Chrysler Pacifica vs Toyota Sienna: Which Family Minivan Wins in Ontario?
- Rick Paletta
- Dec 8, 2025
- 9 min read
Comparing Chrysler Pacifica vs Toyota Sienna for real Canadian family life — and how to test-drive both across the Car Nation Canada dealership group.
If your life is a mix of school runs, weekend sports, Costco trips and long drives around the Golden Horseshoe, a minivan isn’t just another vehicle — it’s your mobile command centre. Two of the strongest options in Canada right now are the Chrysler Pacifica and the Toyota Sienna.
Even better: you don’t have to choose from a spec sheet. You can shop both:
…and compare them across our family of dealerships throughout Burlington, Hamilton, Mississauga, Oakville and the rest of Southern Ontario.
Key Takeaways
Chrysler Pacifica is available as a traditional V6 gas minivan and as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), with available all-wheel drive (AWD) and class-exclusive Stow ’n Go® seating on many trims.
Toyota Sienna is now hybrid-only in Canada, with standard hybrid power and available AWD across 7- or 8-passenger models.
Pacifica leans more premium and tech-rich, especially in higher trims and PHEV models, while Sienna emphasizes efficiency and Toyota reliability with a smooth hybrid drive.
In real-world fuel use, Sienna’s hybrid system targets mid-6 L/100 km combined, while the Pacifica plug-in hybrid can achieve about 2.9 L-equivalent/100 km in city driving when regularly charged.
Both offer three rows, family-friendly cabins and strong safety suites — but they solve family life in slightly different ways.
The Car Nation Canada group lets you compare both, online or in person, with tools like the New Vehicle Showroom and online buying with home delivery.
Meet the Minivan Heavyweights
Chrysler Pacifica at a glance
The Chrysler Pacifica is Chrysler’s flagship minivan and one of the only minivans in Canada available as a plug-in hybrid. It offers:
A 3.6L V6 gas engine with around 287 hp and a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Available all-wheel drive on many gas trims.
Available Pacifica Hybrid (PHEV) with impressive electric-assisted efficiency.
Class-exclusive Stow ’n Go® seating and storage on select gas models.
Over 115 standard and available safety features on newer model years.
You can explore current model-year highlights on the Chrysler Pacifica features page and then see what’s available in our group inventory here: Chrysler Pacifica for sale in Ontario.
Toyota Sienna at a glance
The Toyota Sienna has gone all-in on efficiency: the current Canadian Sienna is hybrid-only, pairing a 2.5L 4-cylinder with Toyota’s hybrid system and available electronic AWD.
Key points:
All trims in Canada use a hybrid powertrain.
Available as a 7- or 8-passenger minivan, depending on trim and seating.
Available AWD helps in snow and slush.
Real-world combined consumption is typically in the mid-6 L/100 km range, according to NRCan-based ratings.
You can see the latest factory details on the Toyota Sienna overview from Toyota Canada, then shop real units here: Toyota Sienna for sale at Car Nation Canada.
Space, Seating & Everyday Comfort
Seating and layout
Both vans are built for families: three rows, sliding doors, and generous headroom.
Chrysler Pacifica:
7- or 8-passenger configurations depending on second-row seats.
Available Stow ’n Go® seats on many gas trims let you fold second and third rows into the floor for a flat cargo area — no seat removal required.
Great for families who regularly switch between hauling people, pets, sports gear and big boxes.
Toyota Sienna:
Also offers 7- or 8-passenger layouts, with generous legroom in all three rows.
Available long-slide second-row seats can create huge legroom or open up more cargo space behind the third row.
Higher trims can feel almost lounge-like with captain’s chairs and upscale materials.
If you live around Burlington or Hamilton and regularly pack strollers, hockey bags or camping gear, Pacifica’s fold-flat Stow ’n Go® system is a huge plus. If your kids (or adults) spend long stretches in the second row, Sienna’s ultra-spacious seating might win them over.
Cabin feel & comfort
Pacifica tends to feel more luxury-leaning in higher trims:
Available leather-trimmed seating, soft-touch materials and quieter cabin tuning.
Available family tech like Amazon Fire TV integration and the FamCAM interior camera on newer models.
Sienna feels modern and airy:
Dashboard design and large screens give a contemporary, SUV-like vibe.
