2027 Chrysler Pacifica vs. 2026 Honda Odyssey: Which Minivan Meets Your Needs?
August 31 2026,
Minivans remain one of the most practical vehicle choices for families, offering more interior flexibility than most SUVs at a similar price point. The Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey are two of the better-established names in the segment, and both have loyal followings among families in New Brunswick and beyond.
The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica arrives with a refreshed design and several updated features, giving families even more reason to take a close look at how it compares to the Odyssey. Here's a breakdown of where each minivan stands out.
At a Glance: Pacifica vs. Odyssey
|
Category |
Chrysler Pacifica |
Honda Odyssey |
|---|---|---|
|
Engine |
3.6L Pentastar V6, 287 hp / 262 lb-ft |
3.5L V6, 280 hp / 262 lb-ft |
|
Transmission |
9-speed TorqueFlite automatic |
10-speed automatic |
|
Second-Row Seating |
Stow 'n Go (folds into floor) |
Sliding and Removable |
|
Third-Row Seating |
Stow 'n Go (folds into floor) |
Fold-into-floor |
|
All-Wheel Drive |
Available (Select, Limited, standard on Pinnacle) |
Not offered |
|
Towing (properly equipped) |
Up to 1,632 kg (3,600 lb) |
Up to 1,588 kg (3,500 lb) |
Stow 'n Go Seating: A Chrysler Signature
The Pacifica's biggest differentiator remains its Stow 'n Go seating and storage system, a feature Chrysler introduced more than 20 years ago and still the only minivan on the market to offer both second- and third-row seats that fold flat into the floor. This creates a flat load surface with more than 3,964 litres (140 cubic feet) of cargo space in seconds, without needing to physically remove heavy seats from the vehicle.
The Odyssey takes a different approach. Its second-row seats can be removed entirely or slid side to side for easier access to the third row, while the third row folds into the floor. This gives Odyssey owners flexibility too, but without the same one-motion simplicity that Stow 'n Go provides for families switching between passenger and cargo duty on short notice.
- Pacifica: second- and third-row seats fold flat into the floor in seconds
- Pacifica: available AWD paired with second-row Stow 'n Go, a combination not offered on any other minivan
- Odyssey: removable second-row seats offer a different kind of flexibility, though these heavy seats need to be stored at home when removed from the vehicle.
Powertrains and Everyday Driving
The Pacifica's 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 produces 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. For 2027, the Pacifica also continues to offer available all-wheel drive on Select and Limited trims, with AWD standard on the range-topping Pinnacle. This makes it the only minivan in the segment offering mechanical AWD alongside second- and third-row Stow 'n Go seating.
The Odyssey relies on a 3.5-litre V6 with similar output figures (280 hp / 262 lb-ft), paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, but Honda does not offer an all-wheel-drive option on the Odyssey. For families in regions with harsher winters, that's a meaningful difference to weigh when comparing the two.
What's New for the 2027 Pacifica
The 2027 Pacifica introduces a redesigned front fascia with vertical LED headlamps and an illuminated Chrysler wing badge, featuring a "piano keys" lighting signature that activates in a welcome animation on Limited and Pinnacle trims. New projector headlamps provide a 17 percent improvement in maximum reach over the previous generation.
Inside, Chrysler has decoupled the former Uconnect Theatre Group into two separate options: the Family Tech Group, which bundles an upgraded audio system, Uconnect 5 NAV with a 10.1-inch display, and the FamCAM interior camera; and the Theatre Group, dedicated to rear-seat entertainment with built-in Amazon Fire TV. This lets families choose the features that matter most to them instead of paying for a single bundled package.
The 2027 Pacifica also adds a new adjustable-height power liftgate, standard across all trims, letting drivers set how high the liftgate opens to avoid low garage ceilings or parking structures. Updated Safety Sphere technology adds turn-signal-activated Blind-spot View and ParkSense-based camera activation to further round out the safety suite.
Family-Friendly Technology Comparison
- Pacifica's FamCAM system offers a zoom-to-seat function, letting parents check on a rear-facing child seat from the front row
- Pacifica offers the most standard safety and security features in its class.
- Odyssey offers its own suite of driver-assist features through Honda Sensing, along with a built-in CabinWatch camera system for monitoring rear-seat passengers
Which Minivan Is Right for Your Family?
Families who prioritize flexible, one-motion seating and the option of all-wheel drive will likely find the Pacifica's Stow 'n Go system and available AWD hard to match. Families who prefer Honda's approach to seat removal and its own suite of cabin technology may find the Odyssey a comfortable, familiar alternative. Both minivans offer strong safety credentials and enough interior space for most family needs, so the decision often comes down to which seating system and drivetrain option fits your lifestyle.
Experience the 2027 Pacifica at Rendez-Vous Chrysler
Seeing the redesigned 2027 Pacifica in person is the best way to appreciate its new look and updated tech. Book your test drive today at our Edmundston dealership and find out how Stow 'n Go and available all-wheel drive fit your family's needs.
