Pacifica vs Sienna
Brand preference aside, the Pacifica and the Sienna are close competitors, both pitched at minivan buyers. On balance, the Sienna is the stronger package: it leads in 2 out of 4 areas, most clearly in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Pacifica wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Sienna wins
- Space & Practicality Sienna wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range1.4
- Off-road & Towing10.0
- Fuel Economy & Range10.0
- Off-road & Towing3.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Sienna has better fuel economy
When it comes to fuel economy (combined), the Sienna wins comfortably with 36 mpg against 22 mpg. The Sienna uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The Pacifica has 42 hp more power
It’s a lopsided result (287 hp for the Pacifica, 245 hp for the Sienna) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. The Pacifica’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Sienna has room for 8 seats
The Pacifica isn’t far behind at 7 seats, but the Sienna’s 8 seats still comes out ahead. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
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The Sienna has better city fuel economy
The spread here is large: 36 mpg on the Sienna versus 19 mpg on the Pacifica. Expect to notice it. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Sienna has the better rating here.
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The Sienna has better highway fuel economy
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Sienna makes its strongest case: 36 mpg against 28 mpg. The Sienna uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Pacifica | Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 79.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 69.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 121.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Pacifica leads
For engine & performance, the verdict is easy: the Pacifica leads, and not by a little. The Pacifica scores with 42 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. That makes the Pacifica the natural choice for buyers focused on engine & performance.
Total system output
Pacifica: 287 hp Sienna: 245 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
Sienna leads
The Pacifica is outclassed on fuel economy & range; the Sienna leads by a clear margin. The Sienna comes with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Weighing only fuel economy & range, the Sienna comes out ahead.
Fuel economy (combined)
Pacifica: 22 mpg Sienna: 36 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
Pacifica: 19 mpg Sienna: 36 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Sienna starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Sienna leads
A modest lead on space & practicality belongs to the Sienna. The Sienna answers with room for 8 seats. The Sienna has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. Prioritize space & practicality, and the Sienna is where you should land.
Seats
Pacifica: 7 seats Sienna: 8 seats Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Safety & Tech
There isn’t a number to compare on safety & tech, just names. Look at the rows below to see how the Pacifica and the Sienna differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Pacifica | Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Hybrid |
| Engine | 3.6L V6 (Pentastar) | 2.5L I4 hybrid |
| Total system output | 287 hp (winner) | 245 hp Least powerful in class |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Pacifica | Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 22 mpg | 36 mpg (winner) Most efficient in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg | 36 mpg (winner) Best city economy |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 28 mpg | 36 mpg (winner) Best highway economy |
| Fuel tank | 19 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Pacifica | Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 32.3 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 140.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Pacifica | Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 3,600 lb | 3,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Pacifica | Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Pacifica | Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 79.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 69.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 121.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Pacifica if…
- you want more power (287 hp vs 245 hp)
- you already know your way around Chrysler’s products
Choose the Sienna if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (36 mpg vs 22 mpg combined)
- you need more seats (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you mostly drive in town (36 mpg vs 19 mpg in the city)
- you cover long highway distances (36 mpg vs 28 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Pacifica or the Sienna?
The Sienna wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you specifically want 42 hp more power, where the Pacifica has the edge.
Executive Summary
If you’ve narrowed it down to the Pacifica and the Sienna, you’ve already done the hard part. Let me help with the rest. What tips it for me is that the Sienna has better fuel economy. Add room for 8 seats to the list, and the Sienna looks even better. I don’t want to sell the Pacifica short, though: it has 42 hp more power.
A quick self-test: do you care more about engine & performance or fuel economy & range? The first answer means the Pacifica, the second means the Sienna.
My pick: the Sienna is the one I’d buy, unless you need 42 hp more power, which only the Pacifica offers.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.