The Chrysler Pacifica is one of the last remaining contenders in the minivan segment. Boasting the space families need but with more luxury than most rivals, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica comes in various trims and price points. With four trims — Touring, Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle — most families will likely find the best value in the bottom two models.

But which one is the better choice, the Chrysler Pacifica Touring or the Touring L? And is the latter worth the additional cost?

The base-model Chrysler Pacifica at a glance

According to Chrysler, the 2021 Pacifica base trim, the Touring, starts at $35,045. Features include a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine making 287 hp that’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard on the Touring, but you can add all-wheel drive for about $3,000. This powertrain earns an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The Pacifica’s towing capacity is a decent 3,600 pounds.

Tech features in the base Touring trim include a 10.1-inch touchscreen display as part of the Uconnect 5 infotainment system. Also, expect satellite radio and Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon connectivity. Additional amenities include tri-zone automatic climate control, Stow-n-Go seating, a power liftgate, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Standard advanced safety features include blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

What you get with the Chrysler Pacifica Touring L

Upgrading to the Chrysler Pacifica Touring L brings more convenience and luxury. The Touring L starts at $38,145. It comes standard with the same engine and powertrain as the base model. (The only other Pacifica engine is a hybrid.) And it has the same fuel-economy ratings, safety features, and warranty as the entry-level model.

But the Pacifica Touring L adds thoughtful features, MotorTrend reports. They include upgraded roof rails and wheels, window shades for the second and third rows, and a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel. The Touring L also opts for perforated leather upholstery over the Touring’s cloth, plus heated front seats. The upgrades don’t end there. The Pacifica Touring L also boasts standard rear ambient lighting and an “upgraded center console with illuminated cupholders,” MotorTrend reports. And the Touring L comes with a few additional packages unavailable with the Touring trim.

Is the Touring L worth the higher sticker price?

The Chrysler Pacifica offers four trim levels. But with starting prices ranging upward of $53,000, every model should be much more extraordinary than the last. But even though the Touring L offers more tech and convenience features, it also has the same basics for $3,000 more than the base model.

U.S. News says that “the well-equipped base Touring trim is a good bet for most shoppers.” Offering the same powertrain, drivetrain, safety features, and convenience/tech basics, the Touring L is worth it for consumers looking for luxurious touches such as ambient lighting and heated seating. 

So upgrading to the Touring L is a personal choice. Car and Driver‘s experts disagree with U.S. News. They say that “the mid-range Touring L offers the best mix of features and value as it adds a host of additional features over the base Touring model.”

But regardless of which trim you choose, the Chrysler Pacifica’s “list of features is one of the longest among any vehicle on the market,” and “there’s a lot to like about the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica.”