Chrysler Pacifica vs Toyota bZ

The 2026 Toyota bZ was offered in XLE and Limited trims, with options for single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) or dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD), and two battery sizes. The larger battery, while more expensive, provided enhanced power, performance, and range, with prices ranging from $36,495 to $46,895. The XLE test vehicle featured FWD and the optional larger battery, transforming it into the XLE Plus for an additional $3,000. The vehicle's exterior design was improved with body-color trim, although some colors retained the black overfender trim. Inside, the dashboard and center console were redesigned for a cleaner look, and the fabric seats featured an upscale pattern. The center touchscreen was increased to 14 inches, integrating climate control, though the digital driver display remained a point of contention due to its placement and readability.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica received a new front design, with a lit-up logo and aggressive lighting signature on trims above the base LX. While the new badge was appreciated, the sharp angles and lines were not universally loved. The base LX retained a more reserved fascia. The side profile remained unchanged, with new two-tone wheels adding visual interest. The rear featured a clean and modern light bar. Inside, the cabin largely retained its previous design, with comfortable seats and soft materials where hands and knees frequently touched. However, lower areas were dominated by plastic. The Pacifica's interior was praised for its thoughtful storage solutions, though the lack of a fully digital driver display was noted as a missed opportunity for modernization.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a range of powertrain options. The XLE with FWD featured a single electric motor and a 57.7-kWh battery, delivering 165 horsepower and 198 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles. The optional 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles. Dual-motor models, available only with the larger battery, produced 338 hp and offered a range of 288 miles for the XLE AWD. The bZ could be recharged using a DC fast charger or a Level 2 home charger, with varying recharge times depending on the battery size. The vehicle's performance was tested in different conditions, revealing efficiency ratings that sometimes exceeded EPA estimates. However, the bZ's handling on winding roads was limited by its tires and steering.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica was powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, producing 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided ample power for the segment, though the engine's exhaust note was less refined. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trims except the base LX. The Pacifica's handling was composed, but road and wind noise affected overall refinement. The discontinuation of the plug-in hybrid left the V6 as the sole powertrain, with EPA estimates of 19 city, 28 highway, and 22 combined for FWD models. Real-world testing showed lower fuel economy figures, highlighting the Pacifica's disadvantage compared to hybrid competitors.

The 2026 Toyota bZ featured a skateboard-style EV platform with 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making entry and exit easy. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, with heated and ventilated options available. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with ample storage solutions. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom, though foot space was limited. The cargo area offered 27.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 56.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica's cargo space was designed for practicality, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row. The Stow 'n Go seating system allowed for easy reconfiguration, with the third-row seats folding into the cargo area and the second-row seats folding flat into the floor. The Pacifica's total cargo volume was competitive, though the Pinnacle trim sacrificed Stow 'n Go for power-adjustable seats. The minivan's sliding side doors were a practical advantage, and the interior offered thoughtful storage solutions throughout.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The driver display's placement and readability were criticized, while the infotainment system was generally user-friendly. However, the lack of a home screen and low-contrast colors were noted drawbacks. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with various connected service plans available. The voice assistant performed well, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica featured analog gauges with a mid-size trip computer screen, a layout that felt outdated compared to rivals. The 10.1-inch touchscreen ran Uconnect 5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The blind-spot camera system was a notable tech feature, though it took over the full display. Physical climate controls were praised for their ease of use, and heated and ventilated seats were accessible via the touchscreen.

The 2026 Toyota bZ was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including features like forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist added subtle braking and steering inputs. The Limited trim offered additional safety features like Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park Assist. The bZ received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with high marks for front-crash avoidance but poor ratings for headlights.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitors. The Enhanced Safety Sphere Package added a blind-spot camera and front camera. The Pacifica received a five-star rating from the NHTSA in 2026, but the IIHS ratings were mixed, with a Marginal score in the moderate-overlap front test. Despite this, the Pacifica's safety features were competitive within the segment.