2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV vs. Toyota Sienna Hybrid

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  2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV

  The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV is one of only two hybrid minivans on the market, and it’s the more fuel-efficient model of the popular Pacifica line. Powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine with an added electric motor, the Pacifica PHEV makes 260 horsepower and gets a combined 82 MPGe. The roomy interior and large cargo spaces make the Pacifica PHEV great for everything from a drive to the grocery store or a road trip across the country.

  Pros

  • Only plug-in hybrid minivan on the road
  • Class-leading storage space
  • Combined 82 MPGe
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

  Cons

  • Towing is not recommended
  • Starting price of $53,620

• 

  2024 Toyota Sienna

  The fourth-generation Toyota Sienna reinvented the segment when it became the first hybrid-only minivan to come to market. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with two or three electric motors, depending on if equipped with AWD. The Sienna gets up to 36 MPG combined and offers significantly more range than its non-hybrid competitors. 

  Pros

  • Starting price of just $37,685
  • Best-in-class fuel efficiency
  • Smooth, comfortable ride
  • AWD available on all trims

  Cons

  • Unimpressive cargo capacity
  • Second row seats cannot be removed

Chrysler is one of America’s oldest car companies, debuting 100 years ago back in 1924. Over the last century, the company has produced cars, trucks, SUVs, and everything in between. In an effort to lead the industry to a new place, Chrysler unveiled the hybrid Pacifica in 2017 as the first-ever hybrid minivan. In the years since, the company has continued to innovate, and it now offers the 2024 Pacifica PHEV as the only plug-in hybrid minivan on the market.

Toyota has been one of the biggest names in the automotive industry for decades, especially when it comes to the hybrid marketplace. The company pretty much set the bar with the Prius back in 2001, and has continued producing some of the best hybrids on the road. Since the 2021 model year, all Toyota Sienna minivans have only been offered as hybrids, and the 2024 model year is no different as the company looks to keep the segment alive.

In order to bring you the most up-to-date and accurate comparison possible, we’ve relied on information sourced from Chrysler, Toyota, Fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, IIHS, and hands-on experience. For information regarding our ranking and grading procedures, please refer to our
methodology policy.

Performance And Capability

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV is available in just two trims, Select and Pinnacle, both of which are only available in front-wheel drive (FWD) configurations. The 2024 Toyota Sienna comes in six trims: LE, XLE, XSE, Woodland Edition, Limited, and Platinum. With the Sienna, all models come standard with FWD drivetrains but can be upgraded to all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations for additional cost.

Base Powertrain Comparison

• 

  2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV

  The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV is one of only two hybrid minivans on the market, and it’s the more fuel-efficient model of the popular Pacifica line. Powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine with an added electric motor, the Pacifica PHEV makes 260 horsepower and gets a combined 82 MPGe. The roomy interior and large cargo spaces make the Pacifica PHEV great for everything from a drive to the grocery store or a road trip across the country.

  Model

  Chrysler Pacifica PHEV

  Engine

  3.6-Liter V6

  Transmission

  CVT

  Horsepower

  260 HP

  Driveline

  FWD

  Range

  478-495 Miles

  Fuel Economy

  82 MPGe

  MSRP

  $53,620-$62,350

  0-60 MPH

  7.8 Seconds

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  2024 Toyota Sienna

  The fourth-generation Toyota Sienna reinvented the segment when it became the first hybrid-only minivan to come to market. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with two or three electric motors, depending on if equipped with AWD. The Sienna gets up to 36 MPG combined and offers significantly more range than its non-hybrid competitors. 

  Model

  2024 Toyota Sienna

  Engine

  2.5-Liter Inline-Four

  Transmission

  eCVT

  Horsepower

  245 HP

  Driveline

  FWD or AWD

  Range

  630-648 Miles

  Fuel Economy

  35-36 MPG Combined

  MSRP

  $37,685-$53,145

  0-60 MPH

  7.5 Seconds

Both trims of the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV come with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and dual electric motors on the front axle, combining to produce 260 horsepower, which is enough to go from 0 to 60 MPH in about 7.8 seconds. As a plug-in hybrid, the Pacifica PHEV also comes with a 16.0 kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion battery in addition to the gas-powered engine, which is enough to drive the van on its own for short periods of time.

All trims of the Toyota Sienna come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that’s coupled with either dual- or triple-electric motors, depending on whether it is FWD or AWD. No matter the powertrain, all Toyota Sienna Hybrids produce 245 horsepower and take about 7.5 seconds to hit 60 MPH. Neither hybrid minivan is going to win any races or set any records at the track, but that’s not really what they’re designed for.

Full Performance Specifications

(Data sourced from Chrysler and Toyota)

No matter which model or trim you get, both the Pacifica PHEV and Sienna Hybrid use a single-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT), leading to a smooth, shiftless driving experience. Due to the similar power outputs and overall drivetrain configurations, there won’t be much of a difference performance-wise between the two minivans, except for the fact that the Toyota Sienna Hybrid is available in AWD while the Pacifica is not.

Fuel Economy

The Toyota Sienna Hybrid is known for offering a best-in-class fuel efficiency of 36 miles per gallon (MPG) across the board, in the city, on the highway, and combined. This is 20-percent higher than the combined 30 MPG offered by the Pacifica PHEV, but the Chrysler offers electric-only driving that the Sienna does not. Using just the juice from the onboard battery, you can go 32 miles in the Pacifica PHEV without using any gas, and it brings the combined fuel economy to 82 MPGe as long as the battery is effectively used.

