I’ll keep my Pacifica, it has never failed me in 276,000 miles with scheduled maintenance. It’s going on three years old. I drive about 120k a year and need reliability.
I rented both of these minivans for long family trips. I loved the Pacifica. The sienna did offer way better gas milage and more cup holders, but that was it. My kids were very comfortable in the Pacifica as well. If I have to choose between the two, the Pacifica wins hands down.
@alphaomega750 well I own a chrysler town and country, pacifica took over its place with everything being pretty much the same it's a 2012 and it's running solid, strong and great gas mileage I'd take my town and country over any siena hybrid, with the eco system it has I have reached 51 miles per gallon I believe I took a picture I'll look for it to see if I find it or I'll take another picture on my next trip
Sienna all day long. One word when it comes to minivans : Reliability. You don't buy these for racing. Have one since 2005 with almost 300k and still solid as rock. Capable to double it's milage.
Nah, you’d think so but most moms don’t care about reliability. They want functionality and convenience. Dads care about reliability. But ultimately it comes down to what mama wants. With that said Toyota has come leaps and bounds with their Sienna. It’s definitely the winner here. That green on brown color combination is hands down one of the most spectacular schemes of any vehicle on the road today. Easy Toyota win.
@@AidenRZ777 planetary or “eCVT’s” as they are called by Toyota are very different from the variable, chain/belt driven cvt’s. Planetary cvt’s are very reliable. As they do not use belts or chains. I do not anticipate this van will be unreliable. Toyota hybrids have millions and millions of miles of mechanical data and improvements. On the other hand I do agree. Belt/chain driven cvt’s are problematic and no manufacturer has perfected it. Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Honda etc, all have weak chain/belt cvt’s if not maintained with diligent maintenance.
The floor mats can stay in place for the Stow n Go. There's also a button on the B pillar to automatically move the front seat forward. When not in use, the storage wells make for great storage.
Got the Sienna last month. Chrysler wasn't even a consideration due to not only the overall reliability of their products, but also my doubts that this new Stellantis Corp will even last long enough to provide warranty support.
Buying anything Chrysler over Toyota would be like buying a HI Point over a Glock! Some people just have to smoke Crack to find out for themselves it is a bad idea 💡
For those considering a Pacifica PHEV - it loses Stow 'n Go on the second row and has 0 towing capacity. The only advantage to it over the Sienna is plug-in capability.
@@questioner1596 Most toyotas don't have 8 seats either, only some bottom trims have them. This is an industry trend. Also like Kent Keller said, you are forgetting what the PHEV does, which is 32 miles EV range which is huge for a lot of people. Additionally, 0-60 Sienna is 8.5 sec while PHEV Pacifica is 7.3. Not saying anyone needs fast 0-60 but Sienna is the slowest. Most mini vans are under 8 seconds, making Sienna the slowest van on market.
I've had a Dodge Caravan for years and it won't die. I work as a painter, so the stowing seats are major for me. A few times a year, I do need full sheets of drywall for work. Another big plus, is the roof rack and the way it stows on the roof. I can easily put a couple of extension ladders up there and not have any worries. I'm looking forward to my minivan dying so I can buy a new Pacifica.
Was at a car show earlier and able to compare both side by side. I was surprise how well design and made the Pacifica is, and the Sienna feel like a generation behind in term of the design of the seats mechanism and location of switches. It look like it has a lot to offer on paper, but most are like half done, not to mention the 3rd rows in the Sienna is not comfortable at all. It feel like Toyota know people will buy their stuff no matter what, they just don't care to make things better. 4 cylinders and CVT is a big no no for me, they maybe very good on a smaller call but I won't trust it on a big heavy van. The heavy weight will put a lot of stress on the engine and CVT, nothing is bulletproof, specially when it come to CVT. Toyota is good but not good enough to defy the law of physics.
Dear Nathem, you used to be my fatTFL person because you are straight to the point practical. (Well you are still better than the others). Like Albert Einstein, you screwed up in one critical area: simplicity. With the older mini vans you did have to remove the floor Matt for the sto-n-go. With the newer vans, there are notches in the curves floor mats. All you have to do is lift the lever in the notch. And the floor opens up. Thanks.
I had a Pacifica for 4 years. Yes, the stow n go was nice, but I didn't need to fold the seats into the floor that often. I mentioned to my wife that being 6" 2", I could have done with the driver's seat moving back a few more inches. I couldn't stretch my left leg. The seats don't go back far enough because the second row seats are fixed and don't slide like they did in our old Town and Country. This is because of the new design for folding them into the floor. If the driver's seat went back further, there would be no leg room for second row passengers. We test drove a Sienna and there was so much legroom in that car. I had the driver's seat way back, and the second row can slide way back too. The Toyota beats the Chrysler hands down for comfort, for me. I don't know what the reliability of the Toyota will be like, the the Pacifica was awful. Full of electrical faults that - surprise surprise! - the dealer couldn't replicate.
the plug-in-hybrid version of Pacifica with 30+ pure EV range is NICE! also the cargo space is way more versatile especially if you plan to keep it for a long time.
I think the mechanical AWD in the Pacifica will be more capable of apportioning power to the needed wheels compared to the Sienna's electronic based system. If the RAV-4 Prime which I believe Tommy already featured is any indication, then a similar performance is expected.
So RIGHT, i rented the top of the line pacifica and it had only 100 miles n it and the warning lights were malfunctioning for no reason and the vehicle was shorting out,.........LOL that was a 2019 model.......:(
@@michaelsmith9308 how about the over 100,000 engines that had to be replaced by Toyota in 2020. I have already worked on over 200 of them as a Toyota mechanic. Let me know when you are done cherry picking and using rentals as the barometer of a models reliability.
@@paulj9821 How much did it cost the owners for a brand new engine? I replaced the engine on my 95 4x4 Tacoma over 12 years ago. Still my daily driver and just reached 200K on it.
@@thesonorandesertangler Cost the car owners, nothing. Toyota replaced all engines on their dime. I mean they don't have a choice as the problem was discovered 7 months after production. Will a Toyota engine last longer than a V6 Pentastar, yes but the Chrysler engine isn't junk nor unreliable. Their 4 banger on the other hand is a different story.
@@paulj9821 I'm doing research for a new family vehicle and honestly I'm only interested in Hondas, Mazdas, or Toyotas. They just have a better track record. If they do mess up these companies tend to take care of the problem. I have a 2004 Tahoe that we pretty much drove into the ground at just under 300K. I like to buy them new and drive them till they're done. I'm pretty sure if I would have bought a 04 Tundra it would still be running fine at 300K. All of my Toyota vehicles have been tanks. Same with the Hondas.
For sheer versatility, I'd say it's the Pacifica. Carry 7 or 8 people (depending on how you option the van) and then stow the 2nd and 3rd row seats in the floor and haul a lot of stuff. Heck, even my prehistoric design Dodge Grand Caravan Crew Plus does that. And TFL truck guy, please tell me which pick up truck has a bed that can take a 4x8 sheet of plywood, or wall board or anything 8 ft long and NOT have to leave the tailgate open? One more thing. Good gas economy is great to have, but when you have a van full of people and you have to merge on the highway, the Pacifica will automatically engage AWD and you'll get a significant amount of power going to the back wheels to have you get merged into traffic. How much HP is the electric motor in the Toyota giving to the back wheels, and will it do that at highway speeds?
The rear shits off at about 15 mph in the RAV4 Hybrid. Below 15 miles per hour, the rear motor in the RAV4 Hybrid is always engaged to increase low-speed traction, turning a standard mechanical differential connected to the rear axle. Above that range, the vehicle’s computer calculates when it should apply power through an electromagnetic clutch. As a result, wheel slippage is not necessary for the hybrid all-wheel drive system to engage. The computer also decides when the electric motor should spin in reverse for regeneration during deceleration. www.kbb.com/car-news/what-you-need-to-know-about-toyotas-hybrid-all-wheel-drive/
Truth is out there on the road. You see Previa, Sienna, and Odyssey all the time no matter how old(20+ yrs) they are. Look around you when you drive. You don’t see leftover Chrysler Caravan old or new. They change name to Pacifica hoping people will forget Carandvan. If you do see Pacifica, it’s probably a rental.
Just rented the Pacifica to go pickup the Sienna. 7 hours one way.. The Sienna 4 cylinder is loud, and I love the MPG... Tons more storage in the Pacifica, I use the 2nd row stow-and-go for storage... Overall I choose the Sienna for MPG and Toyotas reputation for reliability
I've owned 2 Toyota Siennas, both over 200K, I work cycling events as a mechanic and the last 3 years I've rented new Pacifica vans...Great vehicle. Absolutely love it. The interiors tend to be different for different people I can find that personally on many personally a Mini Van and all the compartments don't work for me and my cycling gear as I'm traveling they just don't fit the things I need and need to store stuff regardless of what I'm storing... Made me think about customizing the interior a little bit more same with the Sienna. It's nice to have lots of compartments and little holders the fact is a lot of those things are useless.
