What’re the Differences Between the Chrysler Grand Caravan & Pacifica?
If you need a minivan in 2021 and beyond, come to Chrysler for the 2 best options on the market in the form of the Grand Caravan and the Pacifica. Yes, you’ve read that right, the long-time Dodge family member, the Grand Caravan, is now a proud member of the Chrysler family. The same Canada-favourite minivan you’ve loved for years is the same as it’s ever been, just re-invented under the luxurious Chrysler nameplate. But how do these two minivan models differ under the Chrysler banner, the all-new Grand Caravan vs. the luxurious Pacifica? Explore with us here at Southside Dodge as we outline some of the differences between the two Chrysler minivans, and which one may be best for you!
Exterior Design
| Specifications: | 2021 Chrysler Grand Caravan | 2021 Chrysler Pacifica |
| Length (mm/in) | 5,176 / 203.8 | 5,177 / 203.8 |
| Width (mm/in) | 2,022 / 79.6 | 2,296 / 90.4 |
| Height (mm/in) | 1,777 / 69.9 | 1,775 / 69.9 |
| Wheelbase (mm/in) | 3,089 / 121.6 | 3,089 / 121.6 |
| Ground Clearance (mm/in) | 131 / 5.1 | 130 / 5.1 |
| Curb Weight (kg/lbs) | 1,964 / 4,330 | 2,747 / 6,055 |
| Headroom (first row) (mm/in) | 1,020 / 40.1 | 1,019 / 40.1 |
| Headroom (second row) (mm/in) | 1,006 / 39.6 | 1,006 / 39.6 |
| Headroom (third row) (mm/in) | 984 / 38.7 | 983 / 38.7 |
| Legroom (first row) (mm/in) | 1,045 / 41.1 | 1,044 / 41.1 |
| Legroom (second row) (mm/in) | 992 / 39.0 | 991 / 39.0 |
| Legroom (third row) (mm/in) | 929 / 36.5 | 927 / 36.5 |
| Shoulder Room (first row) (mm/in) | 1,622 / 63.8 | 1,621 / 63.8 |
| Shoulder Room (second row) (mm/in) | 1,602 / 63.0 | 1,600 / 63.0 |
| Shoulder Room (third row) (mm/in) | 1,555 / 61.2 | 1,554 / 61.2 |
| Hip Room (first row) (mm/in) | 1,500 / 59.0 | 1,500 / 59.0 |
| Hip Room (second row) (mm/in) | 1,647 / 64.8 | 1,646 / 64.8 |
| Hip Room (third row) (mm/in) | 1,258 / 49.5 | 1,257 / 49.5 |
| Max. Cargo Capacity (behind first row) (L/cu-ft) | 3,979 / 140.5 | 3,979 / 140.5 |
| Max. Cargo Capacity (behind second row) (L/cu-ft) | 2,478 / 87.5 | 2,478 / 87.5 |
| Max. Cargo Capacity (behind third row) (L/cu-ft) | 915 / 32.3 | 915 / 32.3 |
Looking at both minivans in terms of their exterior and interior specifications leaves them pretty similar with them being built on the same platforms, outside of the width and the curb weight, which presents that Pacifica as a bit broader and heavier than the Grand Caravan. It’s their shaped design, though, that offers up two different experiences. The Grand Caravan presents a utilitarian design focused around all-around functional form, providing excellent value across its simplistic design. The Pacifica, on the other hand, presents a more luxurious model that combines sport elements that make it one of the most innovative minivan designs on the market. Second row Stow ‘n Go Seating is only optional on the Grand Caravan (while both have third-row Stow ‘n Go), while it comes standard on the Pacifica, which also boasts a Stow ‘n Vac system.
Capability
Perhaps the most notable difference between the two minivans, and especially for us drivers here in Red Deer, is the availability of all-wheel drive on the Pacifica. There is no option for all-wheel drive on the Grand Caravan. The Pacifica presents the best all-wheel drive system in its class, an often rarity among minivans, allowing the Pacifica to further provide exceptional traction control and peace-of-mind, even on the worst of snowy days. The only minivan with AWD and Stow ‘n Go seating, the Pacifica combines the versatility you expect out of a minivan, with new-found capability.
Trim Levels
The 2021 Grand Caravan offers up your choice of two trims: the SE and SXT. The Canada Value Package and SE Plus were not brought over from the Dodge model, in order to better streamline and focus the offerings on these trims. The Pacifica provides more in the form of selection with trim levels of the Touring, Touring-L, Touring-L Plus, Limited and Pinnacle. The Grand Caravan is your value entrypoint, with a price starting at $34,522, while the more luxurious Pacifica starts at 38,586. For those environmentally-conscious, there’s also a separate Pacifica Hybrid model available, combining the elegance of the irregular model with more efficient internals.
Learn more about our 2021 Grand Caravan and 2021 Pacifica models here, then view our inventory to find the model at our Southside Dodge dealership for you. If you have any questions about these models, please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask!
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