2021 Chrysler Pacifica review
Chrysler Pacifica highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Standard safety equipment is more comprehensive for 2021
- Easy to convert from passenger carrier to cargo shifter via Stow 'n Go® seats
Cons
- Rivals can deliver better EPA-estimated fuel economy
- Second- and third-row seats not as comfortable as in some rivals
Mileage (EPA estimate)
19 city, 28 highway, 22 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
2021 Chrysler Pacifica gets fresher look, adds standard driver aids
2021 sees Chrysler make some welcome changes to its impressive Pacifica minivan. Key to these is the decision to make previously optional driver convenience and safety aids standard on all models in the lineup. There's also now a faster, easier-to-use infotainment system that adopts Amazon's Alexa in a redesigned screen. As before, there's standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration. For 2021, the Pacifica gets a new look throughout, freshening it up to take on its traditional minivan and SUV rivals. With all-wheel drive, an option offered last year, the Pacifica might not be able to compete with SUVs off-road, but the added traction and assurance will appeal to drivers using it in all seasons.
Powered by a 3.6-liter V6, the Pacifica performs well, even when carrying a full load, and it comes standard in front-wheel drive with an automatic transmission. A plug-in hybrid option offers the possibility of short-trip, electric-only driving. Trim levels are Touring, Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle. The Touring L is the sweet spot in the equipment-to-price mix, while the Pinnacle is very luxurious. An impressive vehicle for those needing its capabilities, the Pacifica increases its appeal with Chrysler's revisions for the 2021 model year.
All Chrysler Pacifica years
What is new for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica?
- The Pacifica is available in a new trim called the Pinnacle.
- The 35th Anniversary, Launch Edition, Red S, and Touring L-Plus trims have been discontinued for 2021.
- The Limited trim now comes with Lane Departure Warning and 4WD/AWD as standard equipment.
- The Touring trim now comes with Lane Departure Warning and 4WD/AWD as standard equipment.
- The Touring L trim now comes with Lane Departure Warning, Fold-Away Middle Row, Quad Seats, and 4WD/AWD as standard equipment.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica trims
Chrysler Pacifica Touring. Includes Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available remote start, Stow 'n Go seating, alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more.
Chrysler Pacifica Touring L. Includes bag hooks behind the third-row seats, perforated leather seats, retractable sunshades for the third row, and the Cold Weather Group (which includes heated front seats and heated steering wheel).
Chrysler Pacifica Limited. Includes Nappa leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat, heated seats for the second row, a vacuum cleaner, and more.
Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle. Includes under-floor storage bins, Uconnect Theater entertainment system for the second row, chrome exterior trim, and more.
Chrysler Pacifica photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica
1. Style refresh for 2021
The Chrysler Pacifica received something of a facelift for 2021. As well as improvements on the infotainment and driver aid side, the exterior of the vehicle was given an upgrade: a new fascia, larger grille, reshaped headlights, and taillights that stretch from edge-to-edge give the Chrysler Pacifica a cool new look that fits the power and comfort within.
2. Ideal for families
As a minivan, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed specifically with families in mind. If the infotainment system in the front and the eight comfortable cloth seats (as standard) aren't enough, the Uconnect® Theater Family Group option—which can be added to any of the trims—adds two 10.1-inch touchscreens for those sitting in the back, complete with USB ports and a Blu-ray and DVD player.
3. Plenty of space
Adding to the welcoming feel of the Chrysler Pacifica, the 2021 model comes with 41.1-inches of legroom in the front, 39-inches in the second row, and 36.5-inches in the third row. Behind the third row, there's 32.3 cu ft of space, 87.5 cu ft behind the second row, and a whopping 140.5 cu ft with both rows folded.
4. Stow 'n Go® seats
To create even more space, there's a very special feature in the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica: Stow 'n Go seats. These fold flat into the floor rather than requiring removal, making the most of the cargo space available. And, for the 2021 model year, Chrysler is now the only car brand that offers Stow 'n Go seats. The hybrid model, however, only has Stow 'n Go for the third row, so the second row must still be removed for full cargo space.
5. Easy-to-use infotainment system
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is known for how straightforward its infotainment system is to use. As standard, it provides a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, Bluetooth® connectivity, a USB port, Amazon Alexa®, and six speakers. Available features include a camera that displays the rear seat area on the screen, as well as additional speakers and USB ports.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Kia Sedona is a handsome minivan with an intuitive infotainment system and excellent handling while offering a comfortable, gentle ride with 276 hp. 2017 ushered in automatic emergency braking and the six-speed automatic transmission was replaced by an eight-speed in 2021. For large families or groups, the 2021 model boosted the passenger capacity from seven to eight as standard.
Other features on the 2017–2021 Kia Sedona include:
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Power mirrors
Rearview camera
A highly practical vehicle, the Dodge Grand Caravan introduced a streamlined new look in 2017. It also launched a 6.5-inch touchscreen, and the rearview camera became a standard feature. 2017–2021 models feature convenient Stow 'n Go seats and a powerful V6 engine, making it ideal for family days out or group camping trips.