Don’t have to remove floor covering to stow and go seat. Also don’t forget the annoying 4 cylinder scream and much slower in the sienna. The only thing that made me second guess getting Pacifica was that mpg of sienna. Pacifica in every other way unless you need 16 cup holders for the front seat
According to Motor Trend the Sienna has the same 0-60 acceleration time as the Pacifica Hybrid. Which is extremely impressive considering the Pacifica comes with a V6.
Cup holders are not just for "people haulers" as American customers demand some even in sports cars (BMW and Magna gave the "Zupra" a totally removable cupholder at the passenger's feet).
You guys should do a towing test with the Sienna. If you tow far enough up a steep incline, the Toyota’s small propulsion battery will eventually run out of juice, won’t it, and you will be left with only the 189 hp gasoline engine to finish the job?
Built-in entertainment systems are like having a Blueray disk player of VHS tape player built into your nice new vehicle. Antiquated. iPads for the win. Unlike a built-in system that will be worthless junk long before the vehicle's useful life is done, when an iPad fails or becomes obsolete, you just replace it. And it does so much more beyond than an built-in entertainment unit.
Im expecting the Pacifica hybrid to drop down in value by a lot when Semiconductor chips come back in full swing and also its ongoing problems with vehicle shutdowns while driving and continuing software errors further ruining a good thing the pacifica hybrid had going. When the price with all the discount gets me in a happy place like $28k-$32k ill bite and accept all the risk only if the $7500 fed tax credit is still in effect.
The sienna has a few things uncommon for most minivans 1. Power tilt telescope wheel with memory 2. 4 zone climate control 3. Head up display 4. Digital rearview mirror
At the end if the day, Toyota will always be better cause it's reliable and has quality unlike Crystler that'll never last and always have loads of issues
And we know which one is going to be at the repair shop a lot more often. The Toyota hybrid systems are extremely reliable. And while it is a CVT it's an e CVT mechanically it isn't similar at all to a belt and pulley style like you would find in a nissan. You can guarantee that you're never going to have a transmission problem in that sienna. Pretty simple internally and the maintenance on it is a dump and fill just like a manual transmission. Stow and go seating on the Chrysler is certainly cool though.
The problem is the recalls for electronics and propulsion of the hybrid systems in Toyota. Most Prius have had multiple replacements for the same item. The Toyota dealership coffee must be really good!
@@oogleboogle123456789 No it's not.. not when they function COMPLETELY differently. Belt and pulley CVT's suck and are unreliable. The Toyota E-CVT is a planetary split device. They suck LESS and do not drive the same. And it's one of the most reliable and mechanically simple Transmissions you can buy.
@@oogleboogle123456789 A factory defect over a few years is not the same as continued unreliable cars over decades. Chrysler has been making shit for decades .. with no sign of change. I'll bet on the Toyota thanks. My 13 year old Prius has 367,000 on it. 167,000 of that I've put on it in the last three years. It gets the crap beat out of it every day .. Still rolling on all the original control arm bushings, tie rods, ball joints, CV Axles, Doesn't leak a drop of any fluid. And still on it's original battery. That's what I call reliable.
I don't know Nathan. I have a 2015 Sienna SE and the interior of the 2021 Sienna looks cheap and poorly designed by comparison. In general, the new Sienna doesn't look as well-built as the outgoing model. If I were to buy another Sienna, I would rather have the 2020 Sienna SE AWD. It's a more solidly built vehicle, you can remove the second row seats, it has V6 and real AWD.
I still have a 23 year first gen with the middle console not in the way which is perfect for an extra long 2x4. With that said, they aren't building them like they used to. Hybrid battery will need replacing in less than 10 years. Toyotas started introducing a plastic plenum, then valve cover and maybe soon if not already oil drain pan. Let's see how they hold up.
I need a minivan to do two things: haul cargo when I'm working and get me to the ski slopes when I'm not. The new Sienna is less capable in these regards than the outgoing one so I probably won't be trading in my 2015 for a new one.
@@christophermatthews555 yeah, not sure if the rear electric motors will work for you. Seems like all Toyota's with FWD based AWD fail every roller test today.
Carnival has even more storage space than both of these vehicles but not available in any kind of hybrid/electric model and no AWD option either. Also I believe worst of 3 on fuel economy.
@@rightlanehog3151 - Lexus GX460 - am I a joke to you? Yes, that's our version of the LC Prado and in other markets you can opt the Prado in par with the Lexus, both on equipment and engine. Want a V6 LC Prado? Try a 4Runner. It is the same engine as the gas V6 Prado and both are made in the same chassis (the 4Runner has a lower height roof and doesn't have the kids-only 3rd row option). The 4Runner availability in US (not available much outside of NoAm, elsewhere the smaller HiLux-based FourTuner does its' job) makes the need for a LC 70 moot.
I like the Pacifica a lot better but the terrible gas mileage is a deal breaker. Really like to see how the KIA Carnival and Honda Odyssey compare with these two.
@@OS-hx4jk by your logic all vehicles on the road should only be Toyota if they are older than 10 years but when ever I'm driving around I see way more other brands than old Toyota's driving around
@@oogleboogle123456789 That depends where you live. Undeniable fact: Toyota beyond doubt makes the most reliable and durable cars in the world. Toyota is special even by Japanese stds. And no, I don't drive a Toyota currently. My current cars are a 1998 4.6 GT Mustang, a 1993 Mercedes W140, and a 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero. And I have previously owned and loved the Hemi V8 Charger (2013). But Toyota is king.
We just got a 2021 Sienna XSE and really like it a lot. Wife really liked the Pacifica as well, and we both really liked the idea of the pluggable hybrid since we're also Tesla owners. However, we need a van with a towing capacity and really wanted AWD since it was replacing a subaru. The Pacifica hybrid has NO towing capacity and no AWD, so it basically was out. I didn't even consider the gas version because the fuel economy was so terrible (that and Chrysler transmissions... scary!). The toyota hybrid powertrain is proven reliable, look at the Prius out there used in taxi fleets that have 300K+ on them with no drivetrain issues. Thanks for the review, I'd agree that the platinum definitely has a little nicer inside than the lower trim with the real leather and the two-tone coloring, but we wanted the XSE for the "sportier" suspension. I wouldn't say it's sporty, but it's definitely not as numb as the other trims, the XSE supposedly has a different steering tuning, different suspension and larger swaybars. We owned a Mazda5 before and this van is amazing compared.. just wish they still made smaller vans.
Yea I miss the smaller vans. It’s the only thing holding me back. The extra space, sliding doors, utility, and just in case space for a couple extra passengers would be great but they just keep getting bigger.
It’s 2021. I’m sure they have drastically improved the reliability. And some say the build and interior quality and design is just better in every way. Especially the upcoming keep grand wagoneer. That interior is just bmw x7 like
@@TheTez1990 the transmission issues I thought were worked out and in 2 years if a ball bearing went bad it’s covered under warranty so you have zero expense out of pocket. Plus some would say that you got a lemon. Doesn’t mean every Chrysler you got will have bad ball bearings
Why not compare the $51k MSRP Pacifica Hybrid with all the features/packages to the Sienna? If the deciding factor is better gas mileage, the pacifica hybrid would win with a landslide. And you'd potentially qualify for $7,500 credit, making it WAY less than the Sienna.
And every Pacifica has reliability issues compared with the uber reliability of the Sienna. My son-in-laws brother bought a Pacifica and it was at the dealer for 8 of the first 12 months he owned it, what a piece of crap that was.
No second row able to flip down or remove no minivans Toyota shot themselves in the foot killing the second row removability, now it’s just an SUV. Winner of the REAL minivan, Chrysler Pacifica.
Toyotas are backed up 8 months and the dealers are getting $5,000 and up above MSRP. On the other hand, my 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has been at the dealer, dead, waiting for a part... for 3 months and counting! Kia Carnivals are hard to find and also being marked up $5,000. Honda Odyssey? - I have not checked.
Curious, how many people regularly use their van to transport 4x8 plywood or OSB? And it has to be whole sheets? If you don't have a truck, rent one for 50 bucks. How often do you redo your roof or build a tool shack anyway? Now, more comfortable second row seats? That gets used every single day.
For me, 4x8 means I can drive a smaller, much better van and not have to get into utility class, like my former Chevy Express. It does it all, work, family, and fun.
A more relevant comparison might be to the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. It's a PHEV. It can go 32 miles pure electric. It gets 30 mpg combined when running with the gas engine. It does cost more and I don't believe it can tow anything.
@@normt430 yes, and we review those vans too. Dozens of videos, but this one is specifically based on these two AWD vans. We’ll do a lot more in the near future. Especially with new products from Kia and Hyundai.
@@NathanDAdlen I agree comparing a PHEV to a hybrid isn't perfectly apples to apples, but neither is comparing a hybrid to a conventional internal combustion engine. Of course the hybrid gets better mileage. That's what it's designed for. The straight 30mpg of the PHEV can be reasonably compared to the hybrid and it will do that if you never plug it in.
