2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid vs 2027 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was a blend of efficiency and power, offering a range of powertrains including a turbocharged gas engine, a hybrid system achieving up to 36 mpg, and the robust Hybrid Max with 362 horsepower and full-time AWD. The Grand Highlander was available in several trims, from the base LE to the luxurious Platinum, with prices spanning from $43,855 to $61,770. The Platinum trim, which we reviewed, featured a Storm Cloud paint finish and a smart interior with a mix of leather and artificial suede upholstery. The design echoed the popular RAV4, providing a familiar yet grander aesthetic with seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The interior prioritized functionality, with logically arranged controls and a straightforward climate system, though the infotainment interface left room for improvement.

In contrast, the 2027 Chrysler Pacifica received a facelift that was not universally praised, with a sharper, more aggressive front end that some found less appealing than its predecessor's calmer design. The base LX trim retained a more reserved look, while higher trims featured a lit-up logo and new lighting signatures. The Pacifica maintained its handsome minivan profile, with a clean and modern rear design. Inside, the cabin remained largely unchanged from the previous year's refresh, offering comfortable seating with thoughtful storage solutions. However, the lower cabin materials were less refined, and the analog instrument cluster felt outdated compared to rivals' digital displays. Despite these drawbacks, the Pacifica's interior was practical and well-suited for family use.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max was built for performance, featuring a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electronic full-time AWD and two electric motors, delivering a total of 362 horsepower. This setup allowed the Grand Highlander to accelerate swiftly, with a traditional six-speed automatic transmission that avoided the droning typical of CVTs. While the Hybrid Max sacrificed some fuel efficiency for power, achieving 27 mpg compared to the standard hybrid's 36 mpg, it offered a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. During testing, the Hybrid Max averaged 23.3 mpg on mountainous routes and 26 mpg on a balanced city-highway drive. The ride quality was soft and isolating, though handling was secure only up to a point, with early tire squeal and understeer in curves. Visibility was excellent, aided by comprehensive camera systems, though the front camera's frequent screen takeovers were a minor annoyance.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica, powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, offered ample power for a minivan. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Pacifica provided a unique combination of V6 power and optional AWD, setting it apart from competitors. However, the engine's exhaust note was less refined, and the cabin was not well-insulated against noise. The Pacifica handled corners with composure, thanks to its low center of gravity and wide stance, but struggled with ride refinement on rough pavement. The discontinuation of the plug-in hybrid option left the V6 as the sole powertrain, with EPA estimates of 22 mpg combined for FWD and 20 mpg for AWD. Real-world testing showed lower fuel economy, with mountain roads yielding 15.5 mpg and highway driving averaging 24 mpg.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered spacious seating across three rows, with nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery, providing a luxurious feel. The second-row captain's chairs allowed for easy access to the third row, which was comfortable for adults and tall teens. However, the long rear doors posed challenges in tight spaces, and the lack of underfloor storage behind the third row was a minor drawback. Cargo space was generous, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.5 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica excelled in cargo versatility, with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row and a deep, tub-like space ideal for strollers and luggage. The Stow 'n Go seating system allowed the second and third rows to fold flat into the floor, offering over 140 cubic feet of cargo space without removing seats. This feature made the Pacifica highly adaptable for switching between passenger and cargo duties. Sliding side doors enhanced accessibility in tight parking spaces, and the Limited trim's second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom. Thoughtful storage solutions throughout the cabin maximized space efficiency, making the Pacifica a practical choice for families.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims, with higher trims offering a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services, though the interface had some usability issues. The digital voice assistant was responsive, and the Platinum trim included advanced features like a head-up display and a premium audio system.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica's technology was less advanced, with analog gauges and a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5. While the system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the graphics were underwhelming. The blind-spot camera system was a standout feature, providing live views during lane changes. Physical climate controls were user-friendly, and heated and ventilated seats were available on higher trims.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist and Proactive Driving Assist. While the safety tech was generally accurate, some features were occasionally intrusive. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but missed the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to headlight and frontal-impact ratings.

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The Enhanced Safety Sphere Package added useful camera systems for improved visibility. The Pacifica received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, but its IIHS ratings were mixed, with a Marginal score in the moderate-overlap front test, though it performed better than some competitors.