An ode to minivans.

By Keith Griffin

As I get older, I gaze fondly on minivans. These once popular people movers have become a niche product, which is a shame. 

Next month marks the 43rd anniversary of minivans. They remain a smart choice for seniors and young families looking for practical transportation.

In this review, a comparison of two remaining stalwarts in the minivan segment, the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica and 2026 Toyota Sienna, reveals a veteran that is probably the best choice.

Safety

Both minivans achieve a 5-Star Overall Safety rating from the NHTSA, but the 2026 model year has been challenging for the segment in updated IIHS testing. 

The Sienna Platinum comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, the last Toyota model still using this older suite (others have moved to 3.0). It includes pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection and lane-tracing assist.

In tougher new IIHS tests, the Sienna earned a ”Good” rating in the updated side-impact test but only a “Marginal” in the updated moderate overlap front test due to rear-passenger restraint concerns. It is not a 2026 Top Safety Pick. 

The Pacifica Pinnacle trim features a robust suite including “FamCAM” (an interior camera to monitor rear passengers), a 360-degree surround-view camera, and standard automated emergency braking.

Like the Sienna, the Pacifica missed the 2026 Top Safety Pick award, earning a “Marginal”in the moderate overlap front test and an “Acceptable” in the updated side-impact test–placing it slightly behind the Sienna in crashworthiness metrics regarding side protection.

Performance

This category highlights the starkest mechanical difference between the two vans. 

Toyota Sienna: Every Sienna is a hybrid. The Platinum trim combines a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with electric motors for 245 net horsepower. It uses an electronic CVT (eCVT) that, while efficient, creates noticeable engine drone under hard acceleration. The Platinum trim includes All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard, using a rear electric motor to provide traction without a physical driveshaft. It feels adequate around town but strained during highway merging.

Chrysler Pacifica: The Pinnacle uses a traditional 3.6-liter V6 that delivers 287 horsepower, paired with a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission. It offers significantly more confidence for passing and towing. While Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) is standard, the Pinnacle is widely available with a mechanical AWD system capable of sending 100% of power to the rear wheels if needed—a more robust system than Toyota’s electric rear axle.

The Chrysler Pacifica wins for power and driving dynamics, but as you’ll see below the price you pay for these dynamics.

Fuel Economy

There is no contest here. The Sienna operates in a different efficiency class.

Toyota Sienna: The hybrid powertrain delivers an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined (35 city/36 highway) for the AWD Platinum model. In real-world mixed driving, owners easily achieve over 600 miles of range per tank.

Chrysler Pacifica: The gas-powered V6 Pinnacle AWD is rated at just 20 mpg combined (17 city/25 highway). In city driving, the Sienna is nearly twice as efficient as the Pacifica. Over five years of ownership, the Sienna could save a family thousands of dollars in fuel costs compared to the Chrysler.

The Toyota Sienna wins by a landslide on fuel efficiency.

Comfort and Interior

The “Pinnacle” name is earned here; Chrysler has created an interior that rivals luxury SUVs, whereas Toyota focuses on functional durability.

Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle: The interior features quilted Nappa leather seats in a rich “Sepia” tone, suede headliner, and lumbar pillows for the second row. It includes the Uconnect 5 system with Amazon Fire TV built into the rear entertainment screens.

The Trade-off: To accommodate the thick, luxurious second-row captain’s chairs, the Pinnacle trim removes the famous “Stow ‘n Go” feature for the second row. Unlike lower trims, these seats do not fold into the floor; they must be physically removed if you need maximum cargo space. The third row still powers down into the floor.

Toyota Sienna Platinum: The interior is practical but uses more hard plastics than the Chrysler. The Platinum features “Noble Brown” leather and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The second row features ”Super-Long-Slide” captain’s chairs with built-in ottomans that slide back 25 inches, creating limousine-like legroom.

However, these seats cannot be removed easily and don’t fold flat into the floor, limiting cargo utility compared to a lower-trim Pacifica.

The Platinum also features a built-in fridge and vacuum cleaner standard.

Winner: Chrysler Pacifica (for pure material luxury and tech), though Sienna wins for “lounge” comfort with the ottomans.

Verdict

Buy the 2026 Toyota Sienna Platinum if: You drive high mileage, value low operating costs, and want a “set it and forget it” family hauler that will likely hold its value better. The standard AWD and ottomans make it a fantastic long-distance cruiser for passengers.

Buy the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle if: You want a luxury vehicle disguised as a minivan. The V6 power, superior infotainment, and stunning quilted leather interior offer a premium experience that the Sienna simply cannot match—provided you can stomach the frequent trips to the gas station and the loss of the second-row Stow ‘n Go utility.

The battle between the 2026 Toyota Sienna Platinum and the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle represents a clash of philosophies: Toyota’s commitment to efficiency and practical utility versus Chrysler’s dedication to traditional power and near-luxury refinement.

In short, the Sienna Platinum is the pragmatic choice for drivers who value fuel economy and long-term reliability above all else. The Pacifica Pinnacle, conversely, is the “executive transport” of the segment, offering a richer interior and stronger driving dynamics at the cost of fuel efficiency and some versatility.

All images are courtesy photos from the manufacturers.

Keith Griffin, a  West Hartford resident, is a longtime automotive journalist and past president of the New England Motor Press Association. He has spent decades testing the latest vehicles.

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