2020 Chrysler Pacifica Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The Pacifica was already a more stylish ride that commanded a premium price. For the new model year, the automaker takes the product even further in that direction. One of the most streamlined vehicles on the market, the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica definitely knows how to make an entrance.

What's New for 2020?

Chrysler discontinued the L and LX trims, leaving them to become the 2020 Dodge Voyager. The new base Pacifica trim is a Touring edition. It is similar to the 2019 Touring Plus edition.

Every 2020 Chrysler Pacifica now comes packed with power-operated sliding doors and a power driver’s chair. There’s more safety equipment and a higher quality level. Also new, a fancy Red S Appearance edition is striking inside and out.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica – The Pros

1. Quality Interior Ingredients

Chrysler uses soft-touch plastics and interesting color schemes in its handsome cabin. Design elements are well-integrated with today’s technologies. Ambient lighting makes the cabin feel more welcoming at night. Advanced noise abatement techniques include active cancellation to keep out road noise. You can choose perforated leather on the top trims. Gray stitching accents the red Nappa leather seats in the new Red S Appearance edition of the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica.

2. Cavernous Passenger Space

Interior space is a remarkable 197.3 cubic feet. Teens won't complain on the second row, and they may even find the third row comfortable. Seats are plush and supportive. Third row access is easier with the available push-button middle seat. Plus the van has a low step-in height, helping small kids enjoy their independence. Window shades can keep the sun off of little ones. A two-panel or three-panel moonroof lets in natural light and makes the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica cabin feel even bigger.

3. Class-Exclusive Hands-free Sliding Doors

The standard power-slide doors can be upgraded to hands-free. This class-exclusive feature really comes in handy for parents who are carrying a load of groceries or an armful of toddlers. The second row windows are power-operated, a useful feature that's more like an SUV. A power liftgate, which is standard, can be upgraded to hands-free in keeping with competitors.

4. Truly Spacious Cargo Hold

The cargo hold really means something in this seven- or eight-person minivan. It measures 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row, providing decent space for a big family’s luggage. The average three-row SUV has as little as 13 cubic feet and no more than 21 cubic feet of rear storage space. Underfoot, there are in-floor cubbies that can hold gear, keeping the cabin less cluttered and more spacious.

5. Meaningful Cargo Space

Unlike its rivals, Chrysler's Stow-n-go seats actually nestle into the floor. This provides a flat space measuring 140.5 cubic feet. Making that more meaningful, the Pacifica has a lower curb weight than its rivals. This allows it to handle more weight than competitors who promise more space. Stow-n-Place is a useful rack system that is easier for families to use when they need extra space for gear.

6. Fuel Economy Leader

As the only hybrid minivan available, the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica is tops in fuel economy. The plug-in hybrid can drive for up to 32 miles on electricity. This may take care of the commute to school and work. Combined fuel economy is a class-best 30 miles per gallon. It could potentially save hundreds ever year. If you choose the regular Pacifica, its 28 mpg highway fuel economy beats out the Kia Sedona, Toyota Sienna and Chevrolet Traverse.

7. Serious Safety Credentials

Basic safety is covered and then some. With a five-star federal safety rating, the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica can also claim a three-year run as an IIHS Top Safety Pick. The entry-level Touring model has rear parking sensors and a rear cross-traffic alert. A blind spot monitor alerts you to side traffic.

8. Class-best Entertainment System

The UConnect Theater really does try to be all things to all people. As you may expect, it has two screens with wireless headsets and a BluRay player. You may not be expecting HDMI inputs for your smart devices or wireless streaming that allows you to access the same programming you would at home. It also has its own entertainment apps.

9. Most Powerful Vacuum

Standing up to rival Honda Odyssey, the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica has a vacuum to take care of life’s messes. The Stow-n-Vac allows you to stretch the hose throughout the cabin. It has more suction capability than the Honda vacuum. You won’t find this convenience on the menu for the Sedona or Sienna.

