The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica lasts around 200,000 miles with some average check engine light and stereo system issues. At $25,925 to $46,580, it’s a good value for a minivan with some upscale interior materials.
Is the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica a Good Used Minivan?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Chrysler Pacifica since it has some luxury features and is practical. Owner reviews praise the spacious cabin, advanced safety features, along with the stereo system.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Interior materials are very nice for a minivan, the seats offer great support on long trips, cargo space is also excellent.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems on the 2021 Pacifica. Avoid models from 2017–2018 since they have transmission problems, but 2019–2022 are more dependable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the standard V6 engine, although it’s not particularly fun or exciting to drive.
- Safety 10/10 – The 2021 Pacifica is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, along with a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include a surround-view parking camera system.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is fine, at up to 22 MPG, offering 418 miles of range from the 19 gallon tank. Gas costs are $37 cheaper than average, at $197 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is similar in price to other minivans, but rapid depreciation rates lowers the overall value score.
What Do Critics Say About the Chrysler Pacifica?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offers all of the features owners are looking for in a minivan, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Chrysler Pacifica at 3.5/5, enjoying the excellent visibility through the windows, but doesn’t like mixed build quality.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Pacifica a 4.3/5, praising the user-friendly stereo system, but owners don’t like that it’s more expensive to run than some competitors.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica include check engine lights, a frozen stereo system, along with some noise from the rear differential. Overall, these problems are average for a minivan with similar repair costs as it ages.
Check engine lights are the most widespread complaint from 2021 Pacifica owners, showing up at around 5,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by a sensor issue somewhere in the engine. You will need to use an OBD-II scan tool to find the source of the problem. From there, it usually costs $50 to $250 to fix.
A frozen stereo system has also been reported by Pacifica owners within the first 1,000 miles. There are software updates available for the stereo system, which improves the reliability. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while others charge around $50 for labor.
Noise from the rear differential is a problem on some higher mileage Pacifica models at around 55,000 miles. The differential is known to fail, and has to be replaced. Changing out the differential is a time-consuming process, which costs around $1,250, depending on local labor rates.
There are two recalls on the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, which is similar to other minivans from the same year. The most serious recall covers an electrical short, which can cause the engine to shut down. Chrysler will update the power inverter software for free on affected models. The other recall covers improperly secured seats, which Chrysler will also fix for free.
How Long Will the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Chrysler Pacifica can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some other minivans like the Toyota Sienna. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to some competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $483 per year.
As a used 2021 Pacifica reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the power seat switch for $175, an HVAC blend door costing $250, along with the headlamp control module, which costs about $545.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is very good, and includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include more powerful stereo systems and a wireless phone charging pad.
Standard safety technology features are great with:
- Forward Collision warning
- Rearview camera
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-departure warning
- Rear parking sensors
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keep assist
- Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Optional upgrades include:
- Front parking sensors
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Parallel and perpendicular park assist
Is the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is a good value since it offers some nice luxury features and technology for a minivan. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $25,925 to $46,580, making it similar in price to a Honda Odyssey or Kia Sedona. When new, the price range was $36,245 to $54,520. Depreciation is worse than other minivans, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chrysler Pacifica?
There are four main models of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered from the entry-level Touring through to the more luxurious Pinnacle. Front-wheel drive is standard on the minivan, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Touring is the entry-level model, which has:
- 10.1-inch touch screen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Amazon Alexa integrated
- HD Radio, satellite radio
- Six-speaker stereo system
- Bluetooth and USB port
- Power liftgate
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Remote start
- Cloth upholstery
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Stow ‘n Go seating
- Alloy wheels
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Forward collision warning
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Rear parking sensors
- Optional heated front seats
- Optional leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel
- Available rear-seat entertainment system
- Optional third-row USB ports
- Optional Blu-ray DVD player
Touring L is a step up, with:
- Perforated leather seats
- Heated front seats
- Leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel
- Third-row retractable sunshades
- Grocery bag hooks on third-row seat backs
- Optional rear-seat entertainment system
- Optional Blu-ray DVD player
- Available third-row USB ports
- Optional 13-speaker Alpine stereo
- Optional navigation system
- Available surround-view parking camera system
- Optional park assist system
- Optional front parking sensors
Limited offers more luxury items such as:
- Premium Nappa leather upholstery
- Ventilated front seats
- Eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
- Second-row heated seats
- Power-folding third row rear seats
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Hands-free power-sliding doors
- Tri-pane panoramic sunroof
- Built-in vacuum cleaner
- 13-speaker Alpine stereo
- Navigation system
Pinnacle is the flagship model, which has:
- Chrome exterior trim
- Second-row captain’s chairs with under-floor storage bins
- 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
- Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system
What Engines Come In the Chrysler Pacifica?
The standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6, delivering 287 horsepower. Paired with a nine speed automatic transmission, it achieves a combined fuel economy of around 22 MPG. This setup allows the Pacifica to accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in 7.7 seconds, offering a balance of efficiency and responsiveness suitable for most family and daily driving needs.
What Colors Does the Chrysler Pacifica Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Chrysler Pacifica?
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica stands out in the minivan segment for its exceptional comfort, which is a key consideration for families and long-distance travelers. Inside, the Pacifica offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin, designed to provide a relaxing environment for both driver and passengers. The seats are plush and supportive, crafted with high-quality materials that enhance the overall sense of comfort. The driver’s seat, in particular, offers ample adjustments, including lumbar support, providing a comfortable position for long drives. Passengers in the second and third rows also enjoy generous legroom and headroom, making the Pacifica a great choice for families with tall members or for transporting adult passengers on longer journeys.
Further enhancing the comfort of the 2021 Pacifica are its ride quality and interior amenities. The suspension is finely tuned to absorb road imperfections, providing a smooth and serene ride even on rough surfaces. This smooth ride, combined with effective noise insulation, creates a tranquil cabin environment, allowing passengers to relax, converse easily, or enjoy the infotainment system without outside disturbances. The climate control system is another highlight, offering multi-zone settings that make sure all occupants can tailor the environment to their preferences. For those in colder climates, available heated seats and steering wheel add an extra layer of comfort. Moreover, the Pacifica’s user-friendly infotainment system, with its intuitive interface and responsive touch screen, makes sure that both driver and passengers remain connected and entertained throughout their journey.
How Much Storage Space Does the Chrysler Pacifica Have?
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is a popular choice among families and those needing substantial storage space for various needs. It stands out in the minivan market for its impressive cargo capacity and well-designed interior storage solutions. The Pacifica offers a generous amount of cargo space, with up to 32.3 cubic feet behind the third-row seats. When the third-row seats are folded down, this space expands significantly to about 87.5 cubic feet. For those requiring maximum cargo capacity, folding down both the second and third rows opens up a cavernous 140.5 cubic feet. For example, with the seats up, there’s enough room for a family’s grocery haul, several large suitcases, or camping gear for a weekend getaway. With the seats down, the space can easily hold larger items like bicycles, a kayak, or even furniture pieces for moving or redecorating.
In addition to the primary cargo area, the 2021 Pacifica offers numerous small storage solutions throughout its cabin, making it highly practical for everyday use and long trips alike. These include an array of compartments, pockets, and bins designed to keep smaller items organized and easily accessible. There’s a spacious glove box, door pockets, and a center console compartment for items like phones, wallets, and snacks. The Pacifica also features Chrysler’s innovative Stow ‘n Go seating system for the second-row seats (in all models except the hybrid), which allows the seats to fold flat into the floor, creating additional storage space without the need to physically remove the seats. This feature is particularly useful for quickly switching between passenger and cargo needs. The overall design demonstrates Chrysler’s commitment to maximizing both comfort and utility, making the Pacifica a top contender for those prioritizing space and versatility in a family vehicle.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Chrysler Pacifica was launched for the 2017 model year as the flagship Chrysler minivan.
2017: First model year for the Chrysler Pacifica which replaces the older Town & Country with all new technology, engines, and updated styling.
2018: New entry-level L model, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, upgraded 8.4-inch touchscreen with Uconnect software.
2019: No major changes from earlier years.
2020: Optional all-wheel drive available and some minor interior updates.
2021: Small exterior styling changes, more driver safety features, wireless Apple CarPlay added.
2022: Amazon Fire TV offered on the rear-seat entertainment system.
How Does the Chrysler Pacifica Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is a nice minivan since it offers a lot of good features paired with an upscale interior for the money, but it’s not as reliable as some competitors in the long-term.
The Honda Odyssey is another minivan which can be found in the same price range. The Honda Odyssey has better reliability ratings, while the Chrysler Pacifica offers a more luxurious interior. We recommend the Honda Odyssey since it’s cheaper to own long-term, but both are worth testing to see which you prefer.
The Toyota Sienna is a popular competitor, which costs about $3,000 more. Ownership costs are lower in the Toyota Sienna, while the Chrysler Pacifica offers some better interior materials for the money. We recommend the Toyota Sienna since it’s the longest lasting minivan on the market.
