Pacifica vs ID. Buzz
The Pacifica and the ID. Buzz sit in the same minivan class, but Chrysler and Volkswagen don’t always agree on what matters most. Close matchups are the hardest to call, and the Pacifica versus the ID. Buzz is one of them.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance ID. Buzz wins
- Space & Practicality Pacifica wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance6.0
- Space & Practicality2.7
- Engine & Performance9.3
- Space & Practicality2.9
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
-
The Pacifica has 74% more cargo space
This is a headline difference. With 32.3 cu ft to the ID. Buzz’s 18.6 cu ft, the Pacifica has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
-
The ID. Buzz has 144 lb-ft more torque
Put simply, the ID. Buzz is far ahead here: 406 lb-ft compared with 262 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Pacifica | ID. Buzz |
|---|---|---|
| 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
ID. Buzz leads
The ID. Buzz wins the engine & performance section decisively. On the ID. Buzz, you get 144 lb-ft more torque. The ID. Buzz’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing. If this section decides it for you, choose the ID. Buzz.
Torque
Pacifica: 262 lb-ft ID. Buzz: 406 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Space & Practicality
Pacifica leads
No contest in space & practicality: the Pacifica is the stronger of the two. The Pacifica comes with 74% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. Anyone shopping mainly on space & practicality should start with the Pacifica.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Pacifica: 32.3 cu ft ID. Buzz: 18.6 cu ft The Pacifica’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Pacifica | ID. Buzz |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Electric |
| Engine | 3.6L V6 (Pentastar) | Single rear electric motor |
| Total system output | 287 hp | 282 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 406 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | RWD (4Motion AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Pacifica | ID. Buzz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 22 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 28 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 234 mi |
| Fuel tank | 19 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Pacifica | ID. Buzz |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 32.3 cu ft (winner) | 18.6 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 140.5 cu ft | 145.5 cu ft Most room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Pacifica | ID. Buzz |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 3,600 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Pacifica | ID. Buzz |
|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | N/A (not specified) |
Dimensions
| Spec | Pacifica | ID. Buzz |
|---|---|---|
| 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 haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (32.3 cu ft vs 18.6 cu ft)
- you already use other Chrysler products
Choose the ID. Buzz if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (406 lb-ft vs 262 lb-ft of torque)
- you already know your way around Volkswagen’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Pacifica or the ID. Buzz?
It depends on your priorities: the Pacifica is stronger on space & practicality, while the ID. Buzz leads on engine & performance.
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: Chrysler’s Pacifica against Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz. I keep coming back to one thing: the Pacifica gets 74% more cargo space. To be fair, the ID. Buzz has 144 lb-ft more torque, and that’s not nothing.
Choose by what you’d use most: space & practicality leads to the Pacifica, engine & performance leads to the ID. Buzz.
My pick: the Pacifica if space & practicality is a daily concern, otherwise the ID. Buzz for its engine & performance.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.