2023 Honda Odyssey vs 2023 Chrysler Pacifica

There are subtle audience and feature differences between the Odyssey and Chrysler in addition to a difference in overall style. Many feel that the base Odyssey model is a better bang for your buck, since there are more basic features.

Here’s a quick look at everything from performance to trims. Which 3-row family ride should you choose for your next purchase?

1. Passenger Space

   The 2023 Pacifica cabin measures 165 cubic feet, slightly more than the Odyssey’s 163.5 cu ft. There’s ample headroom in either minivan. However, the Honda Odyssey definitely divides up the space best. It leads in legroom on the second and third row. 

   In fact, the Odyssey is passenger-focused. The 2nd row seats are “at just the right height,” according to Edmunds’ Best Minivan Comparison. These seats also can recline, which is not standard for many minivan models, like the Kia Carnival.

   

   Plus, if you don’t need an extra seat or want more wiggle room, the 2nd-row center seat can easily be removed in some trims. That’s a great compromise for those not sure if they need 7 or 8 seats in their 3 row ride. The Odyssey’s deep storage well allows it to store the seat without compromising too much cargo space.

2. Cargo Area

   Families need places to put stuff, even when they aren’t on a big trip. That’s why parents will really appreciate the larger cargo area in the Odyssey. The standard cargo space is bigger by 6 cubes when the seats are up and bigger by 5 cubes when the 3rd row is down.

   Like the Chrysler minivan, third row Odyssey seats fold for a bigger flat cargo area, and that’s the most common configuration owners need. Folding the second row into the floor isn’t possible due to the Odyssey’s Magic Slide feature. It allows the second row seats to move from left to right, depending on the occasion. This is a feature that parents and kids will use daily.

   From that standpoint, Chrysler Stow n’ Go seats create the largest, flat surfaces most easily. On the other hand, if the seats are out, the Honda has 155 cubic feet of space compared to 140 cubic feet in the Chrysler.

3. Easy To Drive

   Minivans are not just a necessity for families – they’re the next cool thing. Just like SUVs, minivans are becoming trendy and stylish, according to Edmunds. And as vans are adapting to a modern market, Chrysler and Honda choose to steer away from traditional gear shifters. The 2023 Odyssey has a button gear shifter, while the Chrysler has a dial when shifting from park into drive.

   Edmunds has written that the Honda minivan is “borderline fun to drive (because of) its precise steering and braking. It all feels cohesive.” This is true among all Odyssey car reviews. Car and Driver even congratulated the Odyssey’s great acceleration and awesome standard features, like paddle shifters and LED lights.

   

   In terms of specs, the Odyssey and Pacifica are practically identical, give or take a few ponies. Both vehicles sport 22 miles per gallon combined for fuel economy, which is average for minivans and 3 row SUVs.

   Chrysler offers a plug in hybrid minivan. Unfortunately, this is reflected in this vehicle’s high price range and luxury-only audience.

   With Honda’s warranty system, the Odyssey buyer enjoys two years or 24,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

4. Trim Levels

   Honda is known for its variety of vehicles and a plethora of trim levels. This gives you the upper hand when choosing the exact vehicle package that is right for you and your family.

   Nicknamed the ‘Fun Family Minivan’, the Odyssey offers five trims for the 2023 model: EX, EX-L, Sport, Touring, and Elite. The EX base model is packed with so many standard features, that many shoppers don’t feel the need to buy a higher trim. This is especially true for big-family drivers. However, the Odyssey Elite model is in competition with high-end vans, like the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.

   Chrysler has three trim level options: Touring, Touring L, and Limited. Higher trim levels have Nappa leather seating, with the most luxurious option being a tan interior. For lower trims, black cloth is standard. Unlike the Odyssey, Chrysler has fewer favorite features as standard, like a sunroof or integrated navigation.

   As for curb appeal, many automotive journalists agree that the exterior of the Honda Odyssey is prettier than the Pacifica. The Odyssey has a sleek, streamlined design which was restyled for the 2023 model year. It has LED head and tail lights as standard, as well as black-rim windows that cleverly conceal the sliding door track.

5. Family Incentives

   Both vehicles offer family-centered amenities. The 2023 Honda Odyssey has an exclusive FAMCam, which is a high quality live stream video where drivers can keep an eye on rear passengers. It even works well in the dark. Plus, there is the rear seat reminder that will chime if a person is in the backseat once the vehicle is in park.

   The Odyssey has Blueway DVD, streaming services on their 10.2 in TV display, HDMI, and USB ports. The Pacifica, on the other hand, has its own streaming entertainment system with two screens.

   Both vans offer significant comforts. Along with automatic climate control, ventilated front seats are standard, perfect for the Phoenix AZ heat.

Conclusion

When choosing your next minivan, we recommend the 2023 Honda Odyssey, since it is focusing on a family audience that needs daily versatility. Honda is clearly meant to compete on the level of today's 3 Row SUVs.

Test drive a 2023 Honda Odyssey at your Earnhardt Honda Dealership today! Call us to discuss options, or utilize our online chat to get more information.