Chrysler Pacifica vs. Subaru Ascent
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chrysler Pacifica and Subaru Ascent 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 Subaru Ascent.
In comparing the Chrysler Pacifica's and the Subaru Ascent's specifications and ratings, the Chrysler Pacifica has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. The Subaru Ascent has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. The Chrysler Pacifica and Subaru Ascent have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Chrysler Pacifica's and the Subaru Ascent's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Ascent is a better car than the Chrysler Pacifica.
Pricing: A used 2024 Chrysler Pacifica ranges from $38,681 to $81,566 while a used 2024 Subaru Ascent is priced between $37,997 to $50,715. For a new model, the Chrysler Pacifica's price is between $40,976 and $58,780, with the Subaru Ascent priced between $39,525 and $51,240.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Chrysler Pacifica loses 47.8 percent of its value and the Subaru Ascent loses 44.1 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Ascent retains 3.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chrysler Pacifica.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Chrysler Pacifica’s base engine makes 287 horsepower, and the Subaru Ascent base engine makes 260 horsepower. Both the Pacifica and the Ascent are rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 532 and 502 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Chrysler Pacifica, a minivan, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Subaru Ascent, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and rear head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Chrysler Pacifica and the Subaru Ascent have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Subaru Ascent has the better rating with a Top Safety Pick+ award compared to the Chrysler Pacifica’s Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
40976 - 58780
Starting MSRP:
39400
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Minivans)
37294
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Minivans)
33600 - 39400
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
39525 - 51240
Starting MSRP:
34395
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
37697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43320
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
53886
Price Range:
38681 - 81566
Category Avg Price:
(Minivans)
51199
Category Avg Price Range:
(Minivans)
40962 - 64658
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
391
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
22955
# Good or Great Deals:
108
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
44018
Price Range:
37997 - 50715
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
47563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
40678 - 66020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
635
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
15264
# Good or Great Deals:
254
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
19196
Depreciation %:
0.4872193
Resale Value $:
20204
Residual Value %:
0.5127807
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Minivans)
0.45181957
Category Depreciation Range:
(Minivans)
0.41333296 - 0.4872193
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
15683
Depreciation %:
0.4559532
Resale Value $:
18712
Residual Value %:
0.5440468
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.4631145
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.27538997 - 0.53491193
Chrysler Pacifica Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.540344 / 10
Reliability:
6.1 / 10
Retained Value:
7.521031 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Subaru Ascent Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.754246 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chrysler Pacifica
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Ascent
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.266862685256487
Typical Category Recalls:
(Minivans)
5.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Minivans)
4.2 - 15.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.521319483930829
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Chrysler Pacifica Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Subaru Ascent Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 34Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 28Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
28 out of / 34Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 34Ranking
29 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 34Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
48 out of / 67Ranking
48 out of / 56Ranking
51 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 Subaru Ascent joined the crossover SUV lineup at Subaru in 2018. It quickly earned the praise of reviewers.
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
- Excellent on-road and off-road capability
- Seven or eight-seat configurations available
- Class-leading diver-assist technology
- Below-average reliability scores (unusual for a Subaru)
Available Body Styles
Minivan
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Chrysler Pacifica Trim Levels
Limited, Pinnacle, Touring, Touring L
Subaru Ascent Trim Levels
Base, Limited 7-Passenger, Limited 8-Passenger, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition Limited, Premium 7-Passenger, Premium 8-Passenger, Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
287 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
262 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
277 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 28 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
361 / 532 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 26 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
386 / 502 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
63.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
63 inches
Cargo Space:
32.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
140.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 3rd-row seat folded down:
87.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
197.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.3 inches
Cargo Space:
17.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 3rd-row seat folded down:
87.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
171.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4521 lbs
Width:
90.4 inches
Height:
69.9 inches
Length:
204.3 inches
Wheelbase:
121.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.1 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4421 lbs
Width:
85.7 inches
Height:
71.6 inches
Length:
196.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat / Diamond Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Blue
Fathom Blue Pearl Coat
Gray
Baltic Grey Metallic Clear Coat / Ceramic Grey Clear Coat
Red
Red Hot Pearl Coat
Silver
Silver Mist Clear Coat
White
Bright White Clear Coat
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Not available
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Black
Slate Black