Several Siennas parked in a town square

Performance

  • While both the Toyota and Chrysler have AWD, the Toyota model is less expensive.
  • The Sienna LE FWD offers impressive fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 36/36/36 (city/highway/combined) MPG rating.
  • The Sienna has Normal, ECO, EV, and sport mode. The Pacifica does not list such features.

Where the Toyota Sienna takes the edge in this minivan showdown is in performance with its available all-wheel drive and hybrid engine.

Hybrid Driving

For driving in adverse weather, the Sienna has available AWD. The Pacifica also has optional AWD. However, the starting price for the base model Pacifica Touring AWD is a little more than the Sienna LE AWD. Get AWD on the Sienna LE for a starting MSRP of $36,460, or $38,040 for the Pacifica Touring AWD.

When it comes to fuel economy, the Sienna is a tough contender. The Sienna features an all-hybrid lineup with road trip ready MPG ratings. The base trim LE FWD has an EPA-estimated 36/36/36 (city/highway/combined) MPG rating, while the Pacifica Touring FWD has an EPA-estimated 19/28/23 (city/highway/combined) MPG rating. The Pacifica also offers a plug-in hybrid model.

If it's not obvious by now, the Sienna is not your average minivan. It has Normal, ECO, EV, and sport mode for a variety of driving options. The Pacifica does not list any driving modes in its specs.
2021 Sienna using backup sensor to parallel park

Safety

  • All Toyotas come with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0).
  • The Pacifica has some comparable safety features but it's unclear which models have those features standard.
  • The Sienna comes standard with ToyotaCare, a factory-scheduled maintenance plan. Chrysler's maintenance plan from Mopar® costs extra.

Safety is an important part of your drive. That's why car makers continue to make improvements to safety features included in their vehicles. Not all manufacturers include the same features, however.

Standard Safety Features

For instance, all trims of the Toyota Sienna come standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) suite of advanced active safety systems. TSS 2.0 includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), and Road Sign Assist (RSA). The Pacifica also has Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, LaneSense®, and Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist. However, it's unclear which models have these features standard.

To help prevent any issues on the road, ToyotaCare also comes standard on every Sienna. This factory-scheduled maintenance plan lasts 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. ToyotaCare also includes Roadside Assistance that lasts 2 years and unlimited miles. As an added measure, the Sienna also has a 10 year/150,000 mile Hybrid Battery Warranty.

Chrysler’s Roadside Assistance Program is under their Mopar company. It lasts 5 years and 60,000 miles. Mopar® Vehicle Protection Essential Care plans are available, but cost extra.
2021 Sienna with a bike mount driving through the mountains

Interior

  • The Sienna has more available cargo space than the Pacifica.
  • The Sienna also has seating for up to eight, something the Pacifica lacks.
  • If you're looking for ease getting in and out of the back, the Sienna XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum super-long-slide seat feature will help you do just that.

Interior features complete any vehicle, and the Sienna is one complete vehicle.

Cargo Volume

The Sienna offers more room when it comes to cargo volume. The cargo volume behind the third row seats is 33.5 cu. ft., while the Pacifica has an interior cargo volume of 32.3 cu. ft.

Plus, the Sienna LE 8-Passenger has seating for up to eight. All Pacifica models can only seat 7.

Another advantage for the Sienna is the unique super-long-slide feature on the Sienna XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. This allows for easy access to the second row to get the kids out of their car seats or you can create more legroom. The Pacifica does not mention a feature like this.

Conclusion: Sienna vs. Pacifica

The 2021 Sienna and the Pacifica are both vehicles with solid reputations and great safety features. The Sienna, however, has some stand-out features that put it ahead in a comparison. These include performance features, active safety features, and interior options for a comfortable ride.

  • The Sienna was named the 2021 Minivan Best Buy from Kelley Blue Book®.
  • Fuel economy is a big win on all trims of the Sienna with better EPA-estimated ratings courtesy of its hybrid engine.
  • Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 comes standard with the Sienna,
  • The Sienna XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum come with a super-long-slide seat feature that makes it easier to access the back.
  • The Sienna offers more available cargo space than you get in the Pacifica.
  • The ToyotaCare, factory-scheduled maintenance plan comes standard with the Sienna, while you have to pay extra for Chrysler's maintenance plan from Mopar®.