Good job Nathan! For me, it would be the Sienna. The MPG difference is just too big, and the perceived Toyota reliability would be worth the trade-off made for the stow-and-go, and slight performance. The resale value would also be higher with the Toyota.
I like all the comparisons and the price checks and the explanation of the interior and what it comes with but after using these vans for 1 week the Pacifica is just so much better with amenities and features and the feel is so much better. Pacifica is also quieter. Basically the only reason i would go with Toyota is better gas mileage. But if you drive short trips all the time you have be careful with moisture in the oil. Also, this wasn't a true test. Car and driver did a long term test and they loved both the Pacifica and the Toyota but Pacifica always came on top. Plus, most people are buying these used and Pacifica was the better option again. I don't think you'll make a bad decision with either if you do your homework and do the maintenance needed and not forget, like the moisture issue with Toyota hybrid engine.
Nice comparison, but you forgot to mention that the Pacifica has horrible transmission issues and the eCVT in the Sienna has been bulletproof, let alone the reliability of the Sienna overall destroys that of the Pacifica. The middle seats are also a lot more comfortable in the Sienna and can be unbolted with 4 bolts if you absolutely had to have a flat floor although the stow-n-go seats are easier for the very few Tim es that might be needed. You can also make a flat surface with the seats folded flat and get 4x8 sheets of plywood in the Sienna too. The difference between 20mpg in the Pacifica and 35mpg in the Sienna though is the hands down winner. Better reliability, better mpg, and nicer interior are major wins for the Sienna. Yes, the camera function and panoramic sunroof are nice but are fluff that I could care less about personally. Like you said, I care about me as the driver and with a sunroof over my head I'm happy! I know several people that bought a Pacifica and every single one of them have had numerous issues with them. What good is it if it's at the dealer?
Pacifica actually has more usable cargo space as you can fold down and stow in the floor the middle and the third row. this way you can load 4x8 s and you can easily load adult sized bicycles or put a mattress and lay down completely flat. The advantages are many. The Sienna only does that with the third row while the second row creates a bump in the middle
@@keytothegate68 the big issue though is reliability and the Pacific has been terrible with a lot of issues. The Sienna has been much more reliable. Most people use a minivan for transporting people and rarely if ever mess with the middle seats. On the other hand they fold the rear seats in all the time. I see car seats for kids in the majority of middle seats.
@@smrtguy77777 he is talking about the hybrid which is not AWD. The FWD pacifica has a hybrid available, that you plug in and charge. Thus for some small amount of mileage you don't need gas. It's not a fair comparison unless you don't care about AWD.
You can get the AWD Sienna in the LE version for like $38k list….$14k is a lot of extra money for some leather and speakers….or at least that’s my personal narrowminded opinion as I ordered the le awd in cypress green lol. Due mid September 👍
@@CmanCorporations We did and we love it, the mpg/kpg drops down in winter quite a bit but it’s still around 28 mpg . When you get yours, take it through the carwash and watch the smaller front windows. We had a water leak from a high pressure wash that needed to be fixed at the dealer (under warranty) but besides that we have had zero issues
First, "the Scion xB's big brother" is not made anymore (only available USED) and the Voyager are the 2 lesser equipped levels (no AWD or Hybrid offered) of the Pacifica with the pre-facelift look.
@@syxepop I know, I just like the ford flex because it's really just a station wagon with 365 horsepower and awd which is awesome and as for the voyager, I know it doesn't come in awd and is the lesser model. I like the voyager because it's a no nonsense minivan, all you really need and nothing much else...... No power doors or lift gate, no fancy materials just cloth and the 2 person bench seat in the middle off to one side is great for rear access
I think a loaded down test and comparison should be done with minivans and larger crossovers. How do these vehicles act when they are loaded down close or at least 70% of their payload capacity. And before someone says "you don't buy minivans to race", yes but passing power is still important, especially when the van is loaded down.
I never had issues with my older Previa loaded down and even pulling a boat with 100hp less than the new Sienna. I never worried about passing unless the chance was with no issues, just relax and enjoy the trip.
@@jimsgaragetoys well the 3.6L pentastar in my in-law’s T&C with the 6 speed is a little underwhelming. Sure, it’s efficient and all but I’m always finding my foot to the floor, looking for more when trying to get up to speed in fast moving traffic. I’ve been spoiled by my 3.5 Ecoboost F-150 for the past 9 years. That 6000 lb brick feels light on its toes compared to the van. If it was up to me, we’d be taking the truck all the time on family trips but my 76 year old mother-in-law struggles to climb into the truck, even though it’s stock height with step bars.
@@jaysson1151 I've never been impressed with the Pentastar 3.6L either but when driving a van I've never been in a big hurry. I think that people expect the same performance too much from different cars like you just stated. I don't expected any of the 3 minivans that I've owned to be early as quick or fast as my 89 Supercharged MR2 or other fast cars that I've driven. I don't expect the experience to be the same but I'm also a more laid back driver in a minivan so I enjoy the experience even if the rate isn't as rapid. The power is adequate to get the job done and when it delivers 35+ MPG for so much room and versatility it's so worth it.
@@jimsgaragetoys yeah it’s adequate when it’s not loaded with luggage. Just needs a little more torque to get up and go when it is. I have driven a late model Odyssey though-not to bad at all. That engine loves to be driven hard. That would be my choice unless Ford makes a minivan with the 2.7 Ecoboost or even the 2.3!
@@jaysson1151 I just love the ability for the Sienna to do what it does and return 35mpg. My daughter is on the waiting list for one so I''ll get plenty of time to check it out after she gets it.
Was seriously looking at Sienna but for 𝗡𝗼𝗻-Stow And Go, even 𝗡𝗼𝗻-Removable 2nd row Seats 💺 is Big mistake, as well as the 𝗔𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 of a Panoramic Roof. That's why I choose less expensive -$7,500 FEDERAL TAX CREDIT, Chrysler Pacifica 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝗴-𝗜𝗻 Hybrid.
My issue with these reviews is that the true purchase price is never considered. Toyota won’t give you $500 off that van, while Chrysler you can easily shave few thousand off sticker. If you’re leasing then reliability doesn’t matter. Also, the Pacifica can hold more stuff, especially something like sheets of plywood for DIY projects. The stow and go feature is fantastic. A family member owned the previous generation Sienna and I had to pull out the second row seats to fit a recliner, and it was a pain in the ass to remove, carry and install back. This generation the seats aren’t even removable! Also, the Pacifica looks better/cooler and less of a minivan. Finally, it has a true AWD system and the interior is fancier. Frankly, the Pacifica is the better value here.
Toyota, should give you a option for a hybrid or a 6 cylinder engine. I know hybrid iui s the future but, still wary about this. Seems more maintenance, more cost etc so how can reliability be as good?
Nathan should have shown the payload sticker and conducted a loaded seat of the pants review. I am pretty sure that when it comes to loading the vehicle down a V6 performs a lot better than the 4cyl/electric motor combo. Fuel mileage, yes the CVT/electric motor set up is efficient, but moving that mass around doing normal van stuff ... real world drivers will never see that efficiency. There have been comments about reliability, mechanical connections; i.e. the awd system, the electric motors in the Sienna will have problems sooner than a tried & true driveshaft/axle combo. Minivans are supposed to be "airy", the center console in the Sienna sections off driver/passenger too much albeit the space underneath is attractive.
Hi Nathan! So I have no minivan but got to rent a fully loaded Chrysler Pacifica in March. It was a great driving vehicle packed with cool technology and lots of space, I was really impressed. If I were to pick between the two in this episode, I would definitely go for the Toyota. The Pacifica is a Chrysler and they tend to have quality issues in the long run (in my experience). I mean-the one I rented only had 600 miles on it and the panoramic sunroof was stuck with the vent partially open, plus could not open or close the whole thing. Somehow, the windscreen got stuck in the track and I had to hear a little bit of wind noise during highway speeds. I’ve also seen one that had rust bubbling up at the edge of the hood here in Ohio, I’m sure it wasn’t brand new but I know they haven’t been around that long. Anyway...just my two cents, don’t own a minivan and hope not to need one any time soon! 😂
I think the hood is aluminum on the Pacifica so if there were paint issues it’s probably not from rust. Wonder if that particular van had some repair work done? That being said, even painted aluminum can have issues.
you need to remember that many people in America don't think japan first when looking at vehicles so yeah they'd probably look at the Chrysler first not to mention the sienna has a tiny 4 banger with a CVT so not something some people want to hear straining on the highway
I disagree on the mpg thing, i own a 2012 chrysler town and country and i have gotten up to 51 mpg on some of my long distance trips, the cargo it's unbelievable, engine runs like a champ, transmission is amazing, the toyota siena is really nice but it's no match for the pacifica, I'm thinking of upgrading my van and of course i have done my homework, hands down my number one option is the pacifica. I don't understand this gentleman doing this comparison he says, the pacifica offers more but the more limited siena is the better van..... ooooookk
Toyota really screwed those of us over who removed the 2nd row seats by making them nonremovable. And I would never buy a Chrysler, so minivans are no longer an option for me.
