Is the Chrysler Pacifica bigger than the Dodge Caravan?
Yes. The Chrysler Pacifica is larger in exterior dimensions and generally offers more interior space than the Dodge Caravan, a nameplate that has been discontinued in most markets. The Pacifica remains FCA’s current three-row minivan, while the Caravan is no longer sold as a new vehicle in the United States.
To compare the two, we look at overall exterior size (length, width, height) and usable interior space. The Pacifica represents the modern, longer, and wider minivan in Chrysler’s lineup, whereas the Caravan existed in older generations with smaller overall footprints. Below is a concise look at how they stack up on size and space.
Exterior size comparison
Below are the key exterior dimension differences between the Chrysler Pacifica and the Dodge Caravan era models.
- Length: Chrysler Pacifica is about 203.7 inches long, giving it a longer profile on the road.
- Width: Pacifica sits around 79.1 inches wide, making it noticeably wider than many Caravan generations.
- Height: Pacifica stands around 69.9 inches tall, with variations depending on roof racks and trim.
- Wheelbase: Pacifica’s wheelbase is roughly 121.6 inches, contributing to interior space and ride quality; Caravan generations tended to have shorter wheelbases, around the 119-inch range depending on model year.
In terms of exterior footprint, the Pacifica generally presents a longer and a bit wider stance than the Dodge Caravan did across its various generations. The longer wheelbase on the Pacifica also translates to more interior legroom and steadier highway cruising.
Interior space and seating
When considering interior space, the Pacifica is designed to maximize passenger comfort and cargo flexibility, while the Caravan’s older configurations offered competitive minivan seating but with a smaller overall footprint in some generations.
- Pacifica seating: Typically 7 or 8 passengers, with options for captain’s chairs in the second row and a versatile third row.
- Pacifica cargo behind the third row: about 32.3 cubic feet, expanding to roughly 87.5 cubic feet behind the second row and up to around 140.5 cubic feet with all rows folded.
- Caravan seating: Also offered for 7 or 8 passengers depending on year and trim, with flexible seating similar to other minivans of its era.
Overall, the Pacifica tends to provide more usable interior space in recent years, particularly behind the third row, and benefits from a longer wheelbase that helps with ride quality and interior comfort. The Caravan, while practical for its time, comes from generations that were often more compact in either overall length or interior volume.
Availability and model status
The Dodge Caravan nameplate has been discontinued in regular production in the United States for several years. The modern minivan lineup for FCA focuses on the Chrysler Pacifica (including a plug-in hybrid variant) and, in some markets, the Voyager badge as a lower-cost option. In practical terms, if you’re shopping new minivans today, the Pacifica is the current base for FCA’s three-row minivan offering, while the Caravan is not in active U.S. production.
Summary
Bottom line: the Chrysler Pacifica is bigger than the Dodge Caravan in terms of exterior dimensions and interior space, reflecting the shift to a larger, more flexible modern minivan. The Caravan lives on in automotive history as a predecessor to today’s minivans, but it is no longer sold as a new vehicle in most markets. For buyers seeking maximum interior capacity and the latest features, the Pacifica remains the current standard in FCA’s minivan lineup.
