Need Space? Explore 2026 Chrysler Minivans

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If you're hauling kids to hockey practice, loading gear for a cottage weekend, or running a carpool that feels more like a shuttle service, you already know what matters: space, flexibility, and enough seats to handle whatever the week throws at you. Chrysler's minivan lineup - the Pacifica and Grand Caravan - delivers exactly that, with room for seven, sliding doors on both sides, and cargo capacity that swallows strollers, sports bags, and grocery runs without breaking a sweat.

Both models share the same 3,089 mm wheelbase and 5,176 mm overall length, but they split into different directions from there. The Pacifica offers a choice between traditional gas power and a plug-in hybrid powertrain, plus available all-wheel drive on select trims. The Grand Caravan sticks to the fundamentals: front-wheel drive, proven V-6 power, and a focus on value. Here's how they compare.

Pacifica vs. Grand Caravan: Key Differences

Model

Powertrains

Drivetrain Options

Fuel Economy (Combined)

2026 Pacifica

3.6L V-6 (287 hp) or Plug-in Hybrid (260 hp)

FWD or AWD (gas models)

10.6 L/100 km (FWD gas) / 8.0 L/100 km (PHEV)

2026 Grand Caravan

3.6L V-6 (287 hp)

FWD only

10.6 L/100 km

Both minivans use the same 3.6L Pentastar V-6 in their gas configurations, producing 287 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Pacifica adds a plug-in hybrid option that drops output to 260 hp but delivers 51 km of all-electric range and charges in 2 hours at 240V. The Grand Caravan keeps it simple with front-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic - no hybrid, no AWD, just straightforward family hauling.

2026 Chrysler Pacifica: Gas and Hybrid Options

The Pacifica lineup splits into two distinct powertrain families: traditional gas models and plug-in hybrids. Each serves a different buyer.

Gas-Powered Pacifica (Select, Limited, Pinnacle)

The gas-powered Pacifica uses the 3.6L V-6 paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It's available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on the trim.

Select FWD starts at $56,695 and returns 10.6 L/100 km combined - competitive for a full-size minivan. It rides on 17-inch silver aluminum wheels and includes dual-zone automatic climate control, power sliding doors on both sides, and a power liftgate. Fuel economy sits at 12.4 L/100 km city and 8.4 L/100 km highway.

Select AWD adds all-wheel drive for $61,695. The AWD system adds weight and changes the fuel economy to 14.1 L/100 km city, 9.4 L/100 km highway, and 12.0 L/100 km combined. It also upgrades to 18-inch polished aluminum wheels. If you're driving through Guelph winters or heading north to cottage country on gravel roads, the AWD system improves traction without requiring driver input.

Limited trims (FWD at $65,695, AWD at $70,695) add heated mirrors with tilt-down functionality, illuminated front cupholders, and a full-length floor console. Fuel economy matches the Select trims for each drivetrain configuration.

Pinnacle AWD ($79,695) sits at the top of the gas lineup with 20-inch wheels, a black grille with metal-look surround, and the same 12.0 L/100 km combined fuel economy as the other AWD models.

All gas-powered Pacifica models tow up to 3,601 lb (1,633 kg) - enough for a small camper or a boat trailer.

Plug-in Hybrid Pacifica (Select, Limited, Pinnacle)

The Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid uses a 3.6L V-6 paired with two electric motors and a 16 kWh battery pack. Combined output is 260 hp. The transmission switches to a CVT, and the drivetrain is front-wheel drive only.

All three PHEV trims deliver the same performance and efficiency numbers:

  • Electric range: Up to 51 km (manufacturer-rated)
  • Fuel economy: 8.0 L/100 km city, 7.9 L/100 km highway, 8.0 L/100 km combined
  • Charging time: 2 hours at 240V, 14 hours at 120V

The PHEV models cost more than their gas equivalents:

  • Plug-in Hybrid Select: $62,290
  • Plug-in Hybrid Limited: $71,780
  • Plug-in Hybrid Pinnacle: $76,515

The PHEV powertrain makes sense if your daily driving fits within the manufacturer-rated 51 km electric range - school runs, errands, commuting to work in Guelph. Once the battery depletes, the gas engine takes over and the minivan operates like a traditional hybrid. The PHEV models do not tow.

2026 Chrysler Grand Caravan: The Value Play

The Grand Caravan uses the same 3.6L V-6 as the gas-powered Pacifica, producing 287 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with the same 9-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Fuel economy matches the Pacifica FWD: 12.4 L/100 km city, 8.4 L/100 km highway, 10.6 L/100 km combined.

Dimensionally, the Grand Caravan is identical to the Pacifica: 5,176 mm long, 2,022 mm wide, 1,777 mm tall, with a 3,089 mm wheelbase. Seating capacity is seven across three rows. Cargo volume behind the third row is 914.6 litres - the same as the Pacifica.

The Grand Caravan's role is straightforward: it delivers the same space and powertrain as the Pacifica Select FWD, but strips out some of the higher-end features to hit a lower price point. Pricing has not been confirmed for the 2026 model year, but expect it to undercut the Pacifica Select FWD by a meaningful margin.

Space, Seating, and Cargo

Both minivans seat seven across three rows. The second row offers 992 mm of legroom and 1,647 mm of hip room - enough space for adults on long drives. The third row provides 929 mm of legroom and 1,555 mm of shoulder room, which works for kids or shorter trips.

Cargo volume behind the third row is 914.6 litres in both models - enough for a full grocery run plus hockey bags. With the Stow 'n Go seating system, both rows can be folded into the floor to maximize cargo space when you need to haul larger items.

Both minivans feature power sliding doors on both sides and a power liftgate. The liftgate opening measures 1,208 mm tall and 1,239 mm wide at the wheelhouses, which makes loading bulky items straightforward.

Safety and Technology

Both the Pacifica and Grand Caravan include a full suite of airbags: front-impact airbags for driver and passenger, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and overhead curtain airbags covering all three rows. Stability control is standard across the lineup.

The Pacifica adds Chrysler Connect remote starter capability on Select and higher trims. Both minivans feature dual-zone front air conditioning with rear HVAC controls, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, and multiple 12V power outlets.

The Pacifica offers more powertrain flexibility and higher-end trims. If you want all-wheel drive for winter traction, the Pacifica is your only option. If you want to run errands on electric power and charge overnight, the Plug-in Hybrid models deliver up to 51 km of manufacturer-rated range and 8.0 L/100 km combined fuel economy.

The Grand Caravan delivers the same space and the same V-6 power, but focuses on value. It's the choice for buyers who need seven seats and sliding doors without the premium features or the higher price tag.

Both minivans are built in Windsor, Ontario, and both deliver the same fundamental capability: room for seven, cargo space that handles real-world family life, and a powertrain that's been proven over hundreds of thousands of kilometres.

Visit Wellington Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Guelph to compare the Pacifica and Grand Caravan lineups in person and see which configuration fits your family's needs.

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