Clever small-item storage and sliding console solutions make it easy to keep daily life organised.
For many families, it comes down to which interior feels right. That’s why it helps to sit in both at one of our Car Nation stores and actually test your real-world setup — car seats, bags, snacks and all.
Tech & Safety: Keeping Your Crew Protected
Infotainment & connectivity
You’ll find plenty of tech in both vans:
Pacifica uses Chrysler’s Uconnect system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available larger screens and rear-seat entertainment on many trims.
Sienna offers Toyota’s latest infotainment suite with a large central screen, smartphone integration and available rear-seat entertainment, depending on model year and trim.
Shopping used? Our advisors can pull the exact feature list on any Pacifica or Sienna you’re considering, so you know precisely what tech you’re getting.
Safety & driver assistance
Both minivans are built around families, so safety is front and centre.
Pacifica safety highlights:
Over 115 standard and available safety and security features on recent models — one of the most comprehensive suites in its class.
Available tech can include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping support, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and a 360° surround-view camera (trim- and year-dependent).
Sienna safety highlights:
Standard Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) on modern Siennas, with features like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise, pre-collision braking and automatic high beams.
Strong crash-test performance and Toyota’s reputation for long-term dependability.
As with any late-model vehicle, both Pacifica and Sienna have seen recalls in recent years (for example, side-curtain airbags on 2022–25 Pacifica/Voyager models, and a 2025 Sienna recall related to second-row seat rails).When we recondition a used minivan at Car Nation Canada, we check for open safety recalls and advise you on the next steps with the manufacturer where applicable.
Powertrains & Fuel Economy: Gas vs Hybrid vs Plug-In Hybrid
Chrysler Pacifica: gas and plug-in hybrid
Most used and new-model gas Pacificas you’ll see in our network use:
A 3.6L Pentastar V6 (~287 hp) with a 9-speed automatic.
Front-wheel drive, with available AWD on many newer gas trims for extra winter confidence.
For drivers around Burlington, Hamilton or Brantford who deal with messy winter roads, that AWD option can be a deciding factor.
The Pacifica Hybrid (PHEV) adds:
A plug-in hybrid system with a usable electric-only range for short trips, plus a gas engine for longer drives.
City fuel consumption as low as about 2.9 L-equivalent/100 km, when the battery is kept charged, according to Chrysler Canada.
If most of your life is school runs, work commutes and errands within a relatively small radius, a used or new Pacifica plug-in hybrid found via our group inventory search can slash your fuel stops.
Toyota Sienna: hybrid-only lineup
Modern Siennas in Canada are exclusively hybrid, combining a 2.5L 4-cylinder with Toyota’s hybrid system and e-CVT.
Highlights:
FWD and available electronic AWD; the latter adds electric motors at the rear for extra traction.
NRCan-rated combined consumption typically sits around 6.6–6.7 L/100 km, depending on trim.
If you rack up highway kilometres between cities in the Halton and GTA region, that consistent hybrid efficiency is a big draw — no charging required, just fuel and go.
For precise fuel-consumption numbers on a particular model year, you can also cross-check the government’s Fuel Consumption Ratings tool.
AWD, Winter Driving & Towing
Ontario winters can be messy, and both vans are built to cope when properly equipped.
Pacifica gas models: offer available AWD plus the right winter tyres for strong all-weather performance.
Sienna hybrid: offers available AWD on many trims, using electric motors to power the rear axle when needed.
Both also support towing when correctly equipped:
Pacifica is typically rated up to about 3,600 lb (≈1,633 kg).
Sienna hybrid models are also rated around 3,500 lb (≈1,587 kg) on many trims.
If you plan to tow a small camper, utility trailer or pair of personal watercraft, our team can help you check the exact tow rating of any Pacifica or Sienna you’re considering and make sure it’s properly equipped.
Pricing & Value in the Real World
Exact pricing depends on:
Model year and trim
Kilometres and condition
Features (PHEV vs gas, AWD, entertainment packages, etc.)
Current specials
In broad strokes:
Chrysler Pacifica
Gas models often come in a bit lower than a similarly equipped Sienna hybrid when comparing like-for-like trims, especially on the used market.
PHEV models cost more up front but can deliver significant fuel savings if you use the electric range daily.
