2021 Chrysler Grand Caravan and Pacifica Orders Open With no Cheap Prices
FCA has a new plan to sell minivans for 2021. The Pacifica is getting a significant update and the Grand Caravan is leaving Dodge to enjoy a second life under the Chrysler brand.
Will it lead to more profit? Time will tell. One thing’s for sure, though: Canadian customers will have to pay more—a lot more, actually.
- Also: The Car Guide’s 2020 Best Buys: Chrysler Pacifica
- Also: Five Things to Know About the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica
2021 Chrysler Grand Caravan
As previously announced, the 2021 Chrysler Grand Caravan (essentially the same minivan that’s sold as the Voyager in the U.S. since the 2020 model year, and a cheaper, more basic version of the outgoing Pacifica) comes with a base MSRP of $37,995, plus freight and delivery. That’s $5,700 more expensive than the cheapest 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Why? Because the Canada Value Package and SE Plus models were not carried over to the Chrysler Grand Caravan, which is more comparable to Dodge’s SXT trim, priced at $38,895. Large manufacturer rebates will inevitably follow, mind you.
Standard features include seven-passenger seating with a second-row bench seat and third-row Stow ‘n Go 60/40 bench seat, Uconnect 4 with a seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry with push-button start and 17-inch steel wheels. Eight-passenger seating and second-row Stow ‘n Go fold-in-floor seats with in-floor storage are available.
For those who want more content, there’s the 2021 Grand Caravan SXT at $39,995, which could be compared to the Premium Plus trim at Dodge ($43,395). This one adds 17-inch alloy wheels, second-row removable bucket seats with in-floor storage bins, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat and tri-zone climate control.
As for the engine, the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 still generates 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. However, it’s now mated to a nine-speed transmission (previously six), reducing average fuel consumption to 8.4 L/100 km according to FCA’s numbers.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
The Pacifica returns with a refreshed exterior and interior, even more safety and convenience than before (including the all-new Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which features a 10.1-inch touchscreen), and of course the option of all-wheel drive to rival the Toyota Sienna and those increasingly popular SUVs.
For 2021, pricing starts at $44,795, which is $7,500 above the previous entry point. With the addition of the more affordable Grand Caravan, FCA has decided to eliminate the L and LX models, so the lineup now begins with the Pacifica Touring (formerly sold at $43,795).
Whichever 2021 Pacifica model you choose, AWD requires a premium of $3,500, though keep in mind it’s not available with the plug-in hybrid powertrain. The system uses a variety of sensors to determine when enhanced traction is beneficial (accelerating from a standing stop, cold-weather driving, slip detected at the front wheels, heavy acceleration at certain vehicle speeds, abrupt steering or sudden throttle inputs, etc.).
Finally, you should know that new top-of-the-line Pacifica Pinnacle stands out with Caramel Nappa leather seats, unique matching lumbar pillows in the second-row captain’s chairs, a new integrated Ultra console aesthetically redesigned to flow into the instrument panel, best-in-class total storage of 227.6 litres and more. Curiously, it costs less in hybrid configuration ($59,995) than with the 287-horsepower V6 ($62,295).
Both the 2021 Chrysler Grand Caravan and Pacifica are scheduled to start arriving in Chrysler dealerships this fall.