The 2021 Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica are two of the highest-rated minivans. Both are overall great choices, and families will likely feel satisfied with either option. As a result, you might wonder if the slightly heftier price tag on the Pacifica is justified or if you should opt for the cheaper Odyssey. Let’s find out. 

The 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey won’t turn heads as it drives by, but then again, we’re talking about a minivan, not a sports car. Its narrow headlights and sweeping side-door features give it a polished and refined look that even minivan haters have to respect. The interior provides plenty of space to stretch out. U.S. News notes that even the third row offers enough room to comfortably seat adults. 

Most minivan owners prioritize safety over style and performance, but the 2021 Odyssey proves you can have it all. It now comes with several advanced safety features that typically come with only upgraded versions of vehicles, including pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and forward-collision warning. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings are optional upgrades.

When it comes to crash-test safety ratings, the 2021 Honda Odyssey is superb. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2021 model five out of five stars for overall safety.

The Odyssey starts at $31,790.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica got a new look in 2021, and the results are stunning. The 2021 Pacifica‘s exterior is sleek and stylish, especially in darker colors.

The interior also got an upgrade with an improved infotainment center. Families will be impressed that the standard model comes equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. One of the Pacifica’s best features is Stow ‘n Go seating, which provides extra storage space. Many other minivans (including the Honda Odyssey) force owners to remove seats altogether to make more room. 

When it comes to safety features, the standard Chrysler Pacifica provides more than the Odyssey. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings come on every trim level, and the Pacifica received the same high NHTSA ratings as the Odyssey. 

The Pacifica starts at $35,045. 

Is the Chrysler Pacifica worth the extra $3,000 over the Honda Odyssey?

MotorTrend ranked the 2021 Honda Odyssey number one on its list “The Best Minivans to Buy in 2021.” The Chrysler Pacifica came in second. U.S. News also rated the 2021 Odyssey number one on its “7 Best Minivans for 2021,” where the Pacifica placed third. Based on these rankings, the Honda Odyssey might seem like the clear winner, especially given its lower price. 

That said, the 2021 Pacifica might be worth the extra $3,000 if you want arguably the most stylish and high-tech minivan on the market. Its exterior and interior provide a classier and more polished look. It even looks a bit more grown-up than other comparable minivans. The standard Pacifica also comes with a superior infotainment system, bucking the trend that only upgraded models boast high-end amenities.  

But if looks and infotainment features don’t matter that much, you may instead opt for the Honda Odyssey and pocket that three grand.