Chrysler Pacifica vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee L: Which Is the Ultimate Family Vehicle for Navigating Edmundston?
July 29 2025,
For families in northwestern New Brunswick, choosing between the Chrysler Pacifica and Jeep Grand Cherokee L often comes down to one fundamental question: do you prioritize maximum interior flexibility or year-round capability? Both three-row vehicles serve growing families, but they approach family transportation from distinctly different angles.
The Pacifica excels as the ultimate cargo hauler and passenger shuttle, with its class-exclusive Stow 'n Go seating system transforming from eight-passenger configuration to cavernous cargo space in minutes. The Grand Cherokee L counters with legendary Jeep 4x4 capability and 2,812 kg (6,200 lbs) of towing capacity, making it the natural choice for families who venture beyond paved roads or tow recreational equipment to Madawaska Lake.
Seating Configurations and Interior Flexibility
The Chrysler Pacifica delivers unmatched interior versatility through its exclusive Stow 'n Go seating system. Second and third-row seats fold completely into the floor, creating a flat cargo area that can accommodate large items like furniture, sports equipment, or camping gear. When seats are upright, hidden storage compartments beneath the floor provide an additional 340 litres of concealed space—perfect for storing emergency supplies or keeping valuable items out of sight.
Standard Pacifica models offer 243 different seating configurations, allowing families to balance passenger capacity with cargo needs for any situation. The system requires no seat removal, making transitions quick and tool-free.
The Grand Cherokee L takes a more traditional approach with three rows of seating for up to seven passengers. Second-row bucket seats include manual easy-entry slide features for third-row access, while the third row offers 50/50 split-folding capability. When both rear rows fold down, the Grand Cherokee L provides up to 2,395 litres of cargo space—significantly less maximum volume than the Pacifica's 3,975 litres behind the first row.
Weather Capability and Year-Round Performance
New Brunswick winters demand reliable all-weather traction, and the Grand Cherokee L's standard 4x4 systems deliver exactly that. Three different systems—Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II—provide varying levels of capability from basic all-weather traction to advanced off-road performance.
The standard Quadra-Trac I system operates automatically, transferring power between front and rear wheels as conditions require. Quadra-Trac II adds a two-speed transfer case and Selec-Terrain system with Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, and Mud/Sand modes. The premium Quadra-Drive II includes a rear electronic limited-slip differential that can direct up to 100% of available torque to a single rear wheel when needed.
Best-in-class ground clearance of 27.6 cm (10.9 inches) and water-fording capability up to 60.9 cm (24 inches) allow the Grand Cherokee L to handle conditions that would stop other family vehicles.
The Pacifica offers available all-wheel drive, but this system focuses on improved traction rather than true off-road capability. Ground clearance measures just 13.1 cm (5.1 inches), limiting travel on rough forest roads or snow-covered driveways. For families whose adventures stay on paved or maintained gravel roads, the Pacifica's AWD provides adequate security.
Towing and Hauling Capabilities
Families who tow boats, trailers, or recreational vehicles find meaningful differences between these vehicles. The Grand Cherokee L's standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 produces 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, enabling 2,812 kg (6,200 lbs) of towing capacity.
The Pacifica's 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 generates 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, limiting towing to 1,633 kg (3,600 lbs). This capacity handles small trailers, jet skis, or pop-up campers but falls short for larger travel trailers or boats.
Both vehicles offer towing packages, but the Grand Cherokee L's higher capability and available trailer sway control provide greater confidence when towing on Highway 2's hills and curves.
Technology and Family-Focused Features
The Pacifica leads in family entertainment technology with available Uconnect Theater system featuring dual rear-seat touchscreens and built-in Amazon Fire TV. This system keeps passengers occupied during longer trips to Halifax or Moncton, with each screen capable of displaying different content simultaneously.
Additional family-friendly features include the FamCAM interior camera system, providing a bird's-eye view of rear-facing child seats through the dashboard display. The available Stow 'n Vac system by RIDGID includes a 50-watt vacuum with 3.5-metre hose, brush attachments, and washable debris drawer—ideal for cleaning up after beach trips or sports activities.
The Grand Cherokee L matches with dual 10.1-inch rear entertainment screens and Amazon Fire TV integration. The premium 19-speaker McIntosh audio system delivers concert-quality sound throughout all three rows. Advanced safety features include 360-degree surround view cameras and night vision capability for enhanced visibility during evening drives on rural roads.
Both vehicles offer 10.1-inch touchscreens with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring smartphone integration regardless of your choice.
Fuel Economy and Operating Costs
The Pacifica's lighter weight and aerodynamic design provide fuel economy advantages. Based on Natural Resources Canada testing, the 2025 Pacifica consumes 12.4 L/100km city, 8.4 L/100km highway, and 10.6 L/100km combined in front-wheel drive configuration. The AWD Pacifica increases consumption to 14.1 L/100km city, 9.4 L/100km highway, and 12.0 L/100km combined.
The available Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid achieves remarkable efficiency with 2.9 Le/100km in electric mode, over 50 kilometres of electric-only range, and total range exceeding 800 kilometres—potentially eliminating fuel costs for daily Edmundston driving.
The Grand Cherokee L's larger size and 4x4 systems result in higher fuel consumption. NRCan ratings show 13.0 L/100km city, 9.4 L/100km highway, and 11.3 L/100km combined for 4WD models.
Interior Quality and Comfort Features
Both vehicles offer premium interior appointments, but with different philosophies. The Pacifica Pinnacle features Nappa leather seating with ventilation, suede headliner, and soft-touch dashboard materials. Tri-zone climate control ensures comfort for all passengers, while available heated and ventilated front seats provide luxury typically found in more expensive vehicles.
The Grand Cherokee L Summit delivers hand-wrapped, quilted Palermo leather, open-pore Waxed Walnut wood trim, and 16-way adjustable front seats with memory and massage functions. Multi-colour ambient LED lighting allows mood customization, while individual climate zones for all three rows ensure personalized comfort.
|
Feature |
Pacifica |
Grand Cherokee L |
|---|---|---|
|
Seating Capacity |
Up to 8 |
Up to 7 |
|
Cargo Space (max) |
3,975 litres |
2,395 litres |
|
Towing Capacity |
1,633 kg (3,600 lbs) |
2,812 kg (6,200 lbs) |
|
Ground Clearance |
13.1 cm (5.1 in) |
27.6 cm (10.9 in) |
|
Fuel Economy (Combined) |
10.6 L/100km (FWD) |
11.3 L/100km (4WD) |
|
Starting Price (CAD) |
$55,895 |
$60,292 |
Making the Right Choice for Your Family
The decision between Pacifica and Grand Cherokee L depends on your family's specific transportation priorities. Choose the Pacifica if maximum interior flexibility, fuel efficiency, and advanced entertainment systems top your list. Its Stow 'n Go seating handles everything from hockey tournaments to Home Depot runs with equal ease.
Select the Grand Cherokee L if year-round traction, towing capability, and premium appointments matter most. Families who explore beyond maintained roads, tow recreational equipment, or simply want the confidence of legendary Jeep capability will find the Grand Cherokee L better suited to their needs.
Both vehicles offer comprehensive warranty coverage and are available for test drives at Rendez-Vous Chrysler, where you can experience how each handles Edmundston's varied driving conditions and evaluate which better serves your family's daily requirements.
