Starting at
Starting at
Yes2 | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ | No |
158 | Max Cargo Space (cu.ft.) | 140.5 |
40.9/40.9/38.1 | Legroom (in) | 41.1/39.0/36.5 |
There are few minivans to choose from in the market, but those that are available have a plethora of features that make them very alluring. While many buyers flock to large SUVs for their family car, the minivan delivers better fuel efficiency and often carries more passengers with more space for cargo. Two of the best minivans on the market to compare are the 2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, both of which come standard with a long list of convenient features that range into luxury comforts. Each of these minivans can seat seven or eight passengers depending on the trim, has convenient technology for modern life, a large volume of cargo space, and numerous safety features.
When each of these vehicles has so many features available, which one is the best choice for your money? Well, right off the bat, the 2022 Honda Odyssey starts at $32,090, and the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica starts at $35,820.1 With such a wide price difference, the Honda already has the scales tilted in its favor - but it doesn't end there. Generally, when buyers choose a minivan, they are seeking a vehicle with a lot of cargo space, ease of entry for young children or older adults, safety features to protect passengers from accidents, and technology to simplify time in the vehicle. Each of these aspects of the Honda and Chrysler minivans will be compared to discover which vehicle delivers buyers the best value for the price.
One of the most important assets of a minivan is the interior space. If you're going to spend on a minivan, you want the interior to be able to seat as many passengers as possible, be able to travel with all your luggage or supplies, and still be sure everyone is comfortable. With the 2022 Odyssey, the EX trim and above all seat eight, they even can remove the center seat in the second row. The other two seats can slide on a track to move them either forward and back or side to side. These "magic slide" seats can also fold out of the way or be removed completely. Third-row seats easily fold down into the floor to create a completely flat space to enlarge the rear area for cargo, and it only takes a single tug on a strap.
In comparison, every trim of the Chrysler Pacific only comes standard with seating for seven. This may not be an issue for some buyers, but having the option of space for an extra passenger can be a nice benefit when your kids want to invite friends or plan to travel with a large group. The Chrysler minivan has stow-n-go third-row seats, and the second row has the same feature. While the convenience of having both rows of seats capable of folding into the floor is undeniable, seat comfort is sacrificed to make the cushions small enough to fold flat. Buyers will have to decide whether comfort or convenience is more important, though the fact that the Odyssey seats can be removed to allow full use of the interior means you have versatile space with the extra comfort of the second-row seats. In addition, legroom in the second and third rows of the Odyssey is more generous than the Pacifica, which can make a big difference when you need to transport adults in the rear seats.
Cargo space in the 2022 Odyssey measures out in generous proportions, with up to 158 cubic feet available when all the seats are removed or folded flat. When the second row of seats is in place and the third row is folded, you have up to 88.8 cubic feet, and with all rows of seats in place, you have 32.8 cubic feet available for cargo. For reference, a midsize sedan usually has an average of 15 cubic feet in the trunk, and the Odyssey has more than double that in its rear cargo area. The 2021 Pacifica offers far less space for cargo, missing the mark on one of the biggest draws for a minivan. With all seats folded, it has only 140.5 cubic feet available for cargo. Behind the second row, it has 87.5 cubic feet, and then behind the third row, it measures 32.3 cubic feet, both of which are less than the Odyssey.
Because minivans are inherently associated with family transport, the focus on safety is naturally important. Both the 2022 Odyssey and 2021 Pacifica are well-endowed with safety features to assist the driver in avoiding accidents. However, it's worth noting that the Odyssey, like many other new Honda vehicles, has achieved the honor of being named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.** The 2021 Pacifica not only failed to achieve the top rating from this independent agency, it even failed to reach the lower level of a standard Top Safety Pick. It's not surprising that the Honda minivan would rate so highly for safety, as the brand overall is known for the value it places on safety in all its vehicles. Many of the same features can be found in both minivans when it comes to driver-assist technology, though Honda does offer an edge in a few extras it offers in comparison to Chrysler.
Most brands offer safety suites of driver-assist technology, but Honda's is comprehensive. Both minivans have lane-keeping and lane departure warning, but Honda adds a standard road departure mitigation system. Forward collision warning is another shared feature between both vehicles, but Honda tops that with standard collision mitigation braking. Yet another shared feature is adaptive cruise control (which Chrysler calls distance-pacing cruise control), but Honda also contributes a standard traffic sign recognition system.
Other shared features include vehicle stability with traction control, electronic brake distribution, and a brake assist system. The Pacifica differentiates itself with rear parking sensors to warn the driver when getting too close to a vehicle from behind, while the Odyssey has automatic high beams and a rear-seat reminder. For parents, the rear seat reminder is ideal for remembering little ones who may be sleeping in the back, so you don't leave them by mistake.
One final comparison of technology is the connected service both minivans offer. With the 2022 Odyssey, you get HondaLink, which has 12 months of free access to enhanced roadside assistance with automatic collision notification and the ability to call for help through the system. Free access continues to provide 24-hour roadside assistance if buyers choose not to enroll in a subscription following the trial service. In comparison, the Pacifica only offers a six-month trial to its Uconnect service with SiriusXM All Access. This service includes SiriusXM Guardian, which includes automatic emergency calls and roadside assistance. Both are about equal in terms of what they provide for service, but the Honda has a longer trial period and then allows free service to continue without a subscription.
Technology is rapidly becoming a means by which brands can define themselves, especially in terms of convenience. Connectivity matters a great deal to most modern drivers, especially now that children also often have their own smart devices. Having features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto set a brand apart, and both the 2022 Odyssey and 2021 Pacifica have exactly that. Honda goes a step further with its CabinControl Remote capability, which allows the use of an app on your smartphone to pair with the vehicle infotainment. This app allows passengers remote access to share navigation, operate the tri-zone automatic climate control, the seven-speaker audio system, and even the available rear-seat entertainment system.
While the Pacifica does offer voice-activated features for the audio system and climate control, the system is not quite as inclusive of features as Honda's app. The standard Pacifica sound system has only six speakers compared to the Odyssey's seven, and Honda connected services for the Odyssey include an extra three months of services with Amazon delivery to your vehicle if you choose. Other conveniences found in each of the minivans are fairly well-matched, with heated front seats, remote keyless entry, and remote starting to name a few.
A small divergence between the brands includes more powered settings for the driver and passenger seats in the Honda, while the Pacifica has driver's seat memory. In most ways, however, the two vehicles offer almost equal conveniences with features like rear-seat sunshades, heated exterior mirrors, and powered side doors with smart entry to automatically unlock when the key is in close proximity to the vehicle. Here, the comparison boils down to price. What you get in the Honda is virtually the same as the Chrysler, but for a much lower price. That seals the deal and makes the 2022 Honda Odyssey much better value.