Compare the2024 Audi Q8 e-tronVS 2024 Chrysler Pacifica

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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The Q8 e-tron’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Pacifica doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

Both the Q8 e-tron and Pacifica have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The Q8 e-tron has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The Pacifica’s child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

The Q8 e-tron’s standard pretensioning seatbelts also sense rear collisions and remove slack from the seatbelts to help protect the occupants from whiplash and other injuries. The Pacifica doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The Q8 e-tron has a standard Secondary Collision Brake Assist, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Pacifica doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Q8 e-tron. But it costs extra on the Pacifica.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Q8 e-tron’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The Pacifica doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The Q8 e-tron has standard Car-to-X Services, a system that seemlesly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. Emergency Vehicle Alert System costs extra on the Pacifica.

Both the Q8 e-tron and Pacifica have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Q8 e-tron has Automatic Brake Activation (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Pacifica’s Rear Cross Path Detection doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Q8 e-tron and the Pacifica have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee 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, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

The Audi Q8 e-tron weighs 704 to 1553 pounds more than the Chrysler Pacifica. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

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 Audi Q8 e-tron is safer than the Chrysler Pacifica:

	Q8 e-tron	Pacifica
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	44	72
Chest Movement	.7 inches	1 inches
Abdominal Force	117 lbs.	149 lbs.
Hip Force	236 lbs.	395 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Spine Acceleration	44 G’s	54 G’s
Hip Force	579 lbs.	764 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	8 inches	13 inches
HIC	279	293

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

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Audi Q8 e-tron is safer than the Pacifica:

	Q8 e-tron	Pacifica
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	92	167
Neck Tension	156 lbs.	335 lbs.
Neck Compression	-22 lbs.	45 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	.63 in	.94 in
Shoulder Force	134 lbs.	223 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.14 in	1.26 in
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	669 lbs.	848 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	64	83
Neck Tension	67 lbs.	112 lbs.
Neck Compression	-67 lbs.	67 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.63 in	1.1 in
Shoulder Force	245 lbs.	424 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.63 in	1.97 in
Torso Deflection Rate	4 MPH	12 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	POOR
Pelvis Force	602 lbs.	1450 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Q8 e-tron, with its five-star roll-over rating, is 1.7% to 2.4% less likely to roll over than the Pacifica, which received a four-star rating.

The Audi Q8 e-tron achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Pacifica last would have qualified as a “Top Safety Pick” in 2023.

Warranty

The Q8 e-tron comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Pacifica’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The Q8 e-tron’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the Pacifica’s (12 vs. 5 years).

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Audi vehicles are better in initial quality than Chrysler vehicles. With 29 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Audi 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 Audi vehicles are more reliable than Chrysler With 8 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Audi higher than Chrysler.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Audi vehicles are more reliable than Chrysler vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Audi 11 places higher in reliability than Chrysler.

Engine

The Q8 e-tron’s standard electric motors produces 142 more horsepower (402 vs. 260) than the Pacifica Hybrid’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6 hybrid. The Q8 e-tron’s electric motors produces 115 more horsepower (402 vs. 287) and 228 lbs.-ft. more torque (490 vs. 262) than the Pacifica’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6. The SQ8 e-tron’s standard electric motors produces 209 more horsepower (496 vs. 287) and 455 lbs.-ft. more torque (717 vs. 262) than the Pacifica’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the Audi Q8 e-tron (base engine) is faster than the Chrysler Pacifica:

	Q8 e-tron	Pacifica Hybrid	Pacifica V6
Zero to 60 MPH	5.1 sec	7.9 sec	8.3 sec
Quarter Mile	13.7 sec	16.1 sec	16.3 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	102.4 MPH	88 MPH	86.4 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

The Q8 e-tron can travel with zero emissions on a full charge for 218 to 285 miles. The Pacifica Hybrid has to start its internal combustion engine after only 32 miles.

Regardless of its engine, regenerative brakes improve the Q8 e-tron’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. Chrysler only offers a regenerative brake system on the Pacifica Hybrid.

The Q8 e-tron has a standard locking charge port which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The Pacifica doesn’t have a locking charge port. A locking charge port prevents tampering and damage; a locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Audi Q8 e-tron higher (10 out of 10) than the Chrysler Pacifica (7). This means the Q8 e-tron produces up to 11.8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Pacifica every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

The Q8 e-tron’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Pacifica doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Q8 e-tron’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Pacifica:

	Q8 e-tron	Pacifica	Pacifica AWD
Front Rotors	15.7 inches	13 inches	13.8 inches
Rear Rotors	13.8 inches	13 inches	13.4 inches

The Q8 e-tron’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Pacifica are solid, not vented.

The Q8 e-tron stops much shorter than the Pacifica:

	Q8 e-tron	Pacifica
70 to 0 MPH	181 feet	183 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	131 feet	145 feet	Consumer Reports
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	134 feet	145 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Q8 e-tron has larger standard tires than the Pacifica (255/50R20 vs. 235/65R17). The Q8 e-tron’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Pacifica (265/45R21 vs. 245/50R20).

The Q8 e-tron’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Pacifica’s standard 65 series tires. The Q8 e-tron’s optional tires have a lower 45 series profile than the Pacifica’s optional 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Q8 e-tron has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Pacifica. The Q8 e-tron’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels optional on the Pacifica.

Suspension and Handling

The Q8 e-tron has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Q8 e-tron flat and controlled during cornering. The Pacifica 4x2 suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The front and rear suspension of the Q8 e-tron uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the Pacifica, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The Q8 e-tron has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Pacifica’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Q8 e-tron has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Q8 e-tron’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The Pacifica doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The Q8 e-tron has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Pacifica doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For greater off-road capability the Q8 e-tron has a 2.7 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Pacifica (8.1 vs. 5.4 inches), allowing the Q8 e-tron to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The SQ8 is 11.3 inches shorter than the Pacifica, making the Q8 e-tron easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Towing

Maximum trailer towing in the Chrysler Pacifica is limited to 3600 pounds. The Q8 e-tron offers up to a 4000 lbs. towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The Q8 e-tron uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Pacifica uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Audi service is better than Chrysler. J.D. Power ranks Audi 8th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 57% lower rating, Chrysler is ranked 31st.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the Pacifica Touring L/Select/Limited/Pinnacle, the Q8 e-tron Prestige has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The Q8 e-tron Prestige has a standard heads-up display that projects speed in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Pacifica doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Q8 e-tron’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Pacifica’s standard rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open them fully. Only its driver’s window closes automatically.

If the windows are left open on the Q8 e-tron the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Pacifica can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

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 Q8 e-tron’s headlights were rated “Good” to “Acceptable” by the IIHS, while the Pacifica’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

The Q8 e-tron Prestige/Launch Edition has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Pacifica.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Audi Q8 e-tron offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Pacifica doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Audi Q8 e-tron and the Chrysler Pacifica, based on reliability, safety and performance.