Compare the2022 Chrysler PacificaVS 2021 Kia Sedona

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Pacifica are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Sedona doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Chrysler Pacifica has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Sedona doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Pacifica has standard Rear Park Assist with Stop that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Sedona doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The Pacifica offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Sedona doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The Chrysler Pacifica has Daytime Running Lights to help keep it more visible under all conditions. Canadian government studies show that driving with lights during the day reduces accidents by 11% by making vehicles more conspicuous. The Sedona doesn’t offer Daytime Running Lights.

The Pacifica’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the Sedona and is not available with LX.

The Pacifica has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. Only the Sedona EX/SX offers a blind spot warning system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Pacifica has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Only the Sedona EX/SX has a rear cross-path warning system.

Both the Pacifica and the Sedona have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, rearview cameras and available around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Chrysler Pacifica is safer than the Kia Sedona:

	Pacifica	Sedona
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	168	236
Leg Forces (l/r)	75/194 lbs.	18/876 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	196	207
Neck Injury Risk	25%	39%
Neck Stress	117 lbs.	196 lbs.
Neck Compression	51 lbs.	60 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Chrysler Pacifica is safer than the Kia Sedona:

	Pacifica	Sedona
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	66	131
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	15 inches
Hip Force	616 lbs.	619 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Pacifica is 1.4% to 2.1% less likely to roll over than the Sedona.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, with its optional vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Pacifica its highest rating: “Top Pick Plus” for 2021, a rating granted to only 76 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Sedona last would have qualified as only a standard “Top Pick” in 2017.

Warranty

The Pacifica’s 5 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the Sedona runs out after 100,000 miles.

There are over 3 times as many Chrysler dealers as there are Kia dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Pacifica’s warranty.

Reliability

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Pacifica has a standard 180-amp alternator (220-amp - Pacifica optional). The Sedona’s 150-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Pacifica has a 730-amp battery. The Sedona only offers a standard 660-amp battery.

Engine

The Pacifica’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6 produces 11 more horsepower (287 vs. 276) and 14 lbs.-ft. more torque (262 vs. 248) than the Sedona’s 3.3 DOHC V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the Chrysler Pacifica V6 is faster than the Kia Sedona:

	Pacifica	Sedona
Zero to 60 MPH	6.7 sec	7.9 sec
Quarter Mile	15.1 sec	16.1 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	92.4 MPH	89.2 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Pacifica Hybrid on full charge Electric Motor CVT FWD running on electricity gets better mileage than the Sedona (87 city/76 hwy MPGe vs. 18 city/24 hwy).

On the EPA test cycle the Pacifica running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the Sedona:

			MPG
Pacifica
	FWD	3.6 V6 Hybrid	29 city/30 hwy
		3.6 DOHC V6	19 city/28 hwy
Sedona
	FWD	3.3 DOHC V6	18 city/24 hwy

The Pacifica Hybrid can drive on battery power alone for up to 32 miles. The Sedona must run its internal combustion engine to move.

Regenerative brakes improve the Pacifica Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Sedona doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the Pacifica’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip (not available Hybrid). The Sedona doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Pacifica has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Sedona doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Chrysler Pacifica higher (5 to 7 out of 10) than the Kia Sedona (3). This means the Pacifica produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Sedona every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Chrysler Pacifica, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the Sedona.

The Pacifica Hybrid has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Sedona doesn’t offer a CVT.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Pacifica’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Sedona:

	Pacifica	Pacifica AWD	Sedona
Front Rotors	13 inches	13.8 inches	12.6 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	13.4 inches	11.9 inches

The Pacifica stops shorter than the Sedona:

	Pacifica	Sedona
70 to 0 MPH	164 feet	167 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	141 feet	144 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Pacifica’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Sedona (245/50R20 vs. 235/65R17).

The Pacifica’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Sedona EX/SX’s 60 series tires.

For better load carrying, ride, handling and brake cooling the Pacifica offers optional 20-inch wheels. The Sedona’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

Having a flat tire is dangerous, inconvenient and expensive. The self-sealing tires available on the Pacifica can automatically seal most punctures up to 3/16 of an inch, effectively preventing most flat tires. The Sedona doesn’t offer self-sealing tires.

Suspension and Handling

The Pacifica’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The Sedona doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Pacifica’s wheelbase is 1.1 inches longer than on the Sedona (121.6 inches vs. 120.5 inches).

Chassis

The front grille of the Pacifica uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Sedona doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Pacifica uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Sedona doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The Pacifica has .3 inches more front headroom, .2 inches more front legroom, .2 inches more rear headroom, 1.7 inches more third row legroom and 1.8 inches more third row shoulder room than the Sedona.

Cargo Capacity

The Pacifica’s cargo area provides more volume than the Sedona.

	Pacifica	Sedona
Third Seat Folded	87.5 cubic feet	78.4 cubic feet

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Pacifica easier. The Pacifica’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 24.3 inches, while the Sedona’s liftover is 26 inches.

The Pacifica’s cargo area is larger than the Sedona’s in almost every dimension:

	Pacifica	Sedona
Length to seat (3rd/2nd/1st)	23.2”/57.5”/92.5”	22.5”/55.3”/91”
Max Width	49.3”	50”
Min Width	48.8”	48”
Height	47.6”	45.1”

The Pacifica has standard Stow ’n Go second and third row seats (except Hybrid for the second row), which fold flat into the floor. This completely clears a very large cargo area quickly. The Sedona only has a third row Sinking Seat which folds into the floor. The Sedona’s second row seat doesn’t fold into the floor and eats up cargo room.

Pressing a switch automatically lowers or raises the Pacifica Limited/Pinnacle’s third row seats, to make changing between cargo and passengers easier. The Sedona doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Towing

The Pacifica’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Sedona’s (3600 vs. 3500 pounds).

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Pacifica Pinnacle non-hybrid uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Sedona doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Ergonomics

The Pacifica’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Sedona does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Pacifica’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Sedona’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The Pacifica’s standard front power windows lower with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Sedona’s standard power windows’ passenger windows don’t open automatically.

The Pacifica’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Sedona’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The Pacifica’s headlights were rated “Acceptable” by the IIHS, while the Sedona’s headlights are rated “Poor.”

The Pacifica’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Heated mirrors cost extra on the Sedona and aren’t offered on the Sedona LX.

The Pacifica’s standard rear view mirror and optional side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Sedona offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Pacifica has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats are only available on the Sedona EX/SX. The Pacifica also offers optional heated second row seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated second row seats aren’t available in the Sedona.

The Pacifica has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the Sedona.

The Pacifica has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Sedona EX/SX.

The Pacifica Touring L/Limited/Pinnacle’s ParkSense Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The Sedona doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Pacifica is less expensive to operate than the Sedona because it costs $491 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost less on the Pacifica than the Sedona, including $136 less for fuel injection.

Recommendations

The Pacifica was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Five/10Best Trucks” for 3 of the last 5 years. The Sedona has never been a Car and Driver “Top Five/10Best Truck” pick.

The Chrysler Pacifica/Voyager outsold the Kia Sedona by almost four to one during the 2021 model year.

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