When it comes to minivans, there are only a handful on the market, but which should you choose, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica or the 2021 Honda Odyssey? Here’s how they compare.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Starting Price: $35,045 | Price Yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Only minivan that offers a plug-in hybrid version; all-wheel drive available; comfortable ride; good road manners; seating for seven or eight; user-friendly infotainment.
Below Average: Higher price; lower resale.
Consensus: The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica gets some great updates for this model year, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an updated Uconnect 5 infotainment system with Amazon Alexa. It also gets additional safety features this year.
2021 Honda Odyssey
2021 Honda Odyssey Starting Price: $31,790 | Price Yours or View listings near you
Above Average: Very comfortable; good outward visibility; flexible second row; great resale value.
Below Average: No hybrid, all-wheel drive is not available, top of the line Elite version is pricey.
Consensus: The 2021 Honda Odyssey gets a light refresh for this model year, including an interior upgrade. Comfortable cabin features easy access to a spacious third row. Solid performance from V6 powertrain.
Pacifica vs. Odyssey: In families we trust
Chrysler Pacifica
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is the only van on the market that offers a plug-in hybrid option—making it stand out in the narrowing field of minivans out there. It can travel up to 32 miles on battery power alone. And it’s eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit. All models also feature V6 power and now for 2021, all-wheel drive is an option on non-hybrid models. It’s pleasant and tranquil on the road, and the V6 engine propels the Pacifica to highway speeds comfortably enough. The standard 9-speed transmission is smooth, while the hybrid has a seamless CVT that makes electric to gas transitions almost unnoticeable.
The Pacifica, which sports a new grille as part of a 2021 refresh, is a great choice for sensible families seeking greater space and easier access than that of an SUV. The Chrysler has room for up to eight occupants, and it has stable and comfortable road manners. Active safety and driver-assist features are standard. Also, Chrysler matches Honda in the vacuum option department. Our favorite features inside are the Stow ‘n Go seats that fold into the floor in both the second and third rows.
Honda Odyssey
The 2021 Honda Odyssey benefits from a refresh this year with a new face and some upgrades including LED headlights on all trims. It continues to offer space for up to eight passengers and neat features like the vacuum and a smartly functional interior. On the road, it’s at least as responsive as a large SUV, and the standard 3.5-liter V6 pulls well paired with its smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. On the highway, it gets 28 mpg.
Inside, one of our favorite features is the magic slide seats on the second row. They slide forward and backward to make the most of the space. Those seats also fold flat into the floor to make room for large items you might need to haul. One of our favorite features, though, is the HondaVac that makes cleaning up kid messes extremely easy. The dash (in all but the entry-level LX) features a digital gauge cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen. And all models from the EX up have Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration as standard. The entry-level LX is a 7-seater; all other Odysseys seat eight.
Similarities
Both minivans offer flexible interiors to make ample room for passengers and cargo.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Advantages
Available all-wheel drive; plug-in hybrid option.
2021 Honda Odyssey Advantages
Great resale; standard 10-speed automatic.
Final Recommendation
If you have your heart set on a plug-in hybrid or need all-wheel drive, then the Pacifica is your best bet. If you want something that gets a solid resale and tons of accolades, go with the Honda Odyssey.
Ready to buy a Chrysler Pacifica or Honda Odyssey? Shop for one on sale now near you.
| 2021 Chrysler Pacifica | 2021 Honda Odyssey | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.6-liter V6 | 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 287 hp @ 6,400 rpm | 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-spd automatic | 10-spd automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 22 mpg (19 city/28 hwy) | 22 mpg (19 city/28 hwy) |
| Also Available | 3.6-liter V6 PHEV; AWD | |
| Specs | ||
| Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/ 60,000 miles | 5 years/ 60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 121.6 inches | 118.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 204.3 inches | 203.2 inches |
| Width | 79.6 inches | 78.5 inches |
| Height | 69.9 inches | 69.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 39.7 feet | 39.6 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.1 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Headroom, Middle | 39.6 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.7 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.1 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Middle | 39.0 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 36.5 inches | 38.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 63.8 inches | 63.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Middle | 63.0 inches | 61.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 61.2 inches | 60.0 inches |
| EPA Passenger Volume | 165.0 cu. Ft. | 163.6 cu. ft. |
| EPA Cargo Volume | 140.5 cu. ft. | 158.0 cu. ft. |
