If you’re looking for a great family minivan, it’s hard to go wrong with the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. This vehicle is overall well-reviewed and offers a range of excellent benefits. However, one of its trims — the Limited AWD — starts at $10,000 more than the Touring L model. Here’s everything you need to know about this vehicle, including whether the Limited AWD trim is really worth the higher price.

What to expect from the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The base-model Chrysler Pacifica starts at $36,690 and boasts a 9.5/10 rating from Car and Driver. It features a 3.6-liter V6 engine that makes 287 hp. The Pacifica can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, about average for its class. It gets 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for a combined 23 mpg.

Safety is always paramount, but it’s likely a minivan shopper’s particular focus. The Pacifica is excellent in this regard, earning a 5-star rating from the NHTSA. It also comes with a vast range of advanced safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control.

The difference between the Chrysler Pacifica Touring L and Limited AWD

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is overall an excellent pick, but with such a vast price difference between trims, it’s easy to wonder which option is best. The Touring L trim is one step up from the base model and starts at $38,145. Its powertrain and fuel economy are the same as the base Touring. It also comes standard with luxurious features such as voice-activated air conditioning, heated seats, and rain detecting wipers. It also boasts a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather seats.

The Pacifica Limited AWD is a significant price jump, starting at $48,390. Its fuel economy is slightly less impressive than the Touring L’s: It gets 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway for a combined 20 mpg.

The Limited AWD has heated front and rear seats and ventilated front seats, all of which are lined with leather. This trim comes with convenience features such as cruise control with steering wheel controls, distance pacing cruise control, and illuminated front cup holders. Additionally, it features voice-activated audio control and an integrated navigation system with voice activation.

Is the Limited AWD really worth $10,000 more than the Touring?

Overall, the differences between the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L and Limited AWD trims are fairly minor. The Limited AWD trim offers heated seats in the front and rear and ventilated seats in the front. That’s certainly nice but not worth an extra $10,000. Both trims feature attractive leather seating and captain’s seats in the rear. They’re both spacious and packed with features such as cubbies, slide-out bins, and cup holders.

Both trims also have a wide array of convenience and safety features, meaning you’ll likely be able to get what you want from the lower-level trim. In fact, Car and Driver even says the Touring L “offers the best mix of features and value.”

Of course, no matter which trim you choose, you’ll likely be satisfied. The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is an excellent minivan, and it’s hard to go wrong with any of its trims. However, though the Limited AWD offers a few extra features, they aren’t anything too exciting. You’ll probably be better off pocketing that $10,000 and going with the Touring L trim instead.