Chrysler Pacifica vs Toyota Sienna

Regardless of the relentless rise in popularity of SUVs, the minivan is still the ultimate suburban utilitarian vehicle. There’s simply no better option if you have a big family or frequently haul around lots of gear. If you’re in the market for a new minivan, you have a tough decision to make, as there are many options. The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica and 2022 Toyota Sienna are the two leading contenders.

Do you go with the tried-and-true Toyota Sienna or take a chance on the new Chrysler Pacifica? Both vehicles are excellent choices, but which one is right for you? In this comparison guide, we’ll pit these two minivans against each other in a series of categories to see which one comes out on top.

Call Us

Engine, Performance, and Transmission

Centerville, Ohio, drivers shopping for a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica minivan will have their choice of two different powertrains. The standard engine is a zippy 3.6-liter V-6 engine that generates 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine joins with a nine-speed automatic transmission that’s incredibly smooth. The available engine is a plug-in hybrid powertrain that packs a V-6 gas engine and a pair of electric motors powered by a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This powertrain produces a combined 260 horsepower. Instead of a conventional automatic transmission, an electric continuously variable transmission (eCVT) manages power delivery.

Unlike the Pacifica, which offers both a gas-powered engine and a plug-in hybrid powertrain, the Sienna comes strictly as a hybrid and has just one powertrain. Under the hood, you’ll find a 2-liter four-cylinder gas engine mated to a pair of electric motors. This powertrain produces a combined 245 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque sent to the front wheels via an eCVT. Overall, the Pacifica is the clear winner regarding engine and performance.

Fuel Economy and Range

When it comes to fuel economy, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica is available with two different powertrains, and as you might expect, they offer different fuel economy ratings. The standard front-wheel-drive gas-powered engine with the regular V-6 gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined for city and highway driving. The available all-wheel drive drops those numbers slightly to 20 mpg combined. The available plug-in hybrid powertrain is the most fuel-efficient option, as it gets an EPA-estimated 82 MPGe in combined city and highway driving. This powertrain also has an all-electric range of up to 32 miles.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna is only available as a hybrid and has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 36 mpg in combined city and highway driving. The Sienna also has a range of up to 600 miles on a single 18-gallon tank of gas. So, if you’re looking for a minivan that can save you money at the pump and still has enough range to take long road trips, the Pacifica is the way to go.

Interior Space and Cargo Capacity

It wouldn’t be a fair comparison of minivans if we didn’t look at interior space and cargo capacity. So, let’s see how the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica and 2022 Toyota Sienna measure up.

Seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations are available for the Pacifica. However, the seven-passenger option is standard on most models. The eight-passenger configuration is optional on the top-of-the-line Touring and Touring L trim. The seven-passenger configuration features captain’s chairs for the second row and a third-row Stow ‘n Go bench seat.

The Sienna also offers seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations. The eight-passenger option is standard and features bucket seats for the second row. The seven-passenger option is only available on the higher trim levels and provides captain’s chairs for the second row.

As for cargo capacity, the Pacifica boasts vast space with over 140.5 cubic feet behind the first row, 87.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row. The Sienna falls far behind, with a cargo capacity of 101 cubic feet behind the first row and 75.2 cubic feet behind the second. With 33.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row, it does manage to eke out a bit more space than the Pacifica. The Pacifica is again the winner in this category.

Features

Nowadays, it’s not enough for a car to get you from point A to point B. It also needs to keep you and your passengers comfortable, entertained, and connected on the go. So, let’s look at the features offered by the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica and the 2022 Toyota Sienna.

The Pacifica comes standard with a 10.1-inch intuitive touchscreen display. This display gives you access to all the car’s features, including climate control and a TomTom-based factory navigation system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard, as is a six-speaker audio system, three-zone climate control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, push-button start, and second-row window sunshades.

The Sienna comes standard only with a 9-inch touchscreen display that’s not as user-friendly and clear as the Pacifica’s. Although it does make up for this shortcoming by offering a long list of safety and driver-assistance features as standard, it doesn’t include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna’s safety features include blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, and lane departure warning. However, these safety features aren’t exclusive to the Sienna. The Pacifica has them too.

The Pacifica strikes the perfect balance between luxury and practicality. It comes standard with everything you need to make your daily commute more enjoyable while offering plenty of options to upgrade if you want to add more luxury to your ride.

Price and Value

Price is another critical factor to consider when shopping for a new minivan. The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica has a starting MSRP of $37,095. The 2022 Toyota Sienna has a starting MSRP of $36,500. The Pacifica is the way to go for the best value for your money, as it offers more standard features and a fair starting MSRP.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica and the 2022 Toyota Sienna are excellent choices for a new minivan. But when it comes down to it, the Pacifica is the better choice for most buyers. Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Centerville is your go-to dealership for all things Pacifica. Contact us today to schedule a test drive and experience Pacifica’s many features and capabilities. Even better, we have a wide selection of new and used vehicles for sale, so you’re sure to find the perfect one for your needs and budget.

Chrysler Pacifica by Dennis Elzinga is licensed with CC BY 2.0