Chrysler Pacifica vs Jeep Grand Wagoneer

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, four years into its lifecycle, received a refresh that maintained its iconic upright stance, low belt line, and large windows. However, the addition of an illuminated grille and welcome-lighting sequence gave it a modern twist, inspired by the all-electric Wagoneer S. The new Upland trim added functional front recovery hooks without compromising the vehicle's elegant design. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer boasted a modern interior with clean lines and a 12-inch infotainment screen, which, while slightly small for the vehicle's size, was complemented by redundant HVAC and audio controls. The seats, though plain in appearance, offered exceptional comfort and adjustability, making long drives pleasant. The cabin's trim and materials leaned towards premium, with options for Nappa and Palermo leather and a suede headliner, enhancing the overall fit and finish.

In contrast, the 2027 Chrysler Pacifica introduced a new face that sparked mixed reactions. The lit-up logo and aggressive lighting signature were featured on trims above the base LX, which retained a more reserved look. The Pacifica's side profile remained unchanged, with new two-tone wheels adding subtle visual interest. The rear featured a clean, modern light bar. Inside, the Pacifica retained its handsome design, with comfortable seats and thoughtful material placement. However, the lower cabin areas were dominated by plastic, detracting from the overall feel. The Pacifica's interior was practical, with features like driver seat memory and soft-touch materials where needed, but it lacked the refinement seen in some competitors.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided smooth and effortless power, even for a vehicle weighing around 6,000 pounds. Although the high-output Hurricane engine was no longer available, the standard engine still offered impressive performance. The Grand Wagoneer was also set to receive a range-extended electric powertrain, promising 647 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque, with a total range exceeding 500 miles. Despite its large size, the Grand Wagoneer was surprisingly agile and easy to drive, with excellent visibility and a quiet cabin.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica featured a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, producing 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the engine offered ample power for the segment, it lacked refinement, with a hoarse exhaust note and noticeable noise, vibration, and harshness. The Pacifica was unique in offering both V6 power and all-wheel drive, a combination not found in other minivans. However, the discontinuation of the plug-in hybrid option left the V6 as the sole powertrain, and its fuel economy lagged behind hybrid competitors. The Pacifica handled well in corners but struggled with ride refinement on rough pavement.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer excelled as a people mover, offering three rows of spacious seating. The optional second-row bench allowed for up to eight passengers, with the third row accommodating three people comfortably. While using the third row reduced cargo space to 27.9 cubic feet, the long-wheelbase version nearly doubled this capacity. The Grand Wagoneer also boasted a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds. Features like three-zone automatic climate controls and heated-and-ventilated front seats added to its appeal, while the Upland trim offered off-road capabilities with Quadra-Lift air suspension and all-terrain tires.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica's cargo space was cleverly designed, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row. The Stow 'n Go seating system allowed for quick reconfiguration, with second-row seats folding flat into the floor. While competitors offered more total cargo volume, the Pacifica's ease of use was unmatched. Sliding side doors provided convenience in tight spaces, and the Limited trim featured second-row captain's chairs for seven-passenger seating. Thoughtful storage solutions throughout the cabin maximized space, making the Pacifica a practical choice for families.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with a host of tech features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-inch touchscreen display, and a 10.25-inch digital cluster. Higher trims offered additional features like a 23-speaker McIntosh premium sound system and a front passenger interactive display. However, the wireless phone charger underperformed, and the 12-inch infotainment screen felt small for the vehicle's size. The removal of adjustable pedals was a notable change for 2026.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica retained analog gauges, which felt outdated compared to rivals with digital displays. The 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5 was standard, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The blind-spot camera system was a standout feature, providing a live view of the vehicle's sides. Physical climate controls were easy to use, and heated and ventilated seats were available on higher trims. However, the graphics on the main touchscreen lacked the polish expected in a 2027 model.

The 2026 Grand Wagoneer was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors. The surround-view camera system was highly recommended for navigating tight spaces. The Grand Wagoneer received mixed safety ratings, with a four-star rating from the NHTSA and a combination of Good and Marginal scores from the IIHS.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica offered standard safety features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitors. The Enhanced Safety Sphere Package added a blind-spot camera and front camera, enhancing safety during maneuvers. The Pacifica received a five-star rating from the NHTSA in 2026, but the IIHS ratings were less favorable, with a Marginal score in the moderate-overlap front test. Despite this, no minivan outperformed the Pacifica in this test.