Minivan Mania: Reinventing the Minivan’s Image with the Chrysler Pacifica

When you hear the word “minivan,” what image comes to mind? Do you immediately think of cheerios scattering the floor, juice box stains on the seats, a wood-paneled exterior, and an unshapely design? What if we told you that these images no longer paint a clear picture of the modern minivan, at least not when you shop for a used Chrysler Pacifica. Would you believe us?

If you’re in the market for a minivan, then you’ve probably come across two of the top sellers in the industry – the Chrysler Pacifica and the Honda Odyssey. So, which is better? The Pacifica is better than the Odyssey across the board, from its design and performance to its interior that’s loaded with features. In fact, we believe the Pacifica is better based on its age alone since the model made its debut as a minivan in 2017 compared to the much older Odyssey that was introduced in the mid-1990s. That makes shopping for a used Pacifica even easier.

Aside from its younger age in the industry, the Pacifica takes the lead against the Odyssey in many categories. But this isn’t a typical comparison that puts the minivans in a race against one another. Why? Because we know that every family is different, and that means the Pacifica will work for some while the Odyssey will work better for others. So, with that said, here’s a closer look at everything we think you’ll love about the Pacifica and what makes it a great value when purchased off the pre-owned lot.

#1 It’s Fairly New to the Market

When shopping for a used vehicle like the Pacifica, it’s always important to check the model year. Newer models are usually more favorable since they offer more advanced features and conveniences like connectivity, safety, and driver-assist tools. Since the Pacifica was first introduced as a minivan in the Chrysler lineup in 2017, the models you’ll find on the used lot are still relatively new. This isn’t always the case for the Honda Odyssey, which was first introduced in 1995.

#2 It Reinvented the Minivan’s Image

The debut of the Pacifica in 2017 not only reinvented the Chrysler brand but also reinvented how the world saw the minivan. This was something Honda attempted with the first-generation Odyssey, which was built on the Accord’s platform and delivered sedan-like handling. With the Odyssey missing the mark with its small cabin, the minivan market would have to wait two decades for the game-changing Pacifica that delivered more power, more room, and more features than any other minivan in the market.

#3 It’s Powerful

As you shop for a used Pacifica, you’ll find plenty of power under the hood whether you’re looking at a 2017 or newer model. The Pacifica proves a minivan doesn’t have to be sluggish or cumbersome to drive, whether you’re running errands in town or cruising down the freeway. Its power comes from its 3.6-liter V6 engine and 9-speed automatic transmission that delivers 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Odyssey comes in a close second to the Pacifica and shares a 280 horsepower range; however, its engine is far noisier and gives the Pacifica the advantage of delivering a quieter ride.

#4 It’s Available as a Hybrid

The Pacifica not only reinvented the minivan’s image, but it also made history in 2018 with the debut of the Pacifica Hybrid. The first electric minivan in the industry, the plug-in Pacifica is a great option if you’re looking for an efficient and environmentally friendly minivan. Capable of traveling up to 33 miles on electric power, this capability adds to the Pacifica’s estimated total range of 566 miles.

Although Honda is known for its innovation and cutting-edge technology, there isn’t a hybrid Odyssey in the lineup. This is surprising since Honda has added several electric options to its lineup over the last few years. For the Pacifica, this is just another advantage the Chrysler has over the Honda and is what makes it even more attractive to families looking to lessen their carbon footprint when they’re behind the wheel.

#5 It’s Roomy and Comfortable

Another great feature you’ll find on the Pacifica is its spacious cabin that offers comfortable seating for eight across three rows. The Town & Country earned high marks for its Stow ‘n Go seats and inspired Chrysler to improve the design for the Pacifica. This means that you’ll find better-cushioned seats that you can easily fold with one hand or tilt forward for access to the third row. This is a great option when your passengers have to navigate past car seats to get to the back row.

In addition to offering plenty of room for passengers, the Pacifica is also more than capable of hauling all your gear whether you’re trekking across the country on a family vacation or you’re stocking the pantry with groceries. Regardless of the year model, you’ll find every used Pacifica boasts ample room for storage. This room is readily available whether you have passengers in the third row or the seat is folded down to maximize the cargo area.

#6 It’s Ready to Entertain

Minivans and rear-seat entertainment go hand-in-hand since automakers like Chrysler know that younger passengers need more to keep them occupied regardless of how far you’re driving. As you shop for a used Pacifica, you’ll discover that the models include plenty of entertainment and connectivity features not only for your passengers but for you in the driver’s seat as well. This connectivity begins with a center display that houses the Uconnect system and extends to the second row, where there are two entertainment screens that allow occupants to play games, watch movies, and more. Of course, the newer the model, the more advanced the technology, such as the 8.4-inch touchscreen display and infotainment system found on the 2019 Pacifica that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

#7 It’s Safe

Both Chrysler and Honda are committed to delivering the most advanced safety features available across their lineups. This is what evens the playing field between the Pacifica and the Odyssey, both of which are incredibly safe in the minivan class. In fact, both the 2019 Pacifica and the 2019 Odyssey earned Top Safety Picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

If you can find a 2019 Pacifica, you’ll reap the benefits of the latest safety technology. The model includes over 100 standard and available safety and security features. These features range from collision mitigation and prevention tools like Forward Collision Warning-Plus and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go to parking aids like ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist and the 360-degree Surround View Camera. The Odyssey offers similar features with the Honda Sensing safety suite that, like the Pacifica, enhances visibility and minimizes the potential for collision.

The Decision Is Yours

Which minivan is better for you – the Chrysler Pacifica or the Honda Odyssey? While we see the Pacifica as a clear winner over the Odyssey thanks to its innovative features that helped reinvent the minivan’s image, you’re the only one who can decide the true winner. That’s why we’re here to show you what the models have to offer and how they perform, both of which will help you determine the minivan that’s best for you and your family. So, is the Chrysler Pacifica better than the Honda Odyssey? The choice is yours.