Chrysler Pacifica vs Chevrolet Traverse

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse presented a robust and upright design reminiscent of a mini Chevrolet Tahoe. Its high-set grille and macho stance were complemented by eye-slit LED headlights and a distinctive air intake/fog light design that integrated into the grille. The sides of the Traverse featured a clean, semi-rounded shape, highlighted by a forward-angled pillar behind the rear door, creating a semi-floating roof effect. The grille varied between chrome and black depending on the model, with the Z71 trim standing out due to its red front tow hooks and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Traverse boasted a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, with a well-laid-out centre console thanks to the shifter's relocation to the steering wheel. The interior materials were smart, with soft-touch surfaces and contrasting stitching, though some hard plastics were present.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a facelift that not everyone appreciated, featuring a lit-up logo and sharper lighting signature. While the new badge paired well with the Chrysler wordmark, the sharp angles and lines were seen as a step down from the previous design. The Pacifica maintained its handsome minivan appearance, sleeker than the Honda Odyssey and less aggressive than the Toyota Sienna. Inside, the cabin retained its comfort from the previous year's refresh, with seats available in clean white piping and individual armrests. However, below hip level, the materials were predominantly plastic, which detracted from the overall refinement. The Pacifica's interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering thoughtful storage solutions and a layout that maximized space efficiency.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse excelled in road manners due to its car-like unibody architecture, offering better ride and handling than the larger Tahoe. At 5,194 millimetres long and weighing 2,173 kilograms, the Traverse's handling was more controlled and agile than body-on-frame vehicles. It featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Traverse's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, and while the turbo-four engine provided adequate power, its 0 to 100 km/h time of around eight seconds was considered slow. Engine noise was a notable issue, and the AWD system required manual engagement via a button on the dash. The Traverse offered various drive modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, Snow/Ice, and Tow/Haul.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica featured a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain was stronger than the Toyota Sienna's four-cylinder hybrid setup, but the engine's exhaust note was hoarse, and the minivan lacked insulation against noise and vibration. The Pacifica offered FWD as standard, with AWD available on Select and Limited trims and standard on the Pinnacle. The Pacifica handled corners with composure, but rough pavement affected ride quality. The discontinuation of the plug-in hybrid Pacifica left the V6 as the sole powertrain, with fuel economy estimates of 12.4 L/100 km city, 8.4 highway, and 10.6 combined for FWD. Real-world fuel economy figures were higher than expected, with mountain roads returning 15.2 L/100 km.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, at almost 18 centimetres shorter than a Tahoe, offered ample passenger space but less cargo capacity. The RS trim featured second-row captain’s chairs for seven-passenger seating, while the LT and Z71 trims used a second-row bench for eight-passenger capacity. First-row occupants enjoyed comfortable seats with excellent storage options, including a centre console with a wireless charging pad and a large covered bin. Second-row passengers had good space, but the third row was tight for adults, with only 816 mm of legroom. Cargo space was generous, with 648 litres behind the third row, 1,603 litres behind the second row, and 2,764 litres behind the first row.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica offered 915 litres of cargo space behind the third row, with a deep, tub-like area ideal for strollers and luggage. The Pacifica's advantage lay in its Stow 'n Go seating, allowing the second-row seats to fold flat into the floor without lifting or storing. While the Honda Odyssey and Kia Carnival offered more total cargo volume, they required removing middle-row seats. The Pacifica's sliding side doors were a practical feature, and the Limited-trim tester featured second-row captain's chairs for seven seats. Storage throughout the cabin was thoughtfully designed, with a ventilated wireless charging pad, concealed storage shelf, and a centre console with a closing door and cupholders.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse featured an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google built-in and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with large icons and quick response times. Standard features included a satellite radio trial, Wi-Fi hotspot wiring, eight years of OnStar Basics, a wireless phone charger, and remote start. The base audio system had six speakers, with an optional 12-speaker Bose system available.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica retained fully analog gauges, which felt outdated compared to rivals with digital displays. The 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5 was standard, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The blind spot camera system activated with the turn signal, displaying a live view on the centre screen. Physical climate controls were a highlight, with heated seats standard and ventilated seats available from the Limited trim.

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse came with a comprehensive set of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane keep assist. The Enhanced Driving package added GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance technology, automatic parking, and a driver attention monitor. The Traverse earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica included standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The optional Sphere Package added a surround-view camera and a turn-signal-activated blind spot camera. The Pacifica received a five-star rating from the NHTSA but only a Marginal rating in the updated moderate overlap front test from the IIHS.