Compare the2024 Chevrolet TraverseVS 2024 Chrysler Pacifica

The Traverse has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The Pacifica doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Traverse Z71’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The Pacifica doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

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

The Traverse (except LS)’s optional driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Pacifica doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Traverse and the Pacifica have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, 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, available all wheel drive and front parking sensors.

The Traverse’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Pacifica’s (6 vs. 5 years).

There are over 20 percent more Chevrolet dealers than there are Chrysler dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Traverse’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Traverse first among midsize suvs in their 2024 Initial Quality Study. The Pacifica isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Chrysler vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 136 more problems per 100 vehicles, Chrysler is ranked 30th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Chrysler vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Chevrolet 10 places higher in reliability than Chrysler.

The Traverse’s standard 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 68 more horsepower (328 vs. 260) than the Pacifica Hybrid’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6 hybrid. The Traverse’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 41 more horsepower (328 vs. 287) and 64 lbs.-ft. more torque (326 vs. 262) than the Pacifica’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6.

On the EPA test cycle the Traverse AWD gets better fuel mileage than the Pacifica 3.6 DOHC V6 AWD running its gasoline engine (19 city/24 hwy vs. 17 city/25 hwy).

Both the Traverse and the Pacifica have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. All Traverses have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily. The Pacifica Hybrid doesn’t offer a way to disable start/stop.

The Traverse FWD’s standard fuel tank has 2.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Pacifica Hybrid’s standard fuel tank (19.4 vs. 16.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Traverse AWD’s standard fuel tank has 2.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Pacifica’s standard fuel tank (21.7 vs. 19 gallons).

For better traction, the Traverse has larger standard tires than the Pacifica (255/65R18 vs. 235/65R17). The Traverse’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Pacifica (275/45R22 vs. 245/50R20).

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

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Traverse has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Pacifica. The Traverse’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels optional on the Pacifica.

The Chevrolet Traverse’s wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Chrysler Pacifica only has 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

For better maneuverability, the Traverse’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the Pacifica’s (39 feet vs. 39.7 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Traverse has a 1.4 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Pacifica (6.8 vs. 5.4 inches), allowing the Traverse to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Traverse Z71’s minimum ground clearance is 2.4 inches higher than on the Pacifica (7.8 vs. 5.4 inches).

The Traverse has 2.5 inches more front headroom, 3.2 inches more front legroom, .4 inches more rear headroom and 2.5 inches more rear legroom than the Pacifica.

Pressing a switch automatically lowers the Traverse RS’ second and third row seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Pacifica doesn’t offer automatic folding second row seats.

Maximum trailer towing in the Chrysler Pacifica is limited to 3600 pounds. The Traverse offers up to a 4997 lbs. towing capacity.

While the Pacifica Hybrid is not recommended to tow, any Traverse can tow a minimum of 1499 pounds.

Trailer Sway Control is standard on the Traverse, using the StabiliTrak® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the Pacifica and isn’t available on the Pacifica Hybrid/Touring.

The Traverse 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.

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

On a hot day the Traverse’s driver can lower all 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.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Chevrolet Traverse LT/Z71/RS has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the front center console. The Pacifica doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Traverse (except LS)’s optional Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Pacifica (except Touring)’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park.

The Chevrolet Traverse outsold the Chrysler Pacifica by 3001 units during 2023.