2024 Cadillac LYRIQ vs 2024 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking vehicle with a design that commanded attention. Its exterior styling was reminiscent of a long sedan, despite being an SUV, with a long hood and low ground clearance. The vertical light bars and LED headlights added a modern touch, while the grille and lighting effects enhanced its unique style. The interior was crafted with attention to detail, featuring leather-wrapped seats, polished controls, and a sleek steering wheel. However, the floating center console was a design misstep, offering little functionality. The 33-inch OLED display was a standout feature, seamlessly integrated into the cabin.

In contrast, the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica maintained a contemporary look despite its age. Its smooth exterior styling and modest grille provided a refreshing alternative to flashier rivals. The hidden sliding-door tracks contributed to its clean appearance. Available in various trims, the Pacifica offered LED lighting and wheel options to suit different preferences. The interior was distinctive, with a minimalist dashboard and well-integrated controls. The Pinnacle trim featured luxurious touches like Nappa leather upholstery and quilted stitching, though some elements felt less premium. The rotary shifter was a quality touch, but the overall interior design was a mix of high and low-end materials.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, despite its sporty appearance, was more suited for long-distance comfort than spirited driving. It featured a dual-motor powertrain with 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, providing continuous all-wheel drive. The standard setup was a single rear motor with 340 hp and 325 lb-ft. The 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack offered a claimed range of 314 miles with rear-wheel drive and 307 miles with all-wheel drive, though real-world testing showed closer to 260 miles. Charging was efficient, with the ability to reach 80 percent in about 30 to 35 minutes. However, the LYRIQ's handling was hindered by its weight, leading to understeer and uninspiring steering feel. The braking system was strong, but the overall chassis needed improvement.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 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 higher trims. The Pacifica's chassis tuning prioritized comfort and stability, making it a smooth ride for families. While some weight transfer was noticeable during acceleration and deceleration, the suspension effectively dampened road imperfections. The Pacifica's towing capacity was 3,600 pounds, making it a versatile choice for those needing to haul additional cargo.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges in terms of build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders, a faulty charging port, and a problematic pull-out tray were notable issues. The glovebox was difficult to access while driving, and the floating console offered limited storage space. The rotary selector for the touchscreen was less intuitive than direct touch interaction. Despite these drawbacks, the LYRIQ provided generous headroom and legroom, though its cargo space was limited compared to other SUVs, with 28 cubic feet behind the seats and 60.8 cubic feet when folded.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica excelled in interior space and versatility. Its Stow ‘n Go seating allowed second-row seats to fold flat into the floor, creating ample storage space. The Pacifica offered various seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers. Cargo space was impressive, with 32.3 cubic feet behind all three rows, 87.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 140.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Pacifica also featured a built-in vacuum cleaner, enhancing its practicality for families.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ boasted a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering touch-enabled controls for lighting and gauge cluster layouts. The infotainment system ran native Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Super Cruise system provided excellent hands-free driving capabilities, while the 19-speaker AKG stereo delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system was intuitive and user-friendly, though a shortcut for the 360-degree camera system would have been appreciated. The Pacifica also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV connectivity and a FamCam interior camera for monitoring rear-seat passengers.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing. It came standard with forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Cadillac's Safety Alert Seat. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, and rear emergency braking.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by 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.