2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs. 2021 Toyota Sienna

2021 Toyota Sienna LE ・ Photo by Toyota

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and 2021 Toyota Sienna are minivans with all the features today’s families demand. They have fuel-efficient hybrid powertrains, available features including all-wheel drive, and roomy interiors with plenty of space for stowing cargo.

They’re spacious and comfortable and perfect for hauling the kids around town, but there are big differences between the two. Let’s take a closer look at these minivans to see which is the better choice.

Budget-Friendly Trims

The refreshed 2021 Chrysler Pacifica has four trims, including the all-new luxurious Pinnacle. Pricing starts at $39,995 for the Touring and increases to $42,295 for the Touring L. The Limited jumps to $45,845 while the Pinnacle sits at the top of the lineup at $50,845. Buyers are eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit that effectively lowers those prices.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna is all-new with a range of five trims. Pricing starts at $34,460 for the LE followed by the XLE at $39,750. In the middle of the lineup is the XSE at $42,000. The Limited comes in at $46,700, and the top Platinum is priced at $49,900. Although it offers fewer trims, the Pacifica Hybrid has a more affordable starting price for families on a budget.

: 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Photo by Chrysler

Only One Plug-In Hybrid

Power for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid comes from a 3.6-liter V6 engine and two electric motors for 260 total system horsepower. It’s paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. This plug-in hybrid has an all-electric range of 33 miles. It can be recharged in 14 hours at a level 1 charger or roughly two hours at a level 2 charger.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna is a traditional hybrid powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors for 245 total system horsepower. It is paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive models get a third electric motor. The lower horsepower and lack of plug-in capability give the Pacifica Hybrid the win.

: 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Photo by Chrysler

Perks of Hybrid Fuel Efficiency

When it comes to fuel economy, the 2021 Toyota Sienna gets an EPA-estimated 36 mpg across the board when equipped with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive drops the city and combined figures to 35 mpg, so there’s little sacrifice for the improved capability gained from adding all-wheel drive.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 82 mpge, which it the combined gas and electric figure. That’s a stunning difference and it’s all because this isn’t a traditional hybrid, but a plug-in hybrid. If fuel economy is your focus, then there’s no question which of these minivans should be parked in your driveway.

: 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Photo by Chrysler

Only One Has All-Wheel Drive

Not everyone wants all-wheel drive, especially if you live someplace where the weather is sunny most days and snow isn’t an issue. Those that do live in places that see snow prioritize all-wheel drive and often won’t even consider a car without it as an available feature.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is front-wheel drive only. If you want all-wheel drive, then you must go with the Pacifica with the gas powertrain and lose the fuel-efficiency of the plug-in hybrid. The 2021 Toyota Sienna, however, offers a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive across the full trim lineup. If you experience snowy winters, then the Sienna is a better pick.

: 2021 Toyota Sienna

Photo by Toyota

A Passenger-Focused Ride

Both the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and the Toyota Sienna offer smooth, comfortable rides that put passenger comfort first. They even out the bulk of the bumps and imperfections in the road, whether they're potholes or rough pavement. Steering is controlled and centered without taxing the driver. These aren’t sports cars, they’re minivans. They don’t make the driver work too hard, which is especially important when the family heads out for a road trip.

What puts the Pacifica Hybrid ahead of the Sienna is extra horsepower. Accelerating to highway speeds and even passing slower vehicles, the Pacifica Hybrid does it more easily. The engine also sounds less taxed, which makes for a more relaxing driving experience.

: 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Photo by Chrysler

Room for the Whole Family

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has seating for up to seven passengers with standard second-row captain’s chairs. It’s a roomy and comfortable interior with plenty of space for the family to spread out on longer trips. A range of well-equipped trims offers heated seats, high-quality leathers, and even second-row lumbar pillows on the Pinnacle trim.

The Toyota Sienna does one better by offering seating for up to eight passengers. It has the option of either a second-row bench seat for three or second-row captain’s chairs for two. Similar amenities are offered as you move through the trim range and although the top trim doesn’t match the luxury of the Pinnacle, that extra seat is key for large families.

: 2021 Toyota Sienna

Photo by Toyota

Significant Cargo-Capacity Differences

Even with a full load of passengers, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has 32.3 cubic feet for cargo behind the third row. There’s 87.5 cubic feet behind the second row with 140.5 cubic feet behind the first row along with plenty of cubbies and a large center console for storing a family’s belongings. Towing is not recommended.

The Toyota Sienna has 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. That’s significantly less cargo room behind the second and third row. It can tow up to 3,500 pounds, but the interior cargo room of the Pacifica Hybrid will come in handy more often.

: 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Photo by Chrysler

Infotainment to Keep You Connected

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has a standard 10.1-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, 6-speaker audio, and dual phone connectivity. Higher trims offer navigation, 13-speaker Alpine audio, or 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio. There’s also Uconnect Theater with two 10.1-inch seatback touchscreens for passengers in the second row, wireless headphones, remote controls, and a Blue-ray/DVD player.

The Toyota Sienna has a standard 9-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and 6-speaker audio. Upgrades include navigation, 8-speaker audio, or 12-speaker JBL audio. There’s also an available 11.6-inch screen for rear passengers with remote and wireless headphones. Though comparable, the large infotainment screen on the Pacifica Hybrid give it the win.

: 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Photo by Chrysler

Standard Safety Is Impressive

Standard safety on the Toyota Sienna includes pre-collision with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, road sign assist, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid includes standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross path detection, full-speed forward collision warning-plus, lane departure warning-plus, ParkSense rear assist with stop, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. While key safety features are standard on both minivans, the Pacifica Hybrid has parking sensors on every trim, unlike the Toyota Sienna.

: 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Photo by Chrysler

And the Winner Is…

These are two excellent choices with comfortable, versatile interiors that make everyday family life easier. While both are strong offerings, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid comes out ahead of the 2021 Toyota Sienna. Notably, it’s a plug-in hybrid so it has much better EPA-estimated fuel economy, and it has more room for cargo than the Sienna.

The Pacifica Hybrid also has a superior infotainment system with a larger screen, better standard safety, and better pricing. If you want all-wheel drive or seating for eight, then the Toyota Sienna is a better choice. Otherwise, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is a superior option when it comes to hybrid minivans.

: 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Photo by Chrysler