The Kia carnival is a good option. Why are you removing the second row seats in your van anyway? Just buy a trailer or a cargo van if you remove them that much
Go on Facebook forums and read. Stop listening to haters and non owners. Chrysler minivans run STRONG. I urge you to join a Pacifica and town and country group.
@@naveenthemachine slower compared to what tow truck the Pacifica is being pulled by? 0-60 is an over rated value much like off road capabilities on a daily driver.. The only single people who buy a minivan are obese Fat Americans who can squeeze their diet soda filled 5 tons of body into anything else.. then 0-60 is important....
Trading a 2020 top trim Sienna on a 2022 is a trade down, no matter how you look at it, because you lose the V6, and are forced into a CVT. Some people do not want to hear a strained 4 cylinder engine doing the CVT scream when going uphill. A lot of people just do not want a hybrid at all. I don’t, and won’t buy one. I’m boycotting manufacturers who try to force people to buy things they do not want.
When they had stock, you could easily get 10%+ off msrp on the Pacifica. That's just a given. Plus the 0% financing. I would say the Pacifica is a better value and more thought out, but the Sienna has better mileage.
The problem is.. You're assuming more discounts better value.. 10,000 off a value means the resale value is greatly diminished.. who would buy a pre-owned 3 year old Pacifica for a few dollars less than a new one? Value isn't the purchase, it's the overall cost of ownership.
The problem is the options packaging. With the Sienna, if I want AWD, I give up the 2nd row bench. Why would I want a mini-van that forces me to use the 3rd row, just because I have three kids? I can get three kids in the 2nd row of my midsize sedan, but not a Toyota mini-van with AWD?
@@ikelee in the United States, it appears that configuration is not available. 8 passenger AWD appears to not be a configuration for the US, not matter which trim.
So what I'm hearing from this video is that the Sienna has better gas mileage and more cup holders. Other than that, the Pacifica is better in all areas. How then did the guy end up saying the Sienna was the better overall van?
Vans are so cool. They have so many different features. Look different . All SUV's aka Toaster ovens all look the same, are not as practical and generally cost more for less features and less power at each price point. Great test.
Not true, your thinking of the smaller classes like the compact suvs the mid and full size classes tend to be more powerful and offer quite a bit of capabilities and tons of features. Hell the 3.6 in the Grand cherokee makes more power then the Pacific's 3.6
@@JJsGA Yes agreed but I am talking price point. A Pacifica is around the same price as a 4cyl Rav4 or say a new 3cyl Bronco Sport. You get much more vehicle in the minivans. A grand Cherokee nice vehicle but can run double even the top line Pacifica.
@@bikingD true....a summit fully loaded is north of 60k and the srt models can get north of 100k but even loaded laredo or limited sits nicely in the low to mid 40s Honestly I have a van and a grand cherokee. The van does have a lot more space and is used for work too (wife an I run an apartment complex) The jeep however is quicker, 4x4 and has the nicest interior of all 3 I've owned. Its a 2000 laredo (I had a 2008 and 2014) and the 2000 has full power everything, leather, heated seats and sunroof. Has the best factory stereo and can tow 2k pounds more then the van. Vans a 2006 chevy uplander LT The vans msrp was 26,250$ while the jeeps was 26,850$ starting msrp. I need to run the vins and see what the original sale price was
@@JJsGA Get what your saying totally. What I don't get is the rep Vans have. I think they each have their own style unlike current particularly small SUV's which all look the same. Practical like you said. My kids are grown. But had vans back in the day and loved them. If I had a family of 2 or more kids a Escape, Trailblazer, Rav, Bronco Sport or CRV wouldn't even be in the running. All those cost as much. Less space, less features. Don't have V6 power plus now can AWD in these minivans. How great is that when you think about it.
@@bikingD vans get the rep they have is because they generally are driven by moms with kids lol. I do agree they are very practical, I've had 2. Yeah a lot of cars now days do look alike
I’ll keep my Pacifica, it has never failed me in 276,000 miles with scheduled maintenance. It’s going on three years old. I drive about 120k a year and need reliability.
Would you mind uploading a video of yours?
It's discontinued
I rented both of these minivans for long family trips. I loved the Pacifica. The sienna did offer way better gas milage and more cup holders, but that was it. My kids were very comfortable in the Pacifica as well. If I have to choose between the two, the Pacifica wins hands down.
we'll see if you agree with that in 10 yrs time of owning one. :D But wait, you only rented it, you don't own either.
@alphaomega750 well I own a chrysler town and country, pacifica took over its place with everything being pretty much the same it's a 2012 and it's running solid, strong and great gas mileage I'd take my town and country over any siena hybrid, with the eco system it has I have reached 51 miles per gallon I believe I took a picture I'll look for it to see if I find it or I'll take another picture on my next trip
Lol if you get a vehicle that has alot of mechanical issues overtime then it will be comfortably broke down alot. Sienna is a nice minivan.
Yes in some vans you can put a 4x8 sheet of plywood and close the hatch. Most pickup beds are 5.5 feet and tailgate has to stay open.
Great feature if you're trying to smuggle wood, but I'd still prefer a cargo van if that was my intention.
Sienna all day long. One word when it comes to minivans : Reliability. You don't buy these for racing. Have one since 2005 with almost 300k and still solid as rock. Capable to double it's milage.
As a new Sienna owner, that’s good to know 👍
Nah, you’d think so but most moms don’t care about reliability. They want functionality and convenience. Dads care about reliability. But ultimately it comes down to what mama wants. With that said Toyota has come leaps and bounds with their Sienna. It’s definitely the winner here. That green on brown color combination is hands down one of the most spectacular schemes of any vehicle on the road today. Easy Toyota win.
U do realize this has a CVT and a unreliable hybrid system so it probably won’t last that long
@@AidenRZ777 planetary or “eCVT’s” as they are called by Toyota are very different from the variable, chain/belt driven cvt’s. Planetary cvt’s are very reliable. As they do not use belts or chains. I do not anticipate this van will be unreliable. Toyota hybrids have millions and millions of miles of mechanical data and improvements. On the other hand I do agree. Belt/chain driven cvt’s are problematic and no manufacturer has perfected it. Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Honda etc, all have weak chain/belt cvt’s if not maintained with diligent maintenance.
@@AidenRZ777 Toyota’s hybrid powertrains are the most reliable in the world.
The floor mats can stay in place for the Stow n Go. There's also a button on the B pillar to automatically move the front seat forward. When not in use, the storage wells make for great storage.
"Space for a short reviewer from Chicago" LMAO... how Savage...
I was hoping it was a cross-promotion where Goose would be in the 3rd row looking furious.
Cc cfyi
Got the Sienna last month. Chrysler wasn't even a consideration due to not only the overall reliability of their products, but also my doubts that this new Stellantis Corp will even last long enough to provide warranty support.
Even fca products can be reliable for some time. As long as you take care of it
Buying anything Chrysler over Toyota would be like buying a HI Point over a Glock! Some people just have to smoke Crack to find out for themselves it is a bad idea 💡
Agree.
I'd choose the Glock though. The Pacifica has proven reliable and the hybrid is good for +80 mpge or double the Sienna for daily chores.
@@naveenthemachine some time = about 5 years
For those considering a Pacifica PHEV - it loses Stow 'n Go on the second row and has 0 towing capacity. The only advantage to it over the Sienna is plug-in capability.
Plug-in is a big advantage. I go weeks without using gas. I Get around 60 mpg. Plus $7,500 fed tax credit.
I have a truck for towing.
Good to know, but at least the middle seats are completely removable right?
@@chrisE815 Yes. All Pacificas have either Stow n Go or removable seats.
@@chrisE815, they are removable, but it's only available as a 7 seater, while regular Pacificas and the Sienna have 8 seat versions.
@@questioner1596 Most toyotas don't have 8 seats either, only some bottom trims have them. This is an industry trend.
Also like Kent Keller said, you are forgetting what the PHEV does, which is 32 miles EV range which is huge for a lot of people.
Additionally, 0-60 Sienna is 8.5 sec while PHEV Pacifica is 7.3. Not saying anyone needs fast 0-60 but Sienna is the slowest. Most mini vans are under 8 seconds, making Sienna the slowest van on market.
I haven’t gassed up our Pacifica Hybrid since June. 1,900 miles ago. I’m currently getting 62mpg.
I've had a Dodge Caravan for years and it won't die. I work as a painter, so the stowing seats are major for me. A few times a year, I do need full sheets of drywall for work. Another big plus, is the roof rack and the way it stows on the roof. I can easily put a couple of extension ladders up there and not have any worries.
I'm looking forward to my minivan dying so I can buy a new Pacifica.