Other features on the 2017–2020 Dodge Grand Caravan include:
Keyless entry
Brake assist
Steering wheel controls
The Toyota Highlander is an attractive midsize SUV with tons of benefits. Toyota brought out a potent V6 engine for the Highlander in 2017, which was upgraded in 2019 to a thriftier 3.5L V6, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined.
Other features on the 2017–2021 Toyota Highlander include:
Lane-keeping assist
Keyless start (2020 onwards)
Back-up camera
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Chrysler Pacifica an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Chrysler Pacifica 1st out of 14 among Minivans.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Chrysler PacificaChrysler Pacifica features and specs
Touring 2WD 4D Pass Van
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Fold-Away Middle Row
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Sliding Door(s)
- Power Windows
- Quad Seats
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automated Parking
- Front Seat Heaters
- Full Roof Rack
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Navigation System
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Parking Sensors
- Quad Seats
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Entertainment System
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
3.6L
Horsepower
287
Torque (ft-lbs)
262
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
19
Wheelbase
121.6"
Overall length
204.3"
Width
79.6"
Height
69.9"
Leg room
F 41.1"/M 39"/R 36.5"
Head room
F 40.1"/M 39.6"/R 38.7"
Front tires
P235/65HR17
Rear tires
P235/65HR17
Seating capacity
7
Max towing capacity
360/3600 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Chrysler Pacifica FAQ
The Pacifica's available remote start allows you to start the vehicle remotely to give it a little time to warm up before you step in—perfect for chilly mornings. Remote start is an available feature on all 2021 Chrysler Pacifica trims. Remote start functionality may require the purchase of a subscription plan and/or a compatible device like a smart phone. See the owner's manual or manufacturer website for more information.
A luxury vehicle is generally defined as one which has more features, better performance, and/or increased comfort compared to others. As such, thanks to its wealth of features and comfort in upper trim levels, the Chrysler Pacifica may be considered a luxury vehicle.
Every trim of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is available in either FWD or AWD. FWD is perfectly serviceable for most types of driving, while AWD allows for some off-roading and driving on wet or snowy surfaces.
The upholstery for the Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle trim is made of quilted Nappa leather in a sophisticated, warm-toned Black/Caramel color scheme. Nappa leather is a particularly soft, smooth, breathable fabric that provides heightened comfort for passengers.
The 2021 Pacifica is available in four trim configurations: the base Touring trim, the Touring L, the Limited, and the range-topping Pinnacle. Regardless of trim, every 2021 Pacifica is equipped with a standard V6 engine at 287 horsepower and a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Yes, the 2021 Pacifica is available in a plug-in hybrid configuration. This model is available in the same four trims as the traditional Pacifica but comes with a 3.6L V6 engine that is combined with an electric motor and 16 kWh battery. Research the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid here.
Yes, the 2021 Pacifica Hybrid features regenerative braking technology, which means that energy is captured from the braking system and used to periodically charge the vehicle's battery. However, the battery on the Pacifica Hybrid is primarily charged by being plugged in. Research the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid here.
More about the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica
Color options
Exterior colors:
Billet Silver Metallic Clearcoat (all trims excepted Limited)
Bright White Clearcoat
Brilliant Black Crystal Pearlcoat
Ceramic Gray Clearcoat
Fathom Blue Pearlcoat
Granite Crystal Metallic Clearcoat
Luxury White Pearlcoat
Maximum Steel Metallic Clearcoat
Ocean Blue Metallic
Velvet Red Clearcoat
Interior colors:
Black
Black/Alloy
Black/Caramel (Pinnacle Trim only)
Cognac Alloy
Deep Mocha/Black (Limited trim only)
Interior details
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica provides seating for up to eight people in every trim except for the Pinnacle, which seats seven (but can be upgraded to eight). The base trim has premium cloth seating, the Touring L has McKinley leather, and the Limited and Pinnacle trims offer Nappa leather. Those with leather seating also have leather-wrapped steering wheels. The vehicle is roomy, with 41.1-inches of legroom in the front, 39-inches in the second row, and 36.5-inches in the third row. With both the second and third row of seats folded, there's 140.5 cu ft of cargo space.
Child seat details
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica has four complete sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats.
Performance
Each trim of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is available in AWD or FWD. Every version comes with a 3.6L V6 engine capable of 287 hp. It has a combined 22 mpg as standard. The vehicle has a nine-speed automatic transmission and minimal body roll, meaning it feels both powerful and secure on any terrain.
Year comparison
2016–2020 Chrysler Pacifica (Second Generation)
While the name had been previously used for a Chrysler SUV, 2016 heralded a refreshed minivan version. The design was overall very sleek, and the vehicle had sliding doors and extra wide windows. 2017 brought in the Stow 'n Go seats for the middle row for all models except for the hybrid, and seven seats for all trims. This era offered one engine option: the 3.6 L V6. It also offered both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.
2021-present Chrysler Pacifica (Third Generation)
The 2021 model brought with it plenty of exciting updates, such as handsome new LED headlights, LED fog lights, and a refreshed exterior design. It also introduced some interesting optional extras, like the famCAM (the camera which shows the back rows on the infotainment screen), and 20-inch light-alloy wheels.
Research other vehicles
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