Even with the continuing surge in the popularity of SUVs, the minivan remains the quintessential suburban utility vehicle. Featuring seating for as many as eight passengers, cargo space comparable to that of a box truck, user-friendly sliding doors, and adaptable seating configurations, the minivan only seems to lack the diverse powertrain options found in SUVs. However, that’s no longer the case.
For many years, if you desired an all-wheel-drive minivan, the Toyota Sienna was your sole option. Now, the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica also offers the capability to distribute power to all four wheels. Additionally, while the Pacifica was previously the only hybrid minivan available, the 2025 Toyota Sienna now comes standard as a hybrid, boasting an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined efficiency when equipped with all-wheel drive.
Choosing between these two minivans has never been more challenging, nor has the outcome been as favorable. But which one stands out, and for what reasons?
Both of these top-selling minivans offer at least four different trims. Chrysler markets the Pacifica in Touring, Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle editions. Additionally, a budget-friendly Voyager model makes its return. The Pacifica Hybrid is available in Select, Touring L, and Pinnacle trims. Meanwhile, the Sienna is available as an LE, XLE, Woodland, XSE, Limited, or Platinum.
Advantage: The Pacifica presents a broader array of choices.
Which Toyota Sienna should I choose?
The base Sienna LE is priced below $40,000 and includes power sliding doors, an array of safety technologies, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard elements.
The XLE variant introduces synthetic leather seating and a sunroof, while the Limited trim adds true leather upholstery, navigation, JBL audio, and an intercom system that allows the driver to communicate with passengers in the third row.
Which Chrysler Pacifica should I select?
The Pacifica Voyager starts just over $41,000 and includes heated front seats, LED headlights, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This model is available solely with front-wheel drive. It’s advisable to invest a bit more for the Touring L, providing synthetic leather upholstery and opening up options for enhanced safety features, technology, and available all-wheel drive.
Stepping up to the Limited introduces leather seating and a sunroof as standard amenities. All-wheel drive adds approximately $3,000 to the cost.
Is the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid worth considering?
The Pacifica is available as a plug-in hybrid, though it is front-wheel drive and priced around $12,000 more than the base Sienna. If you can access EV charging, the Hybrid Select, priced at about $53,000, provides a commendable electric driving range. We are quite impressed.
Advantage: Sienna in entry-level trims, but the Pacifica shines at the higher-end options.
Pacifica Hybrid offers 32 miles of electric-only range
The Toyota Sienna stands out for its fuel efficiency. Even with all-wheel-drive capability, it achieves an impressive EPA-rated 35 mpg combined, rising to 36 mpg with front-wheel drive.
In contrast, the Pacifica records a combined 20 mpg with all-wheel drive, resulting in nearly $650 more in annual fuel expenses compared to the Sienna, according to EPA estimates. With front-wheel drive, it achieves a combined mileage of 22 mpg.
The Pacifica plug-in hybrid offers a solid 32-mile electric range, meeting the requirements for most daily needs before requiring a charge overnight. Without access to electric power, it still delivers an impressive 30 mpg combined.
Advantage: The Sienna in standard trims, while the Pacifica excels as a plug-in hybrid.
Image Source: Zoran Karapancev / Shutterstock