Was at a car show earlier and able to compare both side by side. I was surprise how well design and made the Pacifica is, and the Sienna feel like a generation behind in term of the design of the seats mechanism and location of switches. It look like it has a lot to offer on paper, but most are like half done, not to mention the 3rd rows in the Sienna is not comfortable at all. It feel like Toyota know people will buy their stuff no matter what, they just don't care to make things better.
4 cylinders and CVT is a big no no for me, they maybe very good on a smaller call but I won't trust it on a big heavy van. The heavy weight will put a lot of stress on the engine and CVT, nothing is bulletproof, specially when it come to CVT. Toyota is good but not good enough to defy the law of physics.
Dear Nathem, you used to be my fatTFL person because you are straight to the point practical. (Well you are still better than the others). Like Albert Einstein, you screwed up in one critical area: simplicity. With the older mini vans you did have to remove the floor Matt for the sto-n-go. With the newer vans, there are notches in the curves floor mats. All you have to do is lift the lever in the notch. And the floor opens up. Thanks.
I had a Pacifica for 4 years. Yes, the stow n go was nice, but I didn't need to fold the seats into the floor that often. I mentioned to my wife that being 6" 2", I could have done with the driver's seat moving back a few more inches. I couldn't stretch my left leg. The seats don't go back far enough because the second row seats are fixed and don't slide like they did in our old Town and Country. This is because of the new design for folding them into the floor. If the driver's seat went back further, there would be no leg room for second row passengers. We test drove a Sienna and there was so much legroom in that car. I had the driver's seat way back, and the second row can slide way back too. The Toyota beats the Chrysler hands down for comfort, for me. I don't know what the reliability of the Toyota will be like, the the Pacifica was awful. Full of electrical faults that - surprise surprise! - the dealer couldn't replicate.
the plug-in-hybrid version of Pacifica with 30+ pure EV range is NICE! also the cargo space is way more versatile especially if you plan to keep it for a long time.
Can Tommy do slip test on both?
I think the mechanical AWD in the Pacifica will be more capable of apportioning power to the needed wheels compared to the Sienna's electronic based system. If the RAV-4 Prime which I believe Tommy already featured is any indication, then a similar performance is expected.
He already did it on the Chrysler a few months ago
Yes please slip test the sienna!
How about tug of war?
Drag race?
Toyota
Sucks
@@Welcometofacsistube like you
@@Welcometofacsistube FCA and Toyota who sucks? Most people in other counties don't even know what crysler is, but who don't know Toyota name
Toyota vs Chrysler reliability, no competition there
So RIGHT, i rented the top of the line pacifica and it had only 100 miles n it and the warning lights were malfunctioning for no reason and the vehicle was shorting out,.........LOL that was a 2019 model.......:(
@@michaelsmith9308 how about the over 100,000 engines that had to be replaced by Toyota in 2020. I have already worked on over 200 of them as a Toyota mechanic. Let me know when you are done cherry picking and using rentals as the barometer of a models reliability.
@@paulj9821 How much did it cost the owners for a brand new engine? I replaced the engine on my 95 4x4 Tacoma over 12 years ago. Still my daily driver and just reached 200K on it.
@@thesonorandesertangler Cost the car owners, nothing. Toyota replaced all engines on their dime. I mean they don't have a choice as the problem was discovered 7 months after production. Will a Toyota engine last longer than a V6 Pentastar, yes but the Chrysler engine isn't junk nor unreliable. Their 4 banger on the other hand is a different story.
@@paulj9821 I'm doing research for a new family vehicle and honestly I'm only interested in Hondas, Mazdas, or Toyotas. They just have a better track record. If they do mess up these companies tend to take care of the problem. I have a 2004 Tahoe that we pretty much drove into the ground at just under 300K. I like to buy them new and drive them till they're done. I'm pretty sure if I would have bought a 04 Tundra it would still be running fine at 300K. All of my Toyota vehicles have been tanks. Same with the Hondas.
For sheer versatility, I'd say it's the Pacifica. Carry 7 or 8 people (depending on how you option the van) and then stow the 2nd and 3rd row seats in the floor and haul a lot of stuff. Heck, even my prehistoric design Dodge Grand Caravan Crew Plus does that. And TFL truck guy, please tell me which pick up truck has a bed that can take a 4x8 sheet of plywood, or wall board or anything 8 ft long and NOT have to leave the tailgate open? One more thing. Good gas economy is great to have, but when you have a van full of people and you have to merge on the highway, the Pacifica will automatically engage AWD and you'll get a significant amount of power going to the back wheels to have you get merged into traffic. How much HP is the electric motor in the Toyota giving to the back wheels, and will it do that at highway speeds?
The rear shits off at about 15 mph in the RAV4 Hybrid.
Below 15 miles per hour, the rear motor in the RAV4 Hybrid is always engaged to increase low-speed traction, turning a standard mechanical differential connected to the rear axle. Above that range, the vehicle’s computer calculates when it should apply power through an electromagnetic clutch. As a result, wheel slippage is not necessary for the hybrid all-wheel drive system to engage. The computer also decides when the electric motor should spin in reverse for regeneration during deceleration.
www.kbb.com/car-news/what-you-need-to-know-about-toyotas-hybrid-all-wheel-drive/
Truth is out there on the road. You see Previa, Sienna, and Odyssey all the time no matter how old(20+ yrs) they are. Look around you when you drive. You don’t see leftover Chrysler Caravan old or new. They change name to Pacifica hoping people will forget Carandvan. If you do see Pacifica, it’s probably a rental.
Elephant in the room, one of them is completely reliable, and the other will be a consistent break down.
Just rented the Pacifica to go pickup the Sienna. 7 hours one way.. The Sienna 4 cylinder is loud, and I love the MPG... Tons more storage in the Pacifica, I use the 2nd row stow-and-go for storage... Overall I choose the Sienna for MPG and Toyotas reputation for reliability
I've owned 2 Toyota Siennas, both over 200K, I work cycling events as a mechanic and the last 3 years I've rented new Pacifica vans...Great vehicle. Absolutely love it. The interiors tend to be different for different people I can find that personally on many personally a Mini Van and all the compartments don't work for me and my cycling gear as I'm traveling they just don't fit the things I need and need to store stuff regardless of what I'm storing... Made me think about customizing the interior a little bit more same with the Sienna. It's nice to have lots of compartments and little holders the fact is a lot of those things are useless.
I am glad that the Chrysler Pacifica fits plywood and I thought that it wasn't able to coming from the Town and Country. Thanks
Don’t have to remove floor covering to stow and go seat. Also don’t forget the annoying 4 cylinder scream and much slower in the sienna. The only thing that made me second guess getting Pacifica was that mpg of sienna. Pacifica in every other way unless you need 16 cup holders for the front seat
Four-cylinder and V6 I’m pretty sure we all know which ones quicker than which one wins😂
According to Motor Trend the Sienna has the same 0-60 acceleration time as the Pacifica Hybrid. Which is extremely impressive considering the Pacifica comes with a V6.
Hybrids tend to be faster off the line, which explains how the Sienna manages to match a V6 zero to 60.
Them damn cup holders matters! Haha
Cup holders are not just for "people haulers" as American customers demand some even in sports cars (BMW and Magna gave the "Zupra" a totally removable cupholder at the passenger's feet).
Cup holders are everything.
You guys should do a towing test with the Sienna. If you tow far enough up a steep incline, the Toyota’s small propulsion battery will eventually run out of juice, won’t it, and you will be left with only the 189 hp gasoline engine to finish the job?
That is true.
Toyota has a drop down single screen. Chrysler two individual mounted on each seat.
Exactly.. he failed to mention that
Built-in entertainment systems are like having a Blueray disk player of VHS tape player built into your nice new vehicle. Antiquated. iPads for the win. Unlike a built-in system that will be worthless junk long before the vehicle's useful life is done, when an iPad fails or becomes obsolete, you just replace it. And it does so much more beyond than an built-in entertainment unit.
Morning TFL!!! Morning Jeff!! Enjoy the day guys 😃!!
Im expecting the Pacifica hybrid to drop down in value by a lot when Semiconductor chips come back in full swing and also its ongoing problems with vehicle shutdowns while driving and continuing software errors further ruining a good thing the pacifica hybrid had going. When the price with all the discount gets me in a happy place like $28k-$32k ill bite and accept all the risk only if the $7500 fed tax credit is still in effect.
The sienna has a few things uncommon for most minivans
1. Power tilt telescope wheel with memory
2. 4 zone climate control
3. Head up display
4. Digital rearview mirror
Yup but these idiots hate toyota... there's nothing toyota can do to please them. The sienna is obviously better in every way
Yes, and not being able to remove the second row seats. Plain stupid.
@@jxmar_ that’s sad yet true
@@jxmar_ and heated steering at only 10 and 2 positions....Toyota is so cheap!
@@normt430 probably because you shouldn't be driving with your hands at 12 and 6?
At the end if the day, Toyota will always be better cause it's reliable and has quality unlike Crystler that'll never last and always have loads of issues
More bs please
reliability is the ONLY thing that Toyota does better than the others
Reliability? Try 5-7k in battery replacement after 150k miles? You’re brainwashed!
