Compare the2023 Chrysler PacificaVS 2023 Ford Transit Connect Wagon

Safety
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and middle seat shoulder belts of the Chrysler Pacifica are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Ford Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer height-adjustable middle seat belts.

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 Transit Connect Wagon 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 Transit Connect Wagon 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 for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Transit Connect Wagon 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 Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

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 Transit Connect Wagon and is only available on Transit Connect Wagon XLT/Titanium.

The Pacifica offers an optional Surround View Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Transit Connect Wagon only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Pacifica has standard Rear Cross Path Detection, helping the driver avoid collisions. Ford charges extra for Cross Traffic Alert on the Transit Connect Wagon.

Both the Pacifica and the Transit Connect Wagon 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, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

The Chrysler Pacifica weighs 502 to 1075 pounds more than the Ford Transit Connect Wagon. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

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 Ford Transit Connect Wagon:

	Pacifica	Transit Connect Wagon
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Stress	230 lbs.	230 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	75/194 lbs.	272/294 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.4 inches
Neck Injury Risk	25%	48%
Neck Stress	117 lbs.	179 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	440/251 lbs.	637/489 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 Ford Transit Connect Wagon:

	Pacifica	Transit Connect Wagon
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	72	78
Chest Movement	1 inches	1.1 inches
Abdominal Force	149 lbs.	167 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	66	265
Spine Acceleration	54 G’s	57 G’s
Hip Force	764 lbs.	781 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Hip Force	616 lbs.	726 lbs.

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

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, its standard 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 Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 127 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Transit Connect Wagon has not been tested, yet.

Engine

The Pacifica Hybrid’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6 hybrid produces 98 more horsepower (260 vs. 162) than the Transit Connect Wagon’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Pacifica’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6 produces 125 more horsepower (287 vs. 162) and 118 lbs.-ft. more torque (262 vs. 144) than the Transit Connect Wagon’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Chrysler Pacifica is faster than the Ford Transit Connect Wagon:

	Pacifica Hybrid	Pacifica V6	Transit Connect Wagon
Zero to 60 MPH	7.9 sec	6.7 sec	10.5 sec
Quarter Mile	16.1 sec	15.1 sec	17.8 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	88 MPH	92.4 MPH	77.5 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Pacifica Hybrid running on electricity gets better mileage than the Transit Connect Wagon (87 city/77 hwy MPGe vs. 24 city/28 hwy).

On the EPA test cycle the Pacifica Hybrid running its gasoline engine gets better fuel mileage than the Transit Connect Wagon (29 city/30 hwy vs. 24 city/28 hwy).

The Pacifica Hybrid can travel with zero emissions for 32 miles. The Transit Connect Wagon can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

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

The Pacifica’s standard fuel tank has 3.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the Transit Connect Wagon (19 vs. 15.8 gallons).

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 Transit Connect Wagon.

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 Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer a CVT.

Brakes and Stopping

The Pacifica stops shorter than the Transit Connect Wagon:

	Pacifica	Transit Connect Wagon
70 to 0 MPH	164 feet	170 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	122 feet	127 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Pacifica has larger standard tires than the Transit Connect Wagon (235/65R17 vs. 215/55R16). The Pacifica’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Transit Connect Wagon (245/50R20 vs. 215/55R16).

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 Transit Connect Wagon’s 55 series tires.

For better load carrying, ride, handling and brake cooling the Pacifica has standard 17-inch wheels. Only 16-inch wheels are available on the Transit Connect Wagon. The Pacifica offers optional 20-inch wheels.

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 Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer self-sealing tires.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Chrysler Pacifica has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Ford Transit Connect Wagon has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Pacifica is 7 inches wider in the front and 6.7 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Transit Connect Wagon.

Chassis

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

Passenger Space

The Pacifica offers optional seating for 8 passengers; the Transit Connect Wagon can only carry up to 7.

The Pacifica has 4.8 inches more front hip room, 6.2 inches more front shoulder room, 1.4 inches more rear legroom, 6.5 inches more rear hip room, 4.5 inches more rear shoulder room, 1.5 inches more third row legroom, 2.5 inches more third row hip room and 4.9 inches more third row shoulder room than the Transit Connect Wagon.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Pacifica’s middle and third row seats recline. The Transit Connect Wagon’s middle row seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The Pacifica’s cargo area provides more volume than the Transit Connect Wagon.

	Pacifica	Transit Connect Wagon
Behind Third Seat	32.3 cubic feet	16.3 cubic feet
Third Seat Folded	87.5 cubic feet	n/a
Third Seat Removed	n/a	60.1 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	140.5 cubic feet	106 cubic feet

The Pacifica’s cargo area is larger than the Transit Connect Wagon’s in every dimension:

	Pacifica	Transit Connect Wagon
Length to seat (3rd/2nd/1st)	23.2”/57.5”/92.5”	14.5”/45”/85.6”
Max Width	49.3”	n/a
Min Width	48.8”	47”
Height	47.6”	43.3”

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 Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer seats that fold into the floor.

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

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Pacifica has a standard power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button, or optionally by just kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer a power cargo door.

Towing

The Pacifica’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Transit Connect Wagon’s (3600 vs. 0 pounds).

Servicing Ease

A maintenance reminder system is standard on the Pacifica to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for oil changes, based on actual driving conditions. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Ford doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the Transit Connect Wagon.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the Pacifica Touring L/Limited/Pinnacle, the memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, outside mirror angle and radio stations. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Pacifica Touring L/Limited/Pinnacle’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

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 Transit Connect Wagon 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 Transit Connect Wagon has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The Pacifica’s standard front power windows open fully with one touch of the switches and its driver’s window also automatically closes, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Transit Connect Wagon’s standard power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. Only its driver’s window opens automatically. The Pacifica Limited/Pinnacle’s front and rear power windows all open or close with one touch of the switches.

The Pacifica’s power side sliding doors make it much easier to load and unload kids and cargo. One touch opens the door, before you even get to the van. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer a power rear door.

The Pacifica’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Transit Connect Wagon’s standard halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen. The Pacifica’s LED headlights produce a white, bright light using less electricity than the Transit Connect Wagon’s optional xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlights. HID headlights can be slow to reach full brightness or power cycle, causing issues when flashing them to signal other vehicles; LED headlights light instantly. LED lights also last about three to four times as long.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Pacifica has standard extendable sun visors. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Pacifica to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The Pacifica has standard power remote mirrors. The Transit Connect Wagon only comes with remote mirrors at extra cost. Without them the driver will have to roll down the windows and reach across the car to adjust the mirrors.

The Pacifica’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Ford charges extra for heated mirrors on the Transit Connect Wagon.

When the Pacifica Limited/Pinnacle is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Transit Connect Wagon’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Pacifica’s standard rear and 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 Transit Connect Wagon offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Pacifica has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the Transit Connect Wagon, and aren’t available on the Transit Connect Wagon XL. 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 Transit Connect Wagon.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Pacifica Limited/Pinnacle keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the Pacifica’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

To help keep the driver’s hands on the wheel, the Pacifica has standard steering wheel controls for the radio. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer steering wheel audio controls.

Recommendations

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the Pacifica as the 2017 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. The Transit Connect Wagon has never been chosen.

The Chrysler Pacifica/Voyager outsold the Ford Transit Connect by almost four to one during 2022.