Honda Odyssey
What’s for sale near me?
Above Average: Resale, reliability, interior room, features, fuel economy, safety
Below Average: Horsepower on early models
Consensus: One of the most reliable, most practical and most enjoyable minivans you can buy, great resale value
Chrysler Pacifica
What’s for sale near me?
Above Average: Styling, interior features, hybrid model fuel economy, ride and handling, safety
Below Average: Newer entry with no long-term reliability data
Consensus: An impressive family hauler full of style, technology and creature comforts, plus the only minivan to offer a plug-in hybrid model.
The Honda Odyssey holds its value better than the Chrysler Pacifica, but only by a few points. The Odyssey’s strengths include a proven track record dating back to 1995, whereas the Pacifica has only been in production since 2017. And, while the Chrysler Town & Country minivan has been around as long as the Odyssey, its reliability and resale statistics lag far behind. In comparing the Odyssey to the Pacifica, you’ll find interior space about equal, although the Pacifica has the upper hand with its clever Stow ‘N Go seating that allows both 2nd and 3rd row seats to fold flush into the floor. The Odyssey’s Magic Slide 2nd-row seats can’t do that, but they can move sideways or forward. The Odyssey offers a built in vacuum, the Pacifica in cabin camera and intercoms for communicating with uncommunicative children. Both vans offer powerful and efficient V6 engines, but only the Pacifica offers a plug-in hybrid that can travel up to 33 miles solely on the electric power. The Odyssey and Pacifica both do well in IIHS crash testing and both offer the same basic 3-year/36,000 mile warranty, although the Pacifica’s 5-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty bests the Odyssey by 40,000 miles.
Honda Odyssey Advantages
Magic Slide 2nd-row seats, built in vacuum on some models, good fuel economy, excellent resale values
Chrysler Pacifica Advantages
Luxurious interior, plug-in hybrid model, handling, Stow ‘N Go seating, powertrain warranty
Similarities
8-passenger seating, fuel economy, modern amenities, good crash test scores, advanced driver assists features, clever seating options
Final Recommendation
If resale or long-term reliability is not a big factor in your minivan buying decision, we’d give the nod to the Pacifica. Its stylish good looks and upscale interior help banish the minivan stigma, as do its impressive ride and handling. A versatile interior full of innovation and the option of a plug-in hybrid model are features the Odyssey just can’t match.
OK, so what’s next?
I’m ready for one of these cars, and I’d like to trade in my current car while I’m at it.
