Chrysler Pacifica vs. Ford Explorer
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chrysler Pacifica and Ford Explorer contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Chrysler Pacifica and the Ford Explorer.
When we compare the Chrysler Pacifica's and the Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the Chrysler Pacifica has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. The Ford Explorer has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Chrysler Pacifica's and the Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the Chrysler Pacifica is a better car than the Ford Explorer.
Pricing: A used 2008 Chrysler Pacifica ranges from $2,433 to $8,996 while a used 2008 Ford Explorer is priced between $3,892 to $10,994.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Chrysler Pacifica’s base engine makes 200 horsepower, and the Ford Explorer base engine makes 210 horsepower. The Pacifica is rated to deliver an average of 18 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 506 miles. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 16 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 450 miles. This gives the Chrysler Pacifica the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Explorer. Both models use gasoline.
Safety Ratings: The Ford Explorer has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$24,635
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$25,775
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$25,363
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$18,660 - $29,400
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$5,473
Price Range:
$2,433 - $8,996
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
3
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
129,382
# Good or Great Deals:
0
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$6,890
Price Range:
$3,892 - $10,994
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$8,432
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$5,859 - $13,720
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
72
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
161,218
# Good or Great Deals:
12
Chrysler Pacifica Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chrysler Pacifica
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
0.9
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 11.3
Chrysler Pacifica Rankings
Not yet available
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 16Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 30Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 59Ranking
59 out of / 67Summary Review
The Chrysler Pacifica was a large crossover SUV during the 2000s before Chrysler brought it back as a minivan. Our coverage here is dedicated to the minivan that started production in 2016 as a 2017 and later model year vehicle.
Summary Review
The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.
Pros and Cons
- Unique plug-in hybrid powertrain available
- All-wheel-drive available on new models
- IIHS Top Safety Pick (2017-2020)
- AWD and the plug-in powertrain cannot be combined
Pros and Cons
- Passenger Space
- Advanced 4X4 all-wheel-drive system available
- Class-leading engines on many trims, including a hybrid
- Older models lack some basic advanced safety systems common for their model years
- No 8-passenger seating option for 2021
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Chrysler Pacifica Trim Levels
Limited, LX, Touring
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Eddie Bauer, Limited, XLT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
200 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
235 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.046 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
210 hp @ 5100 rpm
Torque:
254 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.047 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5395 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.8 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
15 / 22 / 18
Range (city/hwy):
345 / 506 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4, AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
14 / 20 / 16
Range (city/hwy):
315 / 450 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bluetooth:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bluetooth:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
60.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.4 inches
Cargo Space:
43.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
92.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
157.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.9 inches
Cargo Space:
45.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
85.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4355 lbs
Width:
79.3 inches
Height:
68.5 inches
Length:
198.5 inches
Wheelbase:
116.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4436 lbs
Width:
84.8 inches
Height:
72.8 inches
Length:
193.4 inches
Wheelbase:
113.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/70R16
Exterior Colors
Blue
Clearwater Blue Pearlcoat / Modern Blue Pearlcoat
Red
Inferno Red Crystal Pearlcoat
Silver
Bright Silver Metallic Clearcoat
White
Stone White Clearcoat
Black
Not available
Gray
Not available
Orange
Not available
Exterior Colors
Blue
Dark Blue Pearl Clearcoat Metallic
Red
Redfire Clearcoat Metallic / Torch Red Clearcoat
Silver
Not available
White
White Suede Clearcoat
Black
Black Clearcoat
Gray
Silver Birch Clearcoat Metallic / Stone Green Clearcoat Metallic / Vapor Silver Clearcoat Metallic
Orange
Orange Frost Clearcoat Metallic
Interior Colors
Gray
Pastel Slate Gray
Black
Not available
Brown
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Not available
Black
Black
Brown
Camel