And we know which one is going to be at the repair shop a lot more often. The Toyota hybrid systems are extremely reliable. And while it is a CVT it's an e CVT mechanically it isn't similar at all to a belt and pulley style like you would find in a nissan. You can guarantee that you're never going to have a transmission problem in that sienna. Pretty simple internally and the maintenance on it is a dump and fill just like a manual transmission.
Stow and go seating on the Chrysler is certainly cool though.
The problem is the recalls for electronics and propulsion of the hybrid systems in Toyota. Most Prius have had multiple replacements for the same item. The Toyota dealership coffee must be really good!
a CVT by any other name is still a CVT
@@oogleboogle123456789
No it's not.. not when they function COMPLETELY differently.
Belt and pulley CVT's suck and are unreliable.
The Toyota E-CVT is a planetary split device. They suck LESS and do not drive the same.
And it's one of the most reliable and mechanically simple Transmissions you can buy.
@@kens97sto171 im sure we will see just like the old tacoma frames right?
@@oogleboogle123456789
A factory defect over a few years is not the same as continued unreliable cars over decades.
Chrysler has been making shit for decades .. with no sign of change.
I'll bet on the Toyota thanks.
My 13 year old Prius has 367,000 on it.
167,000 of that I've put on it in the last three years. It gets the crap beat out of it every day ..
Still rolling on all the original control arm bushings, tie rods, ball joints, CV Axles,
Doesn't leak a drop of any fluid. And still on it's original battery.
That's what I call reliable.
I don't know Nathan. I have a 2015 Sienna SE and the interior of the 2021 Sienna looks cheap and poorly designed by comparison. In general, the new Sienna doesn't look as well-built as the outgoing model. If I were to buy another Sienna, I would rather have the 2020 Sienna SE AWD. It's a more solidly built vehicle, you can remove the second row seats, it has V6 and real AWD.
Just but a fiat Pacifica, its way more reliable
Looks like you should see the Pacifica Hybrid with +80 mpge or double the Sienna Hybrid. Plus the PacHy Pinnacle is a Lexus Sienna.
I still have a 23 year first gen with the middle console not in the way which is perfect for an extra long 2x4. With that said, they aren't building them like they used to. Hybrid battery will need replacing in less than 10 years. Toyotas started introducing a plastic plenum, then valve cover and maybe soon if not already oil drain pan. Let's see how they hold up.
I need a minivan to do two things: haul cargo when I'm working and get me to the ski slopes when I'm not. The new Sienna is less capable in these regards than the outgoing one so I probably won't be trading in my 2015 for a new one.
@@christophermatthews555 yeah, not sure if the rear electric motors will work for you. Seems like all Toyota's with FWD based AWD fail every roller test today.
The new Kia Carnival would be an interesting review.
Carnival has even more storage space than both of these vehicles but not available in any kind of hybrid/electric model and no AWD option either. Also I believe worst of 3 on fuel economy.
I wish the Sienna Hybrid was available in Australia. Thank you TFL for good comparison.
Toyota is more efficient though
We wish the Prado and Land Cruiser 70 Series were available here.
@@rightlanehog3151 - Lexus GX460 - am I a joke to you?
Yes, that's our version of the LC Prado and in other markets you can opt the Prado in par with the Lexus, both on equipment and engine.
Want a V6 LC Prado? Try a 4Runner. It is the same engine as the gas V6 Prado and both are made in the same chassis (the 4Runner has a lower height roof and doesn't have the kids-only 3rd row option).
The 4Runner availability in US (not available much outside of NoAm, elsewhere the smaller HiLux-based FourTuner does its' job) makes the need for a LC 70 moot.
And I wish it were available in sweden 😅
1)Chrysler..2)Toyota..3)Honda they are all grate 👍
I like the Pacifica a lot better but the terrible gas mileage is a deal breaker.
Really like to see how the KIA Carnival and Honda Odyssey compare with these two.
One will go 400,000 miles and still be reliable. The other with self-destruct at 150,000.
The CVT will destroy your faith in Toyota.
@@rastageorge9194 Be that as it may, no Chrysler vehicle can be superior to any Toyota product.
@@OS-hx4jk by your logic all vehicles on the road should only be Toyota if they are older than 10 years but when ever I'm driving around I see way more other brands than old Toyota's driving around
Reliability? Try 5-7k in battery replacement after 150k miles? You’re brainwashed!
@@oogleboogle123456789 That depends where you live. Undeniable fact: Toyota beyond doubt makes the most reliable and durable cars in the world. Toyota is special even by Japanese stds. And no, I don't drive a Toyota currently. My current cars are a 1998 4.6 GT Mustang, a 1993 Mercedes W140, and a 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero. And I have previously owned and loved the Hemi V8 Charger (2013). But Toyota is king.
We just got a 2021 Sienna XSE and really like it a lot. Wife really liked the Pacifica as well, and we both really liked the idea of the pluggable hybrid since we're also Tesla owners. However, we need a van with a towing capacity and really wanted AWD since it was replacing a subaru. The Pacifica hybrid has NO towing capacity and no AWD, so it basically was out. I didn't even consider the gas version because the fuel economy was so terrible (that and Chrysler transmissions... scary!). The toyota hybrid powertrain is proven reliable, look at the Prius out there used in taxi fleets that have 300K+ on them with no drivetrain issues. Thanks for the review, I'd agree that the platinum definitely has a little nicer inside than the lower trim with the real leather and the two-tone coloring, but we wanted the XSE for the "sportier" suspension. I wouldn't say it's sporty, but it's definitely not as numb as the other trims, the XSE supposedly has a different steering tuning, different suspension and larger swaybars. We owned a Mazda5 before and this van is amazing compared.. just wish they still made smaller vans.
Get ready to replace the Toyota Hybrid battery after 100,000 miles. It almost as bad as Honda timing belts!
@@normt430 meanwhile, you get to replace the Chrysler’s engine and transmission for about with 15k for rebuilds. Yeah, that’s a better deal
@@basicuser54 that would mean it was replaced under warranty with a new and improved one.
Yea I miss the smaller vans. It’s the only thing holding me back. The extra space, sliding doors, utility, and just in case space for a couple extra passengers would be great but they just keep getting bigger.
I like the outside look of the Pacifica better than the sienna. But would definitely settle for the sienna as my go to.
Toyota fan 4ever🙏🏿
...never.
If they’re about the same then Sienna will be better in the long term due to Toyota reliability right?
I would get the Pacifica if Chrysler didn't make unreliable money pits
It’s 2021. I’m sure they have drastically improved the reliability. And some say the build and interior quality and design is just better in every way. Especially the upcoming keep grand wagoneer. That interior is just bmw x7 like
@@naveenthemachine Chrysler is STILL having transmission and electrical issues. My buddies 300 ball bearings went bad and it's only 2 years old
@@TheTez1990 the transmission issues I thought were worked out and in 2 years if a ball bearing went bad it’s covered under warranty so you have zero expense out of pocket. Plus some would say that you got a lemon. Doesn’t mean every Chrysler you got will have bad ball bearings
@@naveenthemachine nice trolling. chrysler is shit.
Consumer Reports says the Pacifica is pretty good and much better than Honda Odyessy.
Why not compare the $51k MSRP Pacifica Hybrid with all the features/packages to the Sienna? If the deciding factor is better gas mileage, the pacifica hybrid would win with a landslide. And you'd potentially qualify for $7,500 credit, making it WAY less than the Sienna.
And every Pacifica has reliability issues compared with the uber reliability of the Sienna. My son-in-laws brother bought a Pacifica and it was at the dealer for 8 of the first 12 months he owned it, what a piece of crap that was.
AWD roller test comparison would be great.
No second row able to flip down or remove no minivans Toyota shot themselves in the foot killing the second row removability, now it’s just an SUV. Winner of the REAL minivan, Chrysler Pacifica.
Toyotas are backed up 8 months and the dealers are getting $5,000 and up above MSRP. On the other hand, my 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has been at the dealer, dead, waiting for a part... for 3 months and counting! Kia Carnivals are hard to find and also being marked up $5,000. Honda Odyssey? - I have not checked.
Yipeeeee Nath-San is back..😂
In New York the dealers charge thousands over msrp for sienna and there is low stock . So any gas savings, just forget it
I'm liking the sienna van
Great review 👍 I guess you didn’t cover resale value & reliability because it’s obvious which wins that race.
@Speed Tube lol
It's only obvious if you assume everybody pays MSRP. In the real world, that's not the case.
@Dean Dolla lmao, funny comment
I hate to be at shop every 2 mounts . I take siena 2.5 is really good
Curious, how many people regularly use their van to transport 4x8 plywood or OSB? And it has to be whole sheets?
If you don't have a truck, rent one for 50 bucks. How often do you redo your roof or build a tool shack anyway?
Now, more comfortable second row seats? That gets used every single day.
For me, 4x8 means I can drive a smaller, much better van and not have to get into utility class, like my former Chevy Express. It does it all, work, family, and fun.
