2025 Chrysler Pacifica vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander

Choosing your next family vehicle isn’t just about horsepower or badge recognition. It’s about how the vehicle supports your daily life—school runs, weekend road trips, and everything in between. Two standout choices for 2025 are the Chrysler Pacifica and Toyota Highlander. They both offer spacious cabins, a reputation for safety, and a variety of modern features.

Let’s break down how they compare across design, features, and performance so you can decide which one suits your needs better.

Design & Style

Chrysler’s Pacifica comes through with a clean, modern look that blends comfort with practical appeal. It features a wide stance, smooth curves, and available accents that give it a sleek road presence. What makes it even more practical are the power sliding doors—particularly helpful in tight parking spaces or when helping kids in and out of car seats.

Toyota’s Highlander, on the other hand, keeps to a traditional SUV silhouette. It sits higher off the ground, which may appeal to drivers who want a taller ride. However, third-row access can feel limited, and the cabin doesn’t offer the same kind of flexibility as the Pacifica’s versatile Stow ’n Go seating system.

Technology & Safety

Inside the Pacifica, the infotainment system is easy to navigate with its large touchscreen and responsive controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and USB charging ports are available for all rows, so every passenger stays connected. Rear entertainment screens, available on select trims, make long drives much more pleasant for young passengers.

Toyota equips the Highlander with solid tech as well. The base model starts with an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offer a larger 12.3-inch display. However, some features feel limited in function, especially in hybrid models where rear charging options are sparse. Both vehicles include a suite of driver assistance systems, though Chrysler adds a few helpful touches like an optional surround-view camera and built-in vacuum.

Performance

Under the hood, the Pacifica offers two distinct options. The standard model uses a 3.6-liter V6 for confident highway driving. For those looking to save on fuel, the plug-in hybrid version can drive on battery power for short commutes and then switch to gas for longer trips. This gives families the ability to cut down on fuel costs without changing driving habits.

Toyota’s Highlander comes with a 2.4-liter turbo engine that feels responsive but can sound rough under pressure. The hybrid model delivers better fuel economy, especially for drivers who spend a lot of time in traffic. That said, it lacks the electric-only driving option and quicker acceleration found in Pacifica’s hybrid version.

The Bottom Line

Each vehicle brings something useful to the table. Highlander works well for drivers who want the feel of a traditional SUV with strong fuel efficiency and well-balanced features. It's a solid option for smaller families or those who don’t often use the third row.

Pacifica, however, offers more space, easier access, and thoughtful features tailored to real family needs. With flexible seating, built-in tech conveniences, and the ability to drive using battery power alone in the hybrid model, it stands out as the more adaptable option for busy households.

Schedule a Test Drive Today

Looking to get behind the wheel? Come see us at Manahawkin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. We’re here to help you explore this standout vehicle in person. From comfortable seating to helpful tech, you can see how it performs during your own test drive.

We don’t just sell vehicles—we offer full support with service, repairs, parts, and financing. Whether you’re starting your search or ready to upgrade, our team at Manahawkin CDJR is ready to make the process smooth and stress-free. Reach out today and schedule your visit. Let’s find the right vehicle for your family.