Here they are – two popular minivans that managed to keep their popularity in this crazy era of crossovers. Both vehicles have a lot of good things to offer. Both have been around long enough to be polished and considered reliable. Furthermore, both can be pretty efficient, as they cover three different powertrain types.
It’s hard to say which one is better, but let’s compare some of the key points important for minivan buyers. Those would be things like interior space, cargo volume, fuel economy and ride quality. Of course, there is also the matter of price.
2024 Toyota Sienna vs. 2024 Chrysler Pacifica: Passenger Space
The two models belong to the same class and feature similar proportions. Therefore, the amount of passenger space is also pretty similar. The Pacifica’s first row is good for about 41.1 inches of legroom and 40.1 inches of headroom. The second row offers 39 inches of legroom and 39.6 inches of headroom. Finally, there is the third row with 36.5 inches of legroom and 38.7 inches of headroom.
The Toyota Sienna on the other hand offers around slightly less room in the front row but feels more comfortable in the second row. The third row is pretty similar. Here it is in numbers: the front headroom is 40 inches, while the legroom goes up to 40.3 inches. The second row offers 40 inches of legroom and 39.4 inches of headroom. Finally, there is the third row, with 36.3 inches of legroom and 37.6 inches of headroom.
2024 Toyota Sienna vs. 2024 Chrysler Pacifica: Cargo Space
When it comes to the 2024 Toyota Sienna vs. 2024 Chrysler Pacifica battle in terms of cargo area, the Pacifica seems like a clear winner. It offers around 32.3 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats, 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and a maximum cargo capacity of 140.5 cubic feet with both rear rows folded, no matter if you pick gasoline or hybrid version.
On the other hand, the Sienna features batteries under the second-row seats, and that’s why they can’t fold down. Unlike Chrysler’s super practical, removable seats, Sienna’s second row is fixed and can’t be removed. Still, it can at least slide, for a full 25 inches. In numbers, you may count on about 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third-row seats, 75.2 cubic feet with these seats folded flat and 101 cubic feet with the second row moved forward.
2024 Toyota Sienna vs. 2024 Chrysler Pacifica: Powertrain and Fuel Economy
When it comes to powertrain and fuel economy, things are a little bit complicated. The Pacifica comes either with a gasoline or plug-in hybrid powertrain, while the Sienna comes with Toyota’s classic, self-charging hybrid.
The Pacifica PHEV offers 82 MPG-equivalent and 32 miles of range in the all-electric mode. However, the hybrid mode offers no more than 30 mpg combined. On the other hand, the gas-powered model features a capable 287-hp V6, which returns around 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
On the other hand, Toyota’s minivan features a familiar hybrid system based on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It puts out a little bit over 240 horsepower but compensates for that slight lack of power with impressive fuel economy, which goes around 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
In this aspect, the Sienna is a clear winner. The Pacifica’s plug-in hybrid may be more powerful and with the EV mode, but we don’t believe it justifies the huge price gap. On the other hand, the V6 is similarly priced but way thirstier.
2024 Toyota Sienna vs. 2024 Chrysler Pacifica: Ride Quality
Both models have spacious and comfortable cabins but what about ride quality? Well, the Sienna feels a little bit more composed, and more stable in corners. The level of smoothness is similar in both models, but the Pacifica is characterized by a little bit more body leanness. Both minivans are easy to drive, but Pacifica has better brakes.
On the inside, we liked Sienna’s seats a little bit more. On the other hand, the sound insulation is better in Chrysler’s model. All these differences are minimal, and you can’t make the wrong choice in these aspects.
Features
As for the standard equipment, both models are equipped with tons of modern features. The Pacifica comes standard with a 10.1-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, four USB ports, satellite radio, HD Radio, and a six-speaker stereo. The Sienna, on the other hand, comes with a 9-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, seven USB ports, satellite radio, a six-speaker stereo and, importantly, a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Both models are also well-equipped in terms of standard safety features. In both models, you will find goodies like a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams and many more.
Price
As for the price, the base Sienna is more affordable, with a starting price of around 36.000 dollars. The gas-powered Pacifica starts at around 37.000 dollars, while the plug-in would cost you more than 50.000 dollars in its most basic variant.
2024 Chrysler Pacifica Full Preview