You know it's an American car, when they add 4 cup holders at the front.
A more relevant comparison might be to the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. It's a PHEV. It can go 32 miles pure electric. It gets 30 mpg combined when running with the gas engine. It does cost more and I don't believe it can tow anything.
The PacHy has a $7,500 fed tax credit and discounts on top of that. Your correct about the 80 mpge being more efficient for daily duty!
This is between two all wheel drive minivans. There are no PHEV minivans to compare the Chrysler to - at the moment
@@NathanDAdlen not everybody needs AWD with most of us in the snow belt do fine with FWD on flat land.
@@normt430 yes, and we review those vans too. Dozens of videos, but this one is specifically based on these two AWD vans. We’ll do a lot more in the near future. Especially with new products from Kia and Hyundai.
@@NathanDAdlen I agree comparing a PHEV to a hybrid isn't perfectly apples to apples, but neither is comparing a hybrid to a conventional internal combustion engine. Of course the hybrid gets better mileage. That's what it's designed for. The straight 30mpg of the PHEV can be reasonably compared to the hybrid and it will do that if you never plug it in.
You sold me on the cup holders alone
I drove a Pacifica for 8 hours best drive ever built for the. Road
Good job Nathan! For me, it would be the Sienna. The MPG difference is just too big, and the perceived Toyota reliability would be worth the trade-off made for the stow-and-go, and slight performance. The resale value would also be higher with the Toyota.
Also the lack of removable second row seats
Reliability? Try 5-7k in battery replacement after 150k miles? You’re brainwashed!
@@Natethegreat200c 150K miles in a Chrysler product and you'll be replacing the transmission. You're brainwashed.
The sienna doesn't even achieve the 35mpg in normal driving
@@Natethegreat200c 150K miles is very low. Most hybrid Toyota’s can go 200-300K miles on the original hybrid battery.
I know now that I’m automotive enthusiast. I just clicked on a mini van video!
I like all the comparisons and the price checks and the explanation of the interior and what it comes with but after using these vans for 1 week the Pacifica is just so much better with amenities and features and the feel is so much better. Pacifica is also quieter. Basically the only reason i would go with Toyota is better gas mileage. But if you drive short trips all the time you have be careful with moisture in the oil. Also, this wasn't a true test. Car and driver did a long term test and they loved both the Pacifica and the Toyota but Pacifica always came on top. Plus, most people are buying these used and Pacifica was the better option again. I don't think you'll make a bad decision with either if you do your homework and do the maintenance needed and not forget, like the moisture issue with Toyota hybrid engine.
Jeff loves Nathan and you know it
Jesus Chrysler that thing is junk...
it’s better than the Sienna
Nice comparison, but you forgot to mention that the Pacifica has horrible transmission issues and the eCVT in the Sienna has been bulletproof, let alone the reliability of the Sienna overall destroys that of the Pacifica. The middle seats are also a lot more comfortable in the Sienna and can be unbolted with 4 bolts if you absolutely had to have a flat floor although the stow-n-go seats are easier for the very few Tim es that might be needed. You can also make a flat surface with the seats folded flat and get 4x8 sheets of plywood in the Sienna too. The difference between 20mpg in the Pacifica and 35mpg in the Sienna though is the hands down winner. Better reliability, better mpg, and nicer interior are major wins for the Sienna. Yes, the camera function and panoramic sunroof are nice but are fluff that I could care less about personally. Like you said, I care about me as the driver and with a sunroof over my head I'm happy! I know several people that bought a Pacifica and every single one of them have had numerous issues with them. What good is it if it's at the dealer?
Pacifica actually has more usable cargo space as you can fold down and stow in the floor the middle and the third row. this way you can load 4x8 s and you can easily load adult sized bicycles or put a mattress and lay down completely flat. The advantages are many. The Sienna only does that with the third row while the second row creates a bump in the middle
@@keytothegate68 the big issue though is reliability and the Pacific has been terrible with a lot of issues. The Sienna has been much more reliable. Most people use a minivan for transporting people and rarely if ever mess with the middle seats. On the other hand they fold the rear seats in all the time. I see car seats for kids in the majority of middle seats.
Excellent review Nathan. Well balance and practical.
This green and the red colour are the best looking colours on this new sienna
TOYOTA ALL THE WAY
All the back to the dealership for Toyota Hybrid recalls!
The mpg difference itself is an automatic win for the Sienna.
The Pacifica Hybrid gets 60 mpg.
@@MrKillerRC
No it doesn’t, where did you see that?
@@smrtguy77777 he is talking about the hybrid which is not AWD. The FWD pacifica has a hybrid available, that you plug in and charge. Thus for some small amount of mileage you don't need gas. It's not a fair comparison unless you don't care about AWD.
You can get the AWD Sienna in the LE version for like $38k list….$14k is a lot of extra money for some leather and speakers….or at least that’s my personal narrowminded opinion as I ordered the le awd in cypress green lol. Due mid September 👍
Did you get your Sienna? We just ordered one and we're excited. Too bad they don't have Cypress Green in Canada, otherwise I would have got it.
@@CmanCorporations We did and we love it, the mpg/kpg drops down in winter quite a bit but it’s still around 28 mpg . When you get yours, take it through the carwash and watch the smaller front windows. We had a water leak from a high pressure wash that needed to be fixed at the dealer (under warranty) but besides that we have had zero issues
When it comes to minivans and I'm not getting a ford flex, I'd get the Chrysler voyager fwd and still have a cool van
First, "the Scion xB's big brother" is not made anymore (only available USED) and the Voyager are the 2 lesser equipped levels (no AWD or Hybrid offered) of the Pacifica with the pre-facelift look.
@@syxepop I know, I just like the ford flex because it's really just a station wagon with 365 horsepower and awd which is awesome and as for the voyager, I know it doesn't come in awd and is the lesser model. I like the voyager because it's a no nonsense minivan, all you really need and nothing much else...... No power doors or lift gate, no fancy materials just cloth and the 2 person bench seat in the middle off to one side is great for rear access
@@harleyrobertson73 flex is 🗑 Unreliable Major problems
Great review sir, thanks so much!
I think a loaded down test and comparison should be done with minivans and larger crossovers. How do these vehicles act when they are loaded down close or at least 70% of their payload capacity. And before someone says "you don't buy minivans to race", yes but passing power is still important, especially when the van is loaded down.
I never had issues with my older Previa loaded down and even pulling a boat with 100hp less than the new Sienna. I never worried about passing unless the chance was with no issues, just relax and enjoy the trip.
@@jimsgaragetoys well the 3.6L pentastar in my in-law’s T&C with the 6 speed is a little underwhelming. Sure, it’s efficient and all but I’m always finding my foot to the floor, looking for more when trying to get up to speed in fast moving traffic. I’ve been spoiled by my 3.5 Ecoboost F-150 for the past 9 years. That 6000 lb brick feels light on its toes compared to the van. If it was up to me, we’d be taking the truck all the time on family trips but my 76 year old mother-in-law struggles to climb into the truck, even though it’s stock height with step bars.
@@jaysson1151 I've never been impressed with the Pentastar 3.6L either but when driving a van I've never been in a big hurry. I think that people expect the same performance too much from different cars like you just stated. I don't expected any of the 3 minivans that I've owned to be early as quick or fast as my 89 Supercharged MR2 or other fast cars that I've driven. I don't expect the experience to be the same but I'm also a more laid back driver in a minivan so I enjoy the experience even if the rate isn't as rapid. The power is adequate to get the job done and when it delivers 35+ MPG for so much room and versatility it's so worth it.
@@jimsgaragetoys yeah it’s adequate when it’s not loaded with luggage. Just needs a little more torque to get up and go when it is. I have driven a late model Odyssey though-not to bad at all. That engine loves to be driven hard. That would be my choice unless Ford makes a minivan with the 2.7 Ecoboost or even the 2.3!
@@jaysson1151 I just love the ability for the Sienna to do what it does and return 35mpg. My daughter is on the waiting list for one so I''ll get plenty of time to check it out after she gets it.
Reliable is my number concern
Sienna all day no questions asked
Was seriously looking at Sienna but for 𝗡𝗼𝗻-Stow And Go, even 𝗡𝗼𝗻-Removable 2nd row Seats 💺 is Big mistake, as well as the 𝗔𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 of a Panoramic Roof. That's why I choose less expensive -$7,500 FEDERAL TAX CREDIT, Chrysler Pacifica 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝗴-𝗜𝗻 Hybrid.
The PacHy does have stowable 3rd row.
My issue with these reviews is that the true purchase price is never considered. Toyota won’t give you $500 off that van, while Chrysler you can easily shave few thousand off sticker. If you’re leasing then reliability doesn’t matter. Also, the Pacifica can hold more stuff, especially something like sheets of plywood for DIY projects. The stow and go feature is fantastic. A family member owned the previous generation Sienna and I had to pull out the second row seats to fit a recliner, and it was a pain in the ass to remove, carry and install back. This generation the seats aren’t even removable! Also, the Pacifica looks better/cooler and less of a minivan. Finally, it has a true AWD system and the interior is fancier. Frankly, the Pacifica is the better value here.
