Compare the2023 Mercedes Metris PassengerVS 2023 Chrysler Pacifica

The Metris Passenger’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Pacifica doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Metris Passenger and the Pacifica have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, collision warning systems, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Metris Passenger has a 190-amp alternator. The Pacifica’s standard 180-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

The battery on the Metris Passenger is under the seat, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the Metris Passenger’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The Pacifica’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are better in initial quality than Chrysler vehicles. With 76 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Mercedes higher than Chrysler.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are more reliable than Chrysler With 45 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Mercedes higher than Chrysler.

The Metris Passenger has 2 gallons more fuel capacity than the Pacifica Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (18.5 vs. 16.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Metris Passenger has a standard locking fuel door which locks and unlocks with the power locks The fuel filler door is not lockable on the Pacifica. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank and a locking charge port prevents tampering and damage.

The Metris Passenger’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Pacifica’s standard 65 series tires.

The Metris Passenger has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your work or a trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the Pacifica; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which has mileage and speed limitations, or roadside assistance and a tow-truck.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Metris Passenger’s wheelbase is 4.4 inches longer than on the Pacifica (126 inches vs. 121.6 inches).

For better maneuverability, the Metris Passenger’s turning circle is 3.3 feet tighter than the Pacifica’s (36.4 feet vs. 39.7 feet). The Metris Passenger’s turning circle is 3.8 feet tighter than the Pacifica AWD’s (36.4 feet vs. 40.2 feet).

The Metris Passenger has 1.8 inches more rear headroom, .7 inches more rear hip room, 1.9 inches more rear shoulder room, 1.8 inches more third row headroom and 6.5 inches more third row hip room than the Pacifica.

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

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

The Metris Passenger’s optional rear cargo window opens separately from the rest of the double swing out door to allow quicker loading of small packages. The Pacifica’s rear cargo window doesn’t open.

The Metris Passenger’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Pacifica’s (5000 vs. 3600 pounds).

While the Pacifica Hybrid is not recommended to tow, any Metris Passenger can tow a minimum of 5000 pounds.

Trailer Stability Assist is standard on the Metris Passenger, using the Electronic Stability Program sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the Pacifica and isn’t available on the Pacifica Hybrid/Touring.

The engine in the Metris Passenger is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Pacifica. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because there are no rear spark plugs and the accessory belts are in front.

The Metris Passenger’s front power windows open or close 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 Pacifica’s standard power windows’ front passenger window doesn’t close automatically.

If the front windows are left open on the Metris Passenger the driver can close them from a distance using the remote (remote must be aimed at door sensor). On a hot day the driver can also lower the windows the same way. The driver of the Pacifica can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the Metris Passenger to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Pacifica doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.