded apps. The Mark Levinson premium sound system was available, though it required adjustment for optimal sound. The RX also offered digital instrumentation, a digital rearview mirror, and a head-up display, though the latter could be difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, known for its ease of use and crisp graphics. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and could connect two phones via Bluetooth. The optional rear seat entertainment system added two 10-inch screens with streaming capabilities, though it was an expensive addition. The Pacifica Hybrid also featured numerous USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained powered throughout the journey.

The 2023 Lexus RX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Standard features included lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New additions included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. The RX also introduced semi-autonomous driving technologies like Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist, though some features required careful attention to use effectively.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a robust set 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 clear alerts. However, features like parallel parking assist required additional packages or the top trim. The 2022 Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, except for some areas like seat belt reminders and headlights.