Toyota sienna awd vs pacifica awd: battle of the all-wheel drive minivans
What To Know
- It achieves an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the Pacifica AWD gets 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
- The Sienna offers a slightly better fuel economy and a more flexible interior, while the Pacifica has a larger cargo capacity and more standard safety features.
- The Toyota Sienna AWD has a slight edge in fuel economy, achieving 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
When it comes to choosing a family minivan with all-wheel drive (AWD), two models stand out: the Toyota Sienna and the Chrysler Pacifica. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, advanced safety features, and capable AWD systems. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Toyota Sienna AWD against the Pacifica AWD and explore their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Interior Space and Comfort
The Toyota Sienna and Pacifica AWD offer generous interior space for passengers and cargo. The Sienna boasts a cavernous cabin with ample headroom and legroom in all three rows. Its flexible seating configurations allow for various seating and cargo arrangements.
The Pacifica AWD also offers a spacious cabin, but it has a slight edge in cargo capacity. With the third row folded down, the Pacifica provides 140.5 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Sienna offers 130.9 cubic feet. Both vehicles feature comfortable seating with available heated and cooled front seats.
Engine Performance and Fuel Economy
The Sienna AWD is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 296 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The Pacifica AWD comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that generates 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
When it comes to fuel economy, the Sienna AWD has a slight advantage. It achieves an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the Pacifica AWD gets 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
AWD Systems
The Toyota Sienna and Pacifica AWD both feature advanced AWD systems that provide enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions. The Sienna’s AWD system uses a variable torque split to distribute power between the front and rear wheels as needed. The Pacifica’s AWD system, called “AWD Plus,” offers three driving modes: Auto, Snow, and Mud & Sand, which optimize performance for different terrain types.
Safety Features
Both the Sienna AWD and Pacifica AWD come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features. These include:
- Anti-lock brakes
- Traction control
- Electronic stability control
- Airbags
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
The Pacifica AWD offers a few additional safety features, such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking as standard equipment.
Technology and Infotainment
The Sienna AWD and Pacifica AWD are equipped with advanced infotainment systems. The Sienna features an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Pacifica AWD has a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen with a UConnect system that also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both vehicles offer navigation, voice recognition, and premium audio systems.
Price and Value
The Toyota Sienna AWD starts at $36,475, while the Pacifica AWD has a slightly higher starting price of $37,995. However, the Pacifica AWD offers more standard features, such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking, which are available as options on the Sienna AWD.
Takeaways: Choosing the Right Van
The Toyota Sienna AWD and Pacifica AWD are both excellent choices for families seeking a spacious, safe, and capable minivan with AWD. The Sienna offers a slightly better fuel economy and a more flexible interior, while the Pacifica has a larger cargo capacity and more standard safety features. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Questions You May Have
1. Which minivan has a better AWD system?
Both the Sienna AWD and Pacifica AWD have capable AWD systems, but the Pacifica’s “AWD Plus” system offers three driving modes for different terrain types.
2. Which minivan is more fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Sienna AWD has a slight edge in fuel economy, achieving 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
3. Which minivan has a larger cargo capacity?
The Chrysler Pacifica AWD has a larger cargo capacity of 140.5 cubic feet with the third row folded down, compared to the Sienna AWD’s 130.9 cubic feet.
4. Which minivan has more advanced safety features?
The Pacifica AWD offers more standard safety features, such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking, which are available as options on the Sienna AWD.
5. Which minivan is more affordable?
The Toyota Sienna AWD has a slightly lower starting price of $36,475, compared to the Pacifica AWD‘s $37,995.