10. Powerful and Agile

The 287-horsepower Pacifica has more horsepower than the 280-horsepower Honda Odyssey or 260-horsepower Kia Sedona. A nine-speed automatic transmission ensures crisp, right-on-time shifting. Drivers will feel confident when taking corners or accelerating into busy traffic.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica – The Cons

1. Entry Level Price

Starting at around $35,000, it’s definitely not the cheapest. There are less expensive versions of the Kia Sedona, Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey. Furthermore, you can get the Dodge Voyager at around $29,000. On the other hand, you will want to look at the Pacifica Touring trim features to see how they actually compare. You are most likely getting more for your money.

2. No Stow-n-Go for Hybrid

In the hybrid, the Stow-and-go seats have to be removed to make room for the battery. While this may not be a deal-breaker, families may miss those seats that fold into the floor.

3. No Standard Driver Assistance

You will need to purchase the SafetyTec package in order to have active driver assistance. Most shoppers today might expect automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control to be standard on a 2020 minivan. At around $1,000, the package isn’t a deal-breaker for most shoppers. Still, the Toyota Sienna base edition includes an autobrake for frontal collisions and pedestrian dangers and a lane departure assist. Like the Pacifica, these cost more on the Odyssey, but Honda also includes a road departure system.

4. Narrow Ground Clearance

With carlike ground clearance, the 2020 Pacifica is rated at 5.1 inches. This could matter when a grassy field is overflow parking for a local festival or ballgame. Other minivans have an extra inch, and three-row SUVs may have three more inches. This is definitely something to consider if you are weighing the Pacifica against three-row SUVs. You definitely won't be off-roading at all in this Chrysler.

5. Resale Values

At this time, the Pacifica loses ground to its rivals the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. At the three-year mark, the gap is wide. By five years, there’s a serious difference in resale values. You can argue that the Pacifica’s reputation hasn’t caught up yet, but it is something to consider since new vehicles are a big financial investment.

6. No Parent Communication Devices

The Toyota Highlander SUV and Sienna minivan have a system which allows parents to speak to the third row. The clever device utilizes Bluetooth and the cabin microphone. Parents can talk to their kids who may be crying or fighting. Honda goes a step further offering a microphone system and a video feed. These systems aren’t available on the Pacifica.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

Since its introduction, the Chrysler UConnect entertainment system gets higher marks than rival systems. Furthermore, only the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica has standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As far as hands-free systems go, there’s really nothing better than advanced Apple or Android connectivity. Your phone will send the Apple or Google map app to the screen, and it's like having built-in navigation. You won’t get this on the base editions of the Kia Sedona, Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey.

As mentioned, the 2020 Dodge Voyager, a new nameplate, is very similar to the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. Seeing them in person, they definitely aren’t true twins. The lower-priced minivan doesn’t have the Pacifica’s Stow-n-go seating. Material quality is decidedly cheaper. You can add entertainment features but the autobrake and other driver assistance features aren’t even on the menu. If you add too much, you might as well start with the Pacifica Touring.

Comparing the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica to three-row SUVs, the specifications are quite revealing. The minivan has more legroom on the second and third row than a typical SUV. If your kids are growing, you'll need this space. Plus the Chrysler makes entry so easy when compared to an SUV’s heavy doors and big step up. Lastly, the Pacifica has SUVs beat when it comes to fuel economy that doesn’t sacrifice horsepower.

If you rate your purchases by their premium feel, Chrysler really pulls out all of the stops as you climb the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica trim ladder. There's that just-right blend of ride quality, noise control, technology, material quality, and craftsmanship. The Touring may not be as advanced as you'd like. However, the higher trims really do have the feel of a luxury ride. Since there’s no luxury-maker willing to make a minivan, Chrysler is clearly trying to corner the market.

The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid still earns the federal electric car tax credit. This can bring the price closer to rivals. According to the U.S. Department of Energy fuel economy calculator, the plug-in hybrid saves $2,050 over five years. In comparison, the Kia Sedona spends an extra $2,000. That's more than $4,000 in savings for those who choose the Pacifica hybrid.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, perhaps its nearest competitor, gets 28 mpg. That's still not as good as the Pacifica's 30 mpg combined. Furthermore, only the Pacifica can travel up to 32 miles on electric power. The larger Pacifica has the Highlander hybrid beat when it comes to interior space and performance.

The Pacifica has many strengths and class-leading qualities. It can stand up to minivan and SUV rivals. Still, there are some deficits that must be considered. Is it enough for your family? You will have to test drive for yourself.