(Data sourced from Chrysler, Toyota, and the EPA)

Chrysler Pacifica PHEV vs. Toyota Sienna Hybrid Towing And Off-Road Capability

Hybrid minivans aren’t typically touted for their towing prowess, but all models of the Toyota Sienna Hybrid come with a 3,500-pound towing capacity. This may not stand up against a pickup truck or some of the more powerful SUVs out there, but it’s more than enough to tow smaller things around town here and there. For the Pacifica, standard gas-powered models are rated at 3,600 pounds, but Chrysler does not recommend towing with the hybrid model, so this one goes to the Sienna.

Towing And Payload Capacities

(Data sourced from Chrysler and Toyota)

Interior Design And Technology

The interior of the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV is the most spacious hybrid minivan on the market, providing enough space for people, luggage, sports equipment, groceries, or anything else you could ever need a minivan for. Unfortunately for Pacifica lovers used to the Stow ‘n Go compartment under the middle seats, this extra storage space is lost in the hybrid models to make room for the battery. That said, Chrysler beefed up the seats with a bit more cushioning to help lessen the blow, and the built-in vacuum cleaner is also a nice touch.

Inside the Toyota Sienna, you’ll have a bit less room for people and cargo, but there are some added comfort amenities to help make up for it. Unlike the Pacifica PHEV, the second-row seats of the Sienna cannot be removed, greatly reducing the maximum cargo space available. That said, the seats can slide 25 inches outward to increase the usable storage space as much as possible, though it still might seem lacking. Pop-up ottomans are optional on higher-tiered trims for added comfort, along with another built-in vacuum cleaner.

Chrysler Pacifica PHEV vs. Toyota Sienna HybridTechnology Comparison

The technology hub of the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV is a 10.1-inch touchscreen that’s integrated into the dashboard, offering easy control over navigation, system settings, music, smartphone integration, and more. Both Pacifica trims come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the included Wi-Fi hotspot means you’ll always have a signal on the go, making it easy to check email or get some work done while on a long drive.

For anyone with kids or looking for backseat entertainment, an optional screen with built-in Apple TV is available, providing nearly limitless hours of streaming for movies and TV shows. Anything that can keep the kids busy in the backseat while you’re on a long drive is better than having to constantly answer if you’re there yet or not!

In the Toyota Sienna Hybrid, a 9.0-inch infotainment center touchscreen is mounted near the top of the dashboard to control music, navigation, vehicle status menus, and pretty much everything else except the controls for the HVAC. All Sienna models come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Alexa voice commands can be used to place calls, start navigation, listen to music, and more.

The onboard Wi-Fi hotspot makes it easy to stay connected on the go, and SiriusXM satellite radio is included, so you’re never without your favorite tunes. In the back seat, an 11.6-inch display comes down from the underside of the roof to provide entertainment to rear-seat occupants just like in the Pacifica, making the Sienna the perfect hybrid for long road trips with the kids.

Interior Room And Cargo Capacity

With all the seats up in both minivans, the Toyota Sienna Hybrid offers slightly more storage space behind the 3rd row, with 33.5 cubic feet compared to the 32.3 cubic feet of the Pacifica PHEV. But once the seats start laying down, the Chrysler offers far more storage. Behind the 2nd row, you’ll find 87.5 cubic feet of space in the Pacific and only 75.2 cubic feet in the Sienna. With both rear rows laid down, the Sienna Hybrid offers 101.0 cubic feet while the Pacifica PHEV provides an astounding 140.5 cubic feet of storage.

Cargo Space Comparison

Safety And Reliability

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV has a perfect 5-star overall safety rating and has zero recalls, investigations, or complaints. It was also named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which is one step below the highest possible safety-related award.

The Toyota Sienna Hybrid was recently named one of the 2024 Top Safety Picks by the IIHS, and it also has a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Similar to the Pacifica, the 2024 Sienna has no recalls, complaints, or outstanding investigations.

Chrysler Pacifica PHEV Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

• Recalls (NHTSA): 0
• NHTSA Investigations: 0
• NHTSA Consumer Complaints: 0
• Awards: Top Safety Pick (2023)

Toyota Sienna Hybrid Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

• Recalls (NHTSA): 0
• NHTSA Investigations: 0
• NHTSA Consumer Complaints: 0
• Awards: IIHS Top Safety Pick (2024)

Reliability Comparison

The Chrysler Pacifica PHEV and Toyota Sienna Hybrid come with comparable warranties, each one including bumper-to-bumper coverage for 36 months/36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty of 60 months/60,000 miles. The corrosion warranty for each model comes without a mileage limit, but the Chrysler’s is good for three years compared to the Toyota’s five. For roadside assistance, Chrysler offers it for the length of the basic warranty, but Toyota only provides assistance for two years.

To stay competitive with one another, both manufacturers have increased the warranty on the high-voltage battery in recent years, upping coverage to 10 years. During that timeframe, the Pacifica’s warranty is good for 100,000 miles, while the Sienna Hybrid’s battery is covered for 150,000 miles.

Warranty

Pricing And Availability

The Toyota Sienna Hybrid is far cheaper across the board than the Pacifica PHEV, and it’s really not close. The entry-level Sienna Hybrid LE has a starting price of just $37,685 compared to the base model Pacific Hybrid Select, which starts at $53,620. Taking this a step further, all six trims of the Sienna are cheaper than the Pacifica Select, with the top-tier Sienna Platinum starting at $53,145. Upgrading the Chrysler to the Hybrid Pinnacle will set you back even more, with a $62,350 price tag.

Note that all trims of the Sienna Hybrid can be purchased with AWD powertrains for $2,000 or less, an option not available for either of the Pacifica Hybrid trims.

Trim Pricing Comparison