Minivans have always been an excellent option for drivers looking to maximize passenger and cargo space in one economical vehicle. However, in recent years, the number of options offered by automakers has dwindled as they have shifted emphasis to making SUVs and pickup trucks. However, one brand that has stayed true to the minivan is Chrysler. Not only has Chrysler continued to make the Pacifica, but it added a popular plug-in hybrid version in 2017. Now, Chrysler is going a step further, bringing back the Voyager to the minivan market, breathing new life into this Chrysler model. Now has never been a better time to visit your local Chrysler dealer and explore its minivan options.
With Chrysler now offering two minivan models, drivers will want to know the difference between them. To avoid any confusion in the marketplace, the brand is making clear that the Voyager is seen as an entry-level model, while the Pacifica offers more options and choices for drivers. As Chrysler brand CEO Chris Feuell makes clear, “The 2025 Chrysler Voyager offers customers a well-equipped, budget-conscious minivan and reinforces our brand’s commitment to delivering choices in the segment Stellantis created more than 40 years ago and continues to lead.” So, in short, the Voyager is an entry-level version of the Pacifica without all of the bells and whistles.
A Closer Look at Powertrain Options and Fuel Economy
One area where Chrysler kept the two models fairly consistent is the powertrain. The Voyager and three of the six trim levels on the Pacifica feature the same engine and transmission. This is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 paired with a TorqueFlite 9-speed automatic transmission. This engine features 24 valves for its six cylinders, using sequential multiport fuel injection to deliver 287 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. This will help propel the minivan from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.3 seconds. If you choose a Voyager or a front-wheel drive Pacifica, you should expect to get about 22 MPG in combined fuel economy.
When it comes to performance, however, there are a number of differences. This comes down to the available options on the Pacifica. Where the Voyager is front-wheel drive only, you can opt for a Pacifica with all-wheel drive. While this will reduce your combined fuel economy slightly to 20 MPG, you will get the improved traction that comes with all-wheel drive.
The Pacifica is also offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This combines the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gas engine with a pair of AC motors powered by a 16.2-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The performance of the gas engine and the AC motors is controlled by a continuously variable transmission instead of an automatic transmission. The result is a powertrain that delivers a combined output of 260 hp. This gives the Pacifica an impressive 30 MPG in combined fuel economy, with 82 MPGe in city driving. As a plug-in hybrid, this model comes with a 6.6-kW onboard charger, and is available in front-wheel drive only.
How Do the Interiors Differ?
Chrysler offers the Voyager with one trim level, the LX. This has room for up to seven passengers, with two in the front and second row and three seated in the back. The seats feature Leatherette Black Caprice upholstery with Light Diesel stitching. The driver and front passenger seats come heated, which will come in handy on chilly mornings. The second and third rows of the Voyager feature the Chrysler Stow ‘n Go seats with second-row in-floor storage bins. This is a good feature to have standard on an entry-level van like the Voyager, as it makes it easy to turn your minivan into a cargo van.
The Pacifica comes with more options than the Voyager. For one thing, drivers can choose an available second-row bench seat, which allows you to carry up to eight passengers. In addition, you get more comfort and convenience features on the Pacifica. The Select trim, which is the base model, comes with Caprice Leatherette trim on the seats like the Voyager but adds a heated steering wheel to the heated driver and front passenger seats. In addition, the remaining five trim levels on the Pacifica come with Nappa Leather seats that are comfortable and elegant.
The two models share the same amount of interior space, but there are some slight variations. The amount of legroom is the same no matter which model you choose. Front-row passengers will enjoy 41.1 inches, while those seated in the second row get 39 inches, and those in the third row have an acceptable 36.5 to 36.9 inches. However, the Voyager and models of the Pacifica that don’t come with the dual-pane panoramic sunroof have slightly more headroom in the first and second rows, 40.1 inches in front and 39.6 inches in the middle compared to 38.4 inches and 38 inches respectively on models with the sunroof.
Both minivans give you up to 140.5 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the front row of seats. However, accessing your belongings will be easier in the Pacifica since it comes with a hands-free power liftgate. This will save you the trouble of manually opening and closing the liftgate every time you want to access the trunk, which can be an issue on the Voyager. Finally, you can get an available Stow’ n Vac Powered by RIGID on the Pacifica. This is very useful, especially for drivers with young children who may make a mess. This is another feature that is not available on the Voyager.
Standard and Available Technology
Although the Voyager is an entry-level model, Chrysler has not skimped on its standard technology. This is a good thing, and probably why both the Voyager and the Pacifica received a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the highest rating given out by the NHTSA.
The Voyager has a number of active driver assistance technologies. This will help you avoid an accident while improving your safety and that of your passengers in the event of an unavoidable collision. This includes Blind Spot Monitoring, which will let you know if there is another vehicle traveling in your blind spot when you signal to change lanes on the highway. The Pacifica offers a slight edge over the Voyager when it comes to standard driver-assistance features, which include helpful tools like a Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking System and LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist.
The technological differences between the Voyager and Pacifica can also be seen with the Uconnect infotainment system. The Voyager features a Uconnect 5 system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. This is the same size as the Uconnect screen on all trims of the Pacifica. With the Voyager, drivers are able to connect their phones using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows you to make hands-free calls and texts with voiceover commands while also streaming your favorite music over the six-speaker sound system.
If you opt for the Pacifica, you will get more infotainment options. Most of the models feature wireless smartphone connectivity, with a wireless charging pad standard on all trims except the Select. This can come in handy if you have left your charging cables at home. You also get the option of adding things like advanced audio systems and second-row entertainment systems on the Pacifica. For example, the Limited trim has a 13-speaker Alpine audio system, while the Pinnacle has a standard 19-speaker Harman Kardon Premium Audio System, as well as a Uconnect Theater with Amazon Fire TV for the second and third-row passengers. If you opt for this model, you can enjoy your music on the audio system while the kids can watch cartoons or play games with the entertainment system.
Minivans Are Alive and Well in the Chrysler Lineup
Chrysler has given drivers a number of options when it comes to buying a minivan. If the goal is to get a high-quality minivan at a very affordable price, they can opt for this Voyager, which has a base MSRP of $39,995.[a] However, if they want more optional and advanced features and equipment, they may prefer a Pacifica, starting at a base MSRP of $42,500. Either way, Chrysler has done a great job improving the number of options for minivan drivers. While the minivan market may not be as expansive as it once was, Chrysler still believes there is a place for this unique, family-focused vehicle, and you can experience that dedication firsthand when you explore the lineup for yourself.
