2024 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX presented a bold visual presence with its massive spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance, standing tall at 74.2 inches. Its front end appeared ready to conquer the road, with large headlights framing its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned in 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three colors, including the new Eminent White Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design seemed more engineered for off-road adventures, with short overhangs and a wheelbase of 109.8 inches. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and practicality, with some plastic materials betraying its premium status. Yet, it offered heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica maintained a contemporary look despite not being refreshed for several years. Its smooth exterior styling and modest grille provided a subtle alternative to flashier rivals like the Toyota Sienna. The Pacifica's design avoided the SUV-like embellishments seen in competitors, with hidden sliding-door tracks contributing to its clean appearance. Available in various trims, including the luxurious Pinnacle, the Pacifica offered LED lighting and wheel options up to 20 inches. The interior was distinctive, with a minimalist dashboard and a rotary shift knob. The Pinnacle trim featured brown Nappa leather upholstery and small pillows for second-row seats, though some interior elements felt less premium.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 delivered a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive sound. The GX boasted a 6,500-pound towing capacity, but its fuel economy was less impressive, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight contributed to its predictable handling, and its Torsen limited-slip differential enhanced its 4WD capabilities, making it suitable for off-road conditions.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, generating 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The Pacifica's V6, known as the Pentastar, provided peppy acceleration and a towing capacity of 3,600 pounds. Its chassis tuning prioritized comfort and stability, though some weight transfer was noticeable during acceleration and deceleration. The Pacifica offered a quiet and refined ride, aligning with Chrysler's reputation for being a step above mainstream competitors.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin and convenient cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, featuring only USB-A. The GX retained physical controls, which some drivers preferred over touchscreens. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and good legroom, but the third row was cramped. The side-hinged trunk door was not power-operated, and cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica excelled in interior space with its Stow 'n Go seating, allowing second-row seats to fold flat into the floor. It offered seven seats as standard, with an eight-seat configuration available. The Pacifica provided generous headroom and legroom, with a power-folding third-row seat on higher trims. Cargo space was impressive, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 140.5 cubic feet with seats folded. The Pacifica also featured a built-in vacuum cleaner and a small storage area in the center console.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. While an improvement over the previous system, it felt dated compared to other Lexus models. The GX included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo and a CD player. Off-road capabilities were enhanced with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS).

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system was intuitive and sharp, though a shortcut for the 360-degree camera view was missing. The Pacifica offered a rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV connectivity and a FamCam to monitor rear passengers. However, it lacked an intercom system found in some competitors.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX featured modern safety technology.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by IIHS. It included standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. New for 2024 was an Emergency Vehicle Alert System integrated with the Uconnect infotainment system.