Chrysler Grand Caravan vs. Pacifica: Which Minivan Delivers Better Value for Northwestern New Brunswick Families?
January 27 2026,
Chrysler offers two distinct minivans for Canadian families: the Grand Caravan and the Pacifica. With the discontinuation of the Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid for 2026, families in northwestern New Brunswick now choose between these two gas-powered models, each offering different features, pricing, and positioning within the minivan segment.
Both vehicles share core strengths: seven-passenger seating, Stow 'n Go fold-in-floor seating systems, Canadian assembly at the Windsor facility, and the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine. The decision comes down to feature content, interior refinement, and budget considerations.
Grand Caravan: Canada's Value Minivan
The Chrysler Grand Caravan remains a Canada-exclusive model positioned as the entry point into the brand's minivan lineup. Starting under $50,000, the Grand Caravan delivers the fundamental minivan experience with standard equipment that covers family transportation needs.
Grand Caravan Key Features:
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine (287 horsepower, 262 lb-ft of torque)
- TorqueFlite nine-speed automatic transmission
- Second-row and third-row Stow 'n Go fold-in-floor seating
- 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen
- 7-inch digital cluster display
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Dual power-sliding side doors
- Power liftgate
- 12-way power driver seat with four-way power lumbar
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- Tri-zone manual temperature control
- Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection
- Adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go
- ParkView rear backup camera
- 17-inch Tech Silver aluminum wheels
The Grand Caravan offers seven-passenger seating with captain's chairs in the second row. The Stow 'n Go system allows both second and third-row seats to fold flat into the floor, creating a level cargo surface. With all seats stowed, the Grand Caravan provides over 32 cubic feet of cargo volume.
Pacifica: Premium Features and Refinement
The Chrysler Pacifica occupies the premium position in the brand's minivan range. The base Pacifica Touring model adds features and refinements beyond the Grand Caravan's equipment level, while higher trims (Touring L, Limited, Pinnacle) introduce luxury-oriented content.
Pacifica Select Trim Standard Features (Beyond Grand Caravan):
- Active grille shutters
- LED automatic headlamps with LED daytime running lamps
- LED fog lamps with chrome bezels
- Power-adjusting, heated, manual-folding mirrors with turn signals
- Tri-zone automatic temperature control
- Heated second-row seats (Select and above)
- CommandView dual-pane panoramic sunroof
- Enhanced interior materials
- Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking
- Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
- Park-Sense Rear Park Assist with Stop
- More refined interior acoustics with enhanced sound insulation
The Pacifica's feature content scales significantly through its trim levels, with upper trims adding premium leather seating, advanced audio systems, and additional technology features.
Cargo and Storage Comparison
Both minivans use the same basic platform and provide identical interior dimensions. The second-row Stow 'n Go system operates identically across both models, with seats folding into underfloor bins. The third-row 60/40 split-folding bench also stows into the floor on both vehicles.
Storage bins located in the floor beneath the Stow 'n Go seats provide space for smaller items when the seats are in use. The center console between the front seats includes covered storage, while door pockets and overhead storage compartments add convenience.
Safety and Driver Assistance Technology
Standard Safety Features (Both Models):
- Eight airbags (advanced multistage driver and front-passenger, driver and front-passenger inflatable knee blockers, supplemental front-seat-mounted side, and supplemental side-curtain for all rows)
- Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with Rain Brake Support and Ready Alert Braking
- Electronic Stability Control with Hill Start Assist
- ParkView rear backup camera
- Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
- Electric Park Brake with SafeHold
- Child Seat Anchor System (LATCH-ready)
Pacifica Additional Safety Features (Select and Above):
- Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking
- Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
- Park-Sense Rear Park Assist with Stop
- Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking
- Auto High-Beam Headlamp Control
Powertrain Performance
Both vehicles use the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine with variable valve timing, producing 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Caravan pairs this engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The Pacifica offers the same powertrain combination, with all-wheel drive available on certain trims.
The engine provides adequate acceleration for highway merging and passing, with the nine-speed transmission shifting smoothly through its gear ratios. Engine Stop/Start technology temporarily shuts down the engine at stops to reduce fuel consumption, restarting automatically when the driver releases the brake.
Technology and Connectivity
Both minivans feature the Uconnect 5 system on a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The interface provides access to climate controls, audio sources, navigation (when equipped), and vehicle settings. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay allow smartphone integration without cables.
The Grand Caravan includes a six-speaker audio system, while the Pacifica Select upgrades to a better speaker arrangement. Higher Pacifica trims offer premium audio systems with additional speakers and amplification.
USB ports in both vehicles allow device charging for passengers. The Grand Caravan provides USB ports in the front and second rows, while the Pacifica adds additional charging points depending on trim level.
Fuel Efficiency and Range
Both minivans achieve similar fuel economy figures due to their shared powertrain. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 with nine-speed transmission returns approximately 20-25 mpg combined in typical driving, though actual consumption varies based on load, driving style, and weather conditions.
Fuel tank capacity on both models supports extended range between fill-ups, reducing the frequency of fuel stops during family trips between Edmundston and other Maritime cities.
Pricing and Value Assessment
The Grand Caravan's positioning under $50,000 makes it the most accessible minivan in the Canadian market. This pricing reflects its focus on core functionality rather than premium features.
The Pacifica starts at a higher price point reflecting its additional features and refinements. Buyers considering the Pacifica pay more for LED lighting, enhanced safety systems, the panoramic sunroof, and improved interior materials.
Key Differences Summary
|
Feature |
Grand Caravan |
Pacifica Select |
|---|---|---|
|
Starting Price |
Under $50,000 |
Higher |
|
Headlamps |
Halogen |
LED with DRL |
|
Fog Lamps |
Standard |
LED with chrome bezels |
|
Climate Control |
Tri-zone manual |
Tri-zone automatic |
|
Sunroof |
Not available |
CommandView panoramic |
|
Forward Collision Warning |
Not standard |
Standard |
|
Lane Keep Assist |
Not standard |
Standard |
|
Mirrors |
Power, heated, manual-fold |
Power, heated, heated |
|
Interior Materials |
Standard cloth/leatherette |
Enhanced materials |
Which Minivan Suits Northwestern New Brunswick Families?
Families prioritizing fundamental minivan capabilities at an accessible price point benefit from the Grand Caravan. The vehicle provides Stow 'n Go seating, power sliding doors, modern connectivity, and adequate safety features for daily transportation and longer trips to Fredericton or Moncton.
Families seeking additional refinement, advanced safety technology, and premium features find value in the Pacifica. The LED lighting improves nighttime visibility on rural roads, while the enhanced safety suite adds layers of protection. The panoramic sunroof brightens the interior, and the automatic climate control maintains more precise temperature regulation.
Both vehicles handle northwestern New Brunswick's winter conditions with appropriate tires. The front-wheel-drive configuration provides sufficient traction for most conditions, though the Pacifica's available all-wheel drive (on certain trims) adds confidence during heavy snow.
Explore Both Minivans at Rendez-Vous Chrysler
Your family's specific needs determine which minivan delivers better value. Visit our Edmundston location to compare the Grand Caravan and Pacifica side by side, experiencing their features firsthand. Our team can discuss financing options, available inventory, and help you determine which model aligns with your budget and requirements.
