If you want something nice, you have to pay for it. At least, that’s true in the automotive world. And it’s especially true for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica.

The Limited and the Pinnacle are the minivan’s two top trim levels, but the price difference might give you sticker shock. So how much does each trim cost? And does the Pinnacle offer enough to justify costing $5,000 over the Limited AWD?

The Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD at a glance

Although it’s a minivan, the Chrysler Pacifica isn’t cheap. The base-model Touring starts at $35,195, and the Limited AWD price jumps to $48,390, Chrysler‘s product page shows. 

The Limited AWD’s gas mileage isn’t impressive by any means. In fact, it’s kind of sad. It gets 17 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined.

The all-wheel drive sort of makes up for that. The ability to navigate safely in bad weather is a win if you live in an area where snow, ice, or even rain is a strong possibility. 

However, the Limited AWD can’t tow that much. Though 3,600 pounds is decent, the Pacifica isn’t for you if you’re looking for towing ability. Its 3.6-liter V6 isn’t super-powerful, but it’s more than capable of meeting most drivers’ needs.

Inside the cabin, soft leather covers the seats. And the front seating’s heating and ventilation add to the luxury. But the Limited doesn’t offer much more than the Touring L trim. Let’s see if the Pinnacle offers much more.

How the top-trim Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle AWD differs

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle AWD starts at $53,390. That’s luxury-vehicle pricing. The Pinnacle’s powertrain is the same as the Limited’s. So the power and capability are the same for each model.

But the Pinnacle’s interior is where Chrysler ladles in the luxury. Quilted tan Nappa leather hugs the seats, and extra padding means more comfort. The back seats also get extra love with ventilation and matching leather pillows, making road trips even sweeter. 

The Pacifica Pinnacle also adds advanced driver aids such as a 360-degree camera, parallel/perpendicular park assist, and front park assist. A camera to watch the rear cabin, a Uconnect Theater rear entertainment center, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system round out this Bentley-like minivan.

So should you go for the Pinnacle?

The $5,000 price jump is difficult to come to terms with, especially considering the Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan. On the other hand, minivans are perfect for large families. For moms sick of driving cheap vehicles but buying a sedan isn’t an option, the Pacifica is a nice change of pace.

The Limited offers plenty, but as we already pointed out, it’s hard to imagine it’s worth $10,000 more than the Touring L. With that in mind, the Pinnacle costs $15,000 more than the Touring L.

The question then becomes if the Pinnacle’s Nappa leather and cameras are worth the hefty price tag. For most consumers, the answer is no. They could use that money to buy necessities. But for others, a few thousand dollars more is worth some luxury while driving the kids to school, around town, or on road trips.