2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The Pacifica Plug In Hybrid (PHEV) and Toyota Sienna Hybrid (HEV) have the best gas mileage in their respective classes. Both vehicles are head-turners because of their large cargo capacity, sporty exterior design, and useful interior amenities.

However, the Pacifica PHEV is actually defining what hybrid family-friendly vehicles can accomplish. A beautiful design, intentionally curated infotainment system, vehicle power, and fuel economy all challenge the 2023 Sienna Hybrid and make the Pacifica Plug in Hybrid the highest rating minivan on the market today. Here’s why.

1. It Has Excellent Driving Range and Strength

   For commuting families, carpooling moms, and drivers needing to transfer cargo regularly, 3 row minivans are designed for the task. But these vehicles have a common problem: poor fuel economy. In fact, three of the five minivans on the market in 2023 have a fuel economy of 22 mpg, including the Honda Odyssey and Kia Carnival.

   Fortunately, minivans with the best fuel economy are the new Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and Sienna Hybrid. The Sienna Hybrid earns 36 MPG in the city and the highway, but the Pacifica Hybrid more than doubles this rate, boasting 82 MPGe and an efficient 30 MPG. This makes the Pacifica the greenest minivan available today.

   

   Chrysler’s Pacifica Hybrid has a 16.5 gallon tank and a 520-mile driving range. Plus it has an all electric range of 32 miles while the Sienna's electric range is around one mile. Furthermore, the new Pacifica is substantially stronger, generating 260 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The Sienna has a much weaker powertrain, generating 176 lb-ft of torque and 245 horses.

2. Family Drivers Prefer the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid's Handling and Power.

   While minivan drivers are rarely speeders, the Chrysler minivan is super competitive and quick. It is nearly 5 miles faster than the Sienna with its top speed at 120 mph.

   Automotive journalists have noted that the Pacifica doesn’t have the feeling of awkwardness when learning to drive an electric vehicle, and for this reason, is perfect for the transition between the two automobile types.

   Pacifica’s brakes are responsive as they are forgiving, and the steering wheel has an impressive turning radius for a van of this size. The Sienna, although fuel efficient, has a clunky drive.

   Car and Driver stated that the Toyota Sienna failed to excite critics during the acceleration test and Kelley Blue Book mentioned that the Sienna drives like an average minivan – quiet and comfortable – but has poor performance when passing others on the highway.

   On the other hand, the Pacifica Hybrid minivan is the top rated minivan at Car and Driver because of its excellent strength, smooth drivability, and luxury interior. For those concerned with charging, this 16 kWh battery can charge in a quick 2 hours when a 240 volt charging station is installed at home – impressive for a vehicle of this size. The majority of plug in SUVs take 2.5 to 4 hours to reach the same charge level.

3. The Chrysler Hybrid is Efficient and Utility-Driven

   Chrysler was the first manufacturer to make their minivans super versatile – something that other brands are still figuring out the nooks and crannies of. The Hybrid Pacifica offers the latest versions of these Chrysler exclusive features.

   Stow ‘n Go allows the 2nd and 3rd row seats to fold seamlessly into the cabin floor. This gives the Pacifica 140.5 cubic feet of truly flat storage.

   One of the biggest complaints about the Sienna Hybrid is that the 2nd row seats cannot be folded into the floor. They don’t even fold flat like you’d find in a 3 row SUV. Instead, they are seats which can be rolled toward the front to achieve 101 cubic feet of storage. This can be frustrating for drivers who expect extensive cargo storage.

   In addition, the Chrysler 3 row hybrid minivan has amazing storage solutions. The center console has plenty of compartments and a storage system on the floor, perfect for the daily necessities. This is useful for school bags, groceries, and other items when on the road.

   The exterior of the Pacifica spares no expense. When it’s time to charge or fuel-up your vehicle, the plug-in and gas tank are on the same side of the car, making it easier for driver maintenance. This vehicle also features keyless entry, perfect to keep your keyfob in a purse and still have easy access to your vehicle.

4. It’s Functional and Cozy On The Inside

   The inside of the Pacifica is beautiful. It has leather seating options, a better infotainment system and an easy to use multi-function steering wheel. Plus, this hybrid minivan features the Chrysler classic dial gear shifter that many drivers rave about.

   Touchscreen dashboards are a necessity these days. This Pacifica Hybrid has a gorgeous 10-inch touch responsive screen that is nearly 20% larger than the gasoline powered Pacifica.

   As for the 2023 Sienna, it has leather options only for the higher trim levels. Its interior is nice, but not nearly as functional as the Pacifica’s. Its touchscreen is only 9 inches and tends to lag in response to commands.. It features a Toyota software system that automotive journalists are calling dated.

5. Best Passenger Ratings

   The Chrysler minivan is bigger than the Toyota minivan. Thanks to the Pacifica’s extra space, this minivan has the highest-rated passenger experience.

   Pacificas have 165 cubic feet of passenger room. The inside boasts two 10-inch touchscreens, 12 USB ports, and the Chrysler’s FamCAM, which gives the driver a video view of the back rows – perfect for keeping an eye on little ones.

   Toyota’s Sienna, on the other hand, has one screen and slightly less passenger volume of 162.5 cubic feet. When there is no moonroof, the Sienna only has 159.7 cubic feet of passenger room.

   Pacifica’s passenger-minded design has the guaranteed 165 cubic feet of room, moonroof or not. This hybrid minivan also has more front and 3rd row leg and shoulder room compared to the Sienna.

6. Safety Is A Chrysler Priority

   Both the Toyota Sienna Hybrid and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid prioritize passenger safety and driver assistance. In every possible way, the Pacifica Hybrid challenges the Sienna, offering a vast array of today’s most needed driver aids.

   Plus, Chrysler gives its Pacifica 3 years of maintenance warranty or 36,000 miles. This is a year longer and 11,000 more miles than the 2023 Sienna. Battery maintenance for the Pacifica is also 36,000 miles, and roadside assistance is complimentary for the first 60,000 miles.

Conclusion

When choosing a hybrid minivan, the Pacifica PHEV is the better option over the Sienna HEV. It has the highest ratings, best drivability, best passenger experience, and best amenities. Check out the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid at a Chrysler dealership near you.