Toyota Sienna
Hybrid-only lineup means you pay for the tech up front, but you benefit from excellent fuel efficiency every single day.
Because Car Nation Canada is a multi-store group with a large used inventory, you can often cross-shop:
Higher-trim Pacificas (including plug-in hybrids)
Late-model Siennas with hybrid and AWD
…all from the same starting point: the group used and new inventory search.
You can also:
Start an online purchase and have your vehicle delivered.
Get pre-approved through our finance partners (O.A.C.) via the group’s financing tools linked from the About & Locations page.
Chrysler Pacifica vs Toyota Sienna: Who Should Choose What?
Choose a Chrysler Pacifica if:
You want a refined, quiet cabin with an available luxury feel.
You love the idea of Stow ’n Go® seats that fold into the floor for maximum cargo flexibility.
You want available AWD on gas models for winter confidence.
You like the option of a plug-in hybrid that can run primarily on electric power for short trips.
Browse our current Chrysler Pacifica inventory across Car Nation Canada to see what fits your budget and wish list.
Choose a Toyota Sienna if:
You want a hybrid-only minivan with strong fuel economy and low daily running costs.
You like the idea of set-and-forget efficiency (no plugging in, just fuel and go).
You value Toyota’s long-term reliability reputation and solid resale strength.
You like a modern, SUV-like cabin with a very spacious second row.
See what’s in stock now on our Toyota Sienna inventory page or across the full Car Nation Canada vehicle search.
FAQs: Chrysler Pacifica vs Toyota Sienna at Car Nation Canada
1. Which is cheaper to run: Pacifica or Sienna?
Sienna is typically cheaper to run in fuel costs thanks to its full-time hybrid system and mid-6 L/100 km combined ratings.
Pacifica Hybrid can be even cheaper on energy if you plug in consistently and stay mostly within its electric range, but it depends on your driving pattern.
Our team can help you run a simple “fuel vs electricity” comparison based on your real commute.
2. Is the Pacifica plug-in hybrid complicated to own?
Not really. You:
Plug it in at home or at public chargers when you can.
Enjoy electric-only driving for many city trips.
Still have a gas engine for longer highway drives or road trips.
If you’d rather never think about charging, Sienna’s regular hybrid system might suit you better. If you like the idea of plugging in and drastically cutting fuel stops, a Pacifica PHEV is hard to beat.
3. Which is better for Ontario winters?
Both can be excellent winter companions when properly equipped with good winter tyres:
Pacifica gas models offer available AWD.
Sienna offers hybrid AWD on many trims.
The right answer depends on whether you prefer the Pacifica’s V6 feel and Stow ’n Go® flexibility or the Sienna’s hybrid efficiency.
4. Are there recalls I should know about?
Like most modern vehicles, both Pacifica and Sienna have had recalls in recent years — for example, side-curtain airbags on some 2022–25 Pacifica/Voyager models and seat-rail issues on certain 2025 Sienna hybrids.
Before you buy, we:
Check each vehicle’s history report (e.g., CARFAX Canada where applicable).
Review open recalls and advise you on manufacturer repair campaigns.
5. Can I compare both at one place?
Yes. Across the Car Nation Canada group, we regularly stock both Chrysler Pacifica and Toyota Sienna in various years and trims. Start with:
Browsing Pacifica listings and Sienna listings.
Using the online buying and delivery tools if you prefer to shop from home.
Contacting us via the About & Locations page to arrange a back-to-back test drive at a store that has both in stock.
Ready to Test-Drive Chrysler Pacifica vs Toyota Sienna?
If you’re still deciding between Chrysler Pacifica vs Toyota Sienna, the best next step is simple:
Browse inventory:
Start from home:
Use our online buying and home delivery tools to get pricing, trade values and approvals (O.A.C.) without leaving the couch.
Visit us in Southern Ontario:
Our Car Nation Canada dealerships span Burlington, Hamilton, Mississauga and beyond, so it’s easy to test-drive both vans on the same day and see which one truly fits your family.
Whether you drive away in a feature-packed Chrysler Pacifica or an efficient Toyota Sienna hybrid, the Car Nation Canada team is here to help you find the minivan — and payment plan (O.A.C.) — that works for your life.
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