Issue was the tech, really small infotainment screen and just an old layout and design. Interior was also terribly cheap, as is the new Siennas interior. Old Sienna was also really loud inside on the highway.

New Sienna is superior to the old Sienna in every way but the powertrain.

To me styling in a minivan is one of the last things I look at. They’re all ugly, it’s just degrees of ugly. If I’m going to drive an ugly van, I may as well have the best equipped and laid out van for a family. My Pacifica I feel is one of the least ugly ones…but if I never had to look at it again that would be great lol

StownGo in the Pacifica is HUGE, that fact that you can just stow all or individual seats on the go like that is so great from a utility standpoint. That alone would sell me a Pacifica, but the PHEV in this review didn’t have that.

 

this was the height of GM when they were making terrible vehicles

 

Yeah the newer 3.5 VCM engines have many known issues even if the transmissions don't have the same level of issue they used to have. The Pacifica really only has two engine related issues that while severe should be caught during warranty quite easily.

I am doubtful that a turbo 4 hybrid driven by most people will last as long as an NA V6 due to user stupidity.

 

Most people aren’t buying minivans and driving them for 400,000 miles, I’m sure the turbo 4 will be plenty long lasting. The issues with the Pacifica and the Odyssey are electrical issues, issues with the doors binding and such, Pacifica has issues with the engine start stop like I had, PHEV Pacificas have driveline issues…

 

what does that mean? people driving one hard when cold? not changing the oil? ??

 

‘Turbos don’t last forever. Just another thing to break. A minivan is a family vehicle

 

Nothing lasts forever.

 

I shopped all 4 of these minivans 2 years ago. Even had a good deal on the then new Carnival but it went south when the dealer insisted on the execution of an arbitration agreement. A few days later I became aware of the existence of the Pacifica PHEV.

Although such a deal is not now possible, the Pacifica then was the least expensive (after rebates, tax credit, and dealer discount) yet had the most features by far. Other than worrying about its reliability, I really, really like it. Its limited electric mileage is perfect for running errands and the gas engine gets outstanding mileage. It's surprisingly quiet and rides superbly, helped by the additional down low weight of the battery pack.

One excellent feature of the Pinnacle is that the center console lid is large and tall and so serves as a great armrest.

 

Same, my only issue with the Pacifica is reliability. Other than that it’s a vehicle I would keep buying.

 

You are right. But, it’s one less thing to have not go wrong. Add in turbo, battery back, electric wiring, EV motor and then compare it to a basic V6 Sienna.. one has less to go wrong. As it is a family vehicle

 

But that basic V6 Sienna is gone. So you’re comparing a hybrid Sienna and the analysis is different.

I would rather have the V6 too but it’s just not going to be an option.

 

For sure. I just don’t think a turbo is required for the Sienna

 

Oh yeah, and then just shutting it off after a long highway heatsoak, using cheap oil with lazy intervals, ignoring "small coolant leaks" etc....I see it too often and it kills cars.

NA engines are more resistant to the stupidity of actual, average owners. People like us are fine but I have seen people move from NA cars to turbo cars and just drive them resulting in failures that were 1000% avoidable.


The worst by far are people who go from the "check engine light club" to a German car, they just keep driving it and are shocked when it dies BADLY. Most recent example is someone I repeatedly warned that his EA888 is a great engine but he MUST respect the CEL and fix the issue or it will bite him badly. He had a PCV leak that I diagnosed for him over FaceTime and then just freaking ignored it for TWO MONTHS. Ended up blowing out his rear main just like I told him it would and also the oil vapors locked up his intake runners. Total cost $4950 to fix all for a $20 PCV diaphragm that I TOLD HIM TO REPLACE THE DAY THE LIGHT CAME ON.

However the icing on the cake is the fact the dealer didn't even diagnose it correctly lol! They said the rear main went "on its own" from a "systemic issue" and they didn't even fix the root cause. The owner ended up fixing the original issue in the parking lot of a parts store with a screwdriver and 25 min of his time. That was all that was needed in the first place, well that and actually listening to me.....

 

If they go to a 4cyl it’s gotta have a turbo. NA 4 cyls just can’t motivate a vehicle like that.

The Sienna will stick to hybrid power only.

 

The Sienna has the 2nd performance