Chrysler Pacifica Vs Honda Odyssey
There is a reason minivans always dominate the market sales – it’s the perfect family vehicle. The combination of comfy interior space, flexible seating arrangement, rear-seat entertainment, easy access through sliding doors, and ample cargo capacity makes it the ideal car for family life. Whether it’s for daily commute to school and work, weekend road trips, or morning soccer games, it provides the convenience and versatility that sedans and SUVs can’t match. Despite the rise of powerful midsize SUVs, minivan remain popular choices for families. Now, which minivan is right for you: Chrysler Pacifica vs Honda Odyssey. Keep reading to find out which minivan reigns supreme.
Chrysler Pacifica Vs Honda Odyssey: Head-to-Head Matchup of The Minivan Standouts
Quick Overview
Chrysler Pacifica is undeniably the most physically attractive vehicle in its segment. Shape and proportion-wise, it looks tidy and well-thought-of. Even with the unusual slant of its D pillars and rear glass, you can categorize its exterior as upscale. But the most significant selling point of Chrysler Pacifica is its plug-in powertrain. All other vehicles in its segments are either full gas or standard hybrid.
As with many vehicles under the brand, the Honda Odyssey sports simple and more subtle sculptural surface panels. The flattened wheel arch and the prominent crease on the side create that nice “floating roof” effect. Combine that with the front grille, and you have an unassumingly handsome vehicle packed with high-end tech and signature Honda durability.
Performance and Handling
The Chrysler Pacifica has everything you need for a vehicle of its segment: a decent but quiet powertrain perfect for comfortable long rides and big 20-inch wheels to handle the potholes on the road. The 3.6L V6 engine, which punches 287hp, is mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox.
On the other hand, the Honda Odyssey brags a smooth and easy sedan-like handling, something you don’t find in many minivans. Pair that with the paddle shifters on the steering wheel and long seating position. You will definitely feel the difference in its handling – it’s like you are driving a car.
The Honda Odyssey is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine capable of producing 280hp. It is agile and responsive, and its tight turning makes it easy for tight parking. Unfortunately, there are no hybrid options, but the V6 delivers a decent punch.
Advantage: Honda Odyssey (by an extremely slim margin)
Fuel Economy
The plug-in hybrid version of Chrysler Pacifica offers a very practical range of 82 miles (MPG) and a range of 32 miles of electric-only. The The Pacifica MPG is a respectable 19 miles in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. In terms of handling, the steering is responsive, and the suspension is comfortable; for a minivan, that is more than impressive.
The Honda Odyssey MPG offers a decent fuel economy, as it runs 19 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. While it doesn’t have a hybrid option, its fuel economy is still competitive, considering the performance it offers.
Advantage: Chrysler Pacifica
Interior, Tech and Features, and Practicality
Key Features:
- Chrysler Pacifica:
– Adaptive Cruise Control
– Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking
– Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking
– Blind Spot Monitoring - Honda Odyssey:
– Honda Sensing suite (Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Road Departure Mitigation, etc.)
– Blind Spot Information system
– Magic Slide Second Row Seat
– Rear Entertainment System
– Hands-Free Access Power Tailgate
Chrysler Pacifica’s interior sports Nappa leather in a black or deep mocha color scheme, which means you get more glitz and visual drama than the plain and unadventurous interior in Odyssey. The tri-pane panoramic sunroof also makes the cabin feel bigger and brighter (when opened).
The dashboard of the Pacifica features a beautiful 10.1-inch main touchscreen infotainment running the Uconnect 5 system, three more 10.1-inch rear-set touchscreens for the second-row passengers and an additional smaller touchscreen in the rear for climate control. To keep an eye on your passengers, there are also available rear-facing cameras for rear-facing child seats viewable through a split view screen option. Aside from the infotainment, the Chrysler minivan also has convenient features, such as five USB ports, two HDMI ports, two 12V ports, and an auxiliary jack. And if more is needed for convenience, there are 12 strategically placed cup holders and a vacuum inside.
The interior of Chrysler Pacifica is extremely versatile. The third-row seats can fold flat with a simple switch, while the second-row comes with an Easy Tilt feature for easy and convenient access on the third row.
In terms of the cabin feel, the Odyssey feels darker and somber than the Pacifica. The fit and finish is classic, which will definitely stand the test of time. And while the center is techy, the dark leather seat makes the inside feel understated. The single-pane sunroof helps, but it is still inferior to Pacifica’s.
The dashboard features an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with available rear-seat entertainment systems that include a 10.2-inch overhead screen. But that’s pretty much it in terms of entertainment. For convenient features, the Odyssey comes with a 115V plug, which may be convenient for camping or long road trips for charging your laptop, gaming consoles, etc. There are also three 12V ports, one HDMI port, and two headsets for independent listening.
The third row also stows into the floor for better storage, and while it uses the old-school nylon loop, it still offers a faster mechanism than that in Chrysler. The second-row seats, while doesn’t stow completely into the floor, are removable. That comes in helpful if you need extra space, though it obviously needs some elbow grease. And yes, the Odyssey also comes with a vacuum.
Advantage: Chrysler Pacifica
Cargo and Storage Space
Cargo space is the Pacifica’s strongest suit, thanks to the Stow ‘n Go seats. The default space is 32.3 cubic feet and can expand to 87.5 cubic feet if the third row is folded. If both the second and third rows are folded, it can offer a whopping 140.5 cubic feet.
The Honda Odyssey offers a slightly larger default cargo space at 38.6 cubic feet. Folding the third row will expand the cargo space to 92 cubic feet. Since the second-row seat does not fold completely flat on the floor (it can only be partially folded and slid forward), Pacifica wins in this category. However, when the third row is folded flat, and the second-row seats are removed, it can free up space of up to 158 cubic feet.
Advantage: Chrysler Pacifica (since removing the second-row seat requires some elbow grease).
Price and Value
The starting price of Chrysler Pacifica, which is the base Touring model, is $ 39,620. The hybrid version is priced at $51,095 for the base. While the hybrid variant is definitely more expensive upfront, it can save you money in the long run with reduced fuel cost due to its fuel efficiency and electric range.
The Honda Odyssey, on the other hand, priced their base model LX at $38,065. Higher model variants can cost up to $49,620.
Obviously, exact prices can vary depending on your location, dealer markups, incentives, and options chosen. But in terms of pricing, Odyssey beats Pacifica in the long term when you consider the cost-to-own tenure for the van. Also, it comes with the trademark Honda durability.
Advantage: Honda Odyssey
Verdict
Which one is right for you? Well, it depends on the things you prioritize most in a family minivan. If you want a stylish, tech-savvy hybrid family hauler, then the Chrysler Pacifica is your best choice. It has a deluxe interior, advanced tech, and a combination of practicality and luxurious comfort. However, if you prioritize functionality, serious cargo space for moving a bunch of items, slightly lower price, then the Honda Odyssey offers an excellent solution. It’s highly dependable, packs with family-friendly and safety features, and has convenient functionalities.
Both are top-tier minivans, so the decision ultimately boils down to your specific needs.