I find it funny that Nathan is basically the minivan guy
Toyota, should give you a option for a hybrid or a 6 cylinder engine.
I know hybrid iui s the future but, still wary about this. Seems more maintenance, more cost etc so how can reliability be as good?
I know it's not AWD but I'd take the Pacifica Pinnacle PHEV at $52,000 over either of these.
Nice video bro
Nathan should have shown the payload sticker and conducted a loaded seat of the pants review. I am pretty sure that when it comes to loading the vehicle down a V6 performs a lot better than the 4cyl/electric motor combo. Fuel mileage, yes the CVT/electric motor set up is efficient, but moving that mass around doing normal van stuff ... real world drivers will never see that efficiency. There have been comments about reliability, mechanical connections; i.e. the awd system, the electric motors in the Sienna will have problems sooner than a tried & true driveshaft/axle combo. Minivans are supposed to be "airy", the center console in the Sienna sections off driver/passenger too much albeit the space underneath is attractive.
Hasn't toyota been doing hybrids for ever? I would think their reliability is still strong?
@@CmanCorporations Yes they have but in a minivan w/a 4cyl hybrid prob won't cut it
and its about what will work in 5 years.
Hi Nathan!
So I have no minivan but got to rent a fully loaded Chrysler Pacifica in March. It was a great driving vehicle packed with cool technology and lots of space, I was really impressed.
If I were to pick between the two in this episode, I would definitely go for the Toyota. The Pacifica is a Chrysler and they tend to have quality issues in the long run (in my experience). I mean-the one I rented only had 600 miles on it and the panoramic sunroof was stuck with the vent partially open, plus could not open or close the whole thing. Somehow, the windscreen got stuck in the track and I had to hear a little bit of wind noise during highway speeds.
I’ve also seen one that had rust bubbling up at the edge of the hood here in Ohio, I’m sure it wasn’t brand new but I know they haven’t been around that long.
Anyway...just my two cents, don’t own a minivan and hope not to need one any time soon! 😂
Life of a rental...
Consumer Reports ranks the Pacifica very high today. The Honda not so.
I think the hood is aluminum on the Pacifica so if there were paint issues it’s probably not from rust. Wonder if that particular van had some repair work done? That being said, even painted aluminum can have issues.
You really do not have to remove the mat to use stowe and go. They snap into place so you can open the compartment.
DUDE THE PACIFICA IS A LUXURY SPORTS CAR
Simple answer, it's a Toyota
Anyone buying a Chrysler over a Toyota needs their head seriously checked. Lol
But it’s 2021 I’m sure Chrysler reliability is better
you need to remember that many people in America don't think japan first when looking at vehicles so yeah they'd probably look at the Chrysler first not to mention the sienna has a tiny 4 banger with a CVT so not something some people want to hear straining on the highway
Pacifica looks better. But I’d still rather have the Sienna
Great review just want I needed when I needed it
Thank you
Thank you! This video was helpful.
Great review.... Thanks guys.
I disagree on the mpg thing, i own a 2012 chrysler town and country and i have gotten up to 51 mpg on some of my long distance trips, the cargo it's unbelievable, engine runs like a champ, transmission is amazing, the toyota siena is really nice but it's no match for the pacifica, I'm thinking of upgrading my van and of course i have done my homework, hands down my number one option is the pacifica. I don't understand this gentleman doing this comparison he says, the pacifica offers more but the more limited siena is the better van..... ooooookk
By the way the pacifica tows 5000 lbs not 3600
Toyota really screwed those of us over who removed the 2nd row seats by making them nonremovable. And I would never buy a Chrysler, so minivans are no longer an option for me.
The Kia carnival is a good option. Why are you removing the second row seats in your van anyway? Just buy a trailer or a cargo van if you remove them that much
For dogs - can't transport dogs in a trailer and I wouldn't want to use a cargo van as a daily driver.
Go on Facebook forums and read. Stop listening to haters and non owners. Chrysler minivans run STRONG. I urge you to join a Pacifica and town and country group.
It's so cute when people take comments personally.
I agree with you Pascale the comments should educate, not infuriate. But some people can’t understand normal thinking.
Definitely the Sienna. While the Pacifica might make more HP on paper, the electric motor gives the Sienna immediate torque from zero RPM.
It doesn’t mean anything. Sienna is still slower no ifs ands or buts
@@naveenthemachine slower compared to what tow truck the Pacifica is being pulled by?
0-60 is an over rated value much like off road capabilities on a daily driver..
The only single people who buy a minivan are obese Fat Americans who can squeeze their diet soda filled 5 tons of body into anything else.. then 0-60 is important....
Trading a 2020 top trim Sienna on a 2022 is a trade down, no matter how you look at it, because you lose the V6, and are forced into a CVT. Some people do not want to hear a strained 4 cylinder engine doing the CVT scream when going uphill. A lot of people just do not want a hybrid at all. I don’t, and won’t buy one. I’m boycotting manufacturers who try to force people to buy things they do not want.
@@naveenthemachine Toyota will blow past the others because it won't have to be repaired nearly as much
@@marklintwo but the competition is cheaper and it’s unlikely that the savings over the pricier sienna will be wiped out by reliability issues
One question: which company's engineering do you trust over the other's?
Toyota or honda
Toyota over Chrysler any day
Chrysler.
@Harjot Chatha 😂
@@Natethegreat200c lol are u asking for hate
OMG!! I remember in 2017 you guys did one w/these
When they had stock, you could easily get 10%+ off msrp on the Pacifica. That's just a given. Plus the 0% financing. I would say the Pacifica is a better value and more thought out, but the Sienna has better mileage.
The problem is.. You're assuming more discounts better value..
10,000 off a value means the resale value is greatly diminished.. who would buy a pre-owned 3 year old Pacifica for a few dollars less than a new one?
Value isn't the purchase, it's the overall cost of ownership.
which one will be in the shop more?
@@mobgma the one you don't maintain good lord any vehicle if properly maintained can be just as reliable as a Toyota
@@redwineisfine Duh, that's why its false to assume that Toyota has higher resale, since they cost more to buy new.
@@WestUCoog it doesn't cost more, and it will have a higher resale because they don't offer 20% off and 0% for 84 months
The problem is the options packaging. With the Sienna, if I want AWD, I give up the 2nd row bench. Why would I want a mini-van that forces me to use the 3rd row, just because I have three kids? I can get three kids in the 2nd row of my midsize sedan, but not a Toyota mini-van with AWD?
Technically you can get the LE AWD trim which comes with the 2nd row bench seat. But I wish you could get the upper AWD trims with 8 seats
@@ikelee in the United States, it appears that configuration is not available. 8 passenger AWD appears to not be a configuration for the US, not matter which trim.
So what I'm hearing from this video is that the Sienna has better gas mileage and more cup holders. Other than that, the Pacifica is better in all areas. How then did the guy end up saying the Sienna was the better overall van?
Vans are so cool. They have so many different features. Look different . All SUV's aka Toaster ovens all look the same, are not as practical and generally cost more for less features and less power at each price point. Great test.
Not true, your thinking of the smaller classes like the compact suvs the mid and full size classes tend to be more powerful and offer quite a bit of capabilities and tons of features. Hell the 3.6 in the Grand cherokee makes more power then the Pacific's 3.6
@@JJsGA Yes agreed but I am talking price point. A Pacifica is around the same price as a 4cyl Rav4 or say a new 3cyl Bronco Sport. You get much more vehicle in the minivans. A grand Cherokee nice vehicle but can run double even the top line Pacifica.
@@bikingD true....a summit fully loaded is north of 60k and the srt models can get north of 100k but even loaded laredo or limited sits nicely in the low to mid 40s
Honestly I have a van and a grand cherokee. The van does have a lot more space and is used for work too (wife an I run an apartment complex)
The jeep however is quicker, 4x4 and has the nicest interior of all 3 I've owned. Its a 2000 laredo (I had a 2008 and 2014) and the 2000 has full power everything, leather, heated seats and sunroof. Has the best factory stereo and can tow 2k pounds more then the van.
Vans a 2006 chevy uplander LT
The vans msrp was 26,250$ while the jeeps was 26,850$ starting msrp. I need to run the vins and see what the original sale price was
@@JJsGA Get what your saying totally. What I don't get is the rep Vans have. I think they each have their own style unlike current particularly small SUV's which all look the same. Practical like you said. My kids are grown. But had vans back in the day and loved them. If I had a family of 2 or more kids a Escape, Trailblazer, Rav, Bronco Sport or CRV wouldn't even be in the running. All those cost as much. Less space, less features. Don't have V6 power plus now can AWD in these minivans. How great is that when you think about it.
@@bikingD vans get the rep they have is because they generally are driven by moms with kids lol. I do agree they are very practical, I've had 2.
Yeah a lot of cars now days do look alike