Should You Get the Chrysler Pacifica or Honda Odyssey?

So you’re shopping for that perfect family van that will help you feel like you have a handle on your crew when you’re driving. We know that when you have little ones, there will always be a little bit of chaos, but having a van with thoughtful features can minimize some of it. For many busy parents, the choice comes down to the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2024 Honda Odyssey. We’ve taken a look at both models to experience their kid-friendly (and parent-friendly) features and found that the Pacifica has more to offer. As your Chrysler dealer near Decatur, we’d be happy to show you this model. Our team knows its ins and outs and can pair you with the perfect trim for your lifestyle. For now, let’s take a look at why we’d choose the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica over the 2024 Honda Odyssey for busy families.

Dual Screen Rear Entertainment (Instead of a Single Screen)

Young children don’t have the tolerance for long car rides that teens or adults have. If you have little ones, then you know how quickly they start complaining that they’re bored or want to get out of the vehicle. Having a rear entertainment system can keep them engaged and distracted while you make your way to your destination, and both vehicles offer this option. However, the Chrysler Pacifica boasts two screens mounted to the backs of the front seat headrests, while the Honda Odyssey only offers one screen mounted in the ceiling between the two front seats.

Why do we think having two screens is such a value add? The biggest reason is that your second-row passengers don’t need to agree on what to watch. In the Pacifica, they have the option to screen separate shows. Most parents know that having two kids try to agree on a movie or show to watch together can cause a blow-up fight. Plus, if your kids are of vastly different ages, it might not even be appropriate for them to watch the same programs. So, rather than forcing a teen to watch a kids’ cartoon or exposing a kid to a PG-13 program, the kids can watch separate shows. In the Odyssey, the rear seat passengers will have to agree on what to watch.

We also like to mention that the Pacifica has Amazon Fire TV built-in. So your kids can continue watching all of their favorite Amazon Prime programs in the vehicle. They can even pre-download Prime movies and shows and play games. If you opt for the single-screen vehicle, we have a feeling you’ll wind up wishing you’d chosen the Pacifica.

The Pacifica Has 19 Speakers (Instead of 11)

Having enough speakers in your vehicle will keep everyone happy when you’re listening to music or audiobooks as a family. So, how do these two vehicles compare? The Honda Odyssey has up to 11 speakers, but the Chrysler Pacifica has up to 19. Considering that both of these models seat eight passengers, some passengers in the Odyssey might complain that they can’t hear your audio media very well.

Meanwhile, you can offer more than two speakers per passenger in the Pacifica. So whether you’re listening to a Harry Potter audiobook or an educational podcast on a drive out of Decatur, everyone will hear every word and sound clearly. And when the mood is low after a soccer game or recital gone wrong, you can blast everyone’s favorite upbeat music to reset the vibe (at least until it’s time to do homework).

Slidable and Stowable Seats

How will third-row passengers comfortably get to their seats? It’s an age-old dilemma when it comes to minivans. Both the 2024 Pacifica and the 2024 Odyssey have solved this issue by providing second-row seats that tilt forward. So, no more kids crawling over second-row seats, scuffing up the upholstery with their dirty shoes.

Here’s why we prefer the Pacifica, though: it adds stowable seats. Yup: the Pacifica boasts what are called Stow ‘n Go seats that you can fold into the floor. So when you need to create a substantial amount of extra cargo room, you’ll find it easy to do in the Pacifica. Think about the possibilities you will enjoy with that, from huge science projects to large trips to the grocery store to four-legged companions. How about loading up some dirt bikes or picnic supplies for trips to Rock Springs Conservation Area? There are so many ways you can take advantage of that extra space.

Another reason we love these stowable seats is that, sometimes, you and a partner or friend might want to escape without the kids for the day. Whether you want to go antiquing or camping, you can fit some serious stuff in the rear with the seats stowed (and the little ones at home with a babysitter).

An Integrated Vacuum Cleaner

Okay, we absolutely love seeing the looks on parents’ faces when they see this feature. The Pacifica has an available built-in vacuum! It can be stowed into the wall, too, so when you’re not using it, it’s out of sight. Let’s be honest: kids are adorable, playful, sweet, and magical—but they’re also messy. Somehow, a tiny bag of popcorn gets all over the place, and the sugar from sugar-coated candy winds up coating your trunk and floors. A short stroll along Lake Decatur yields the muddiest of little shoes.

You could pull into a local car wash or gas station to use their vacuum, but they’re usually in use (and your kids won’t wait long before the tantrums begin) or not very functional. With a built-in vacuum cleaner, you can pull over and vacuum up messes at any time. Life as a parent won’t be perfect, but it’s those little things that help you feel in control that make a big difference—like this built-in vacuum. Honda used to offer a similar feature, but it was discontinued back in 2021, making this option exclusive to the Pacifica.

Find the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica at Lincoln Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Are you ready to enjoy slightly less chaotic days on the road with little ones? Then it’s time to test drive the Chrysler Pacifica! We have it in its many trims and would love to help you find yours. We get it: chauffeuring kids and teens around comes with a lot of…stuff. Literal and figurative. A well-designed van like the Pacifica addresses some of the daily nuisances and might even help you enjoy driving your kids around town.

While both the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica have spacious interiors and great safety features, the Pacifica goes above and beyond with a few perks that really understand the needs of parents. We love sending drivers home in this van because they always report back that carpool days and family road trips are just better.

We’re not far from Decatur, and we understand the unique needs of drivers in the area. Plus, we have a terrific finance team that can help you find the right loan that will complement your family’s financial goals. Keep some more money for college tuition, piano lessons, and some family fun time, and find a loan with a great monthly payment. Visit us today and get behind the wheel of the Pacifica!

Posted in Chrysler Dealer Near Decatur | No Comments »