Consumer Reports and J.D. Power Agree on the Worst Minivan

Consumer Reports and J.D. Power offer two of the most well-respected opinions in the automotive industry. However, they don’t always agree on everything. For the minivan category, the two agree on one thing: the worst model. Consumer Reports and J.D. Power agree on the worst minivan, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica.

Consumer Reports worst minivan

A Chrysler Pacifica minivan model photoshoot taken in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Consumer Reports and J.D. Power call it the worst minivan.
A Chrysler Pacifica minivan | Christopher Evans/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images

Consumer Reports‘ worst minivan overall is the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica. In such a small segment, it seems like every model is very close. CR’s ratings reflect that for all but the Chrysler minivan. It rated four other models, the 2023 and 2022 Honda Odyssey, 2022 Kia Carnival, and 2022 Toyota Sienna. All four received the coveted “recommended” label from CR and are within a single point of one another for the overall score.

However, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica failed to impress. One of CR’s biggest gripes is reliability, which has been very poor historically. The publication also says the engine isn’t as refined as its biggest rivals, and its fuel economy could be better. At 21 mpg combined, the Pacifica’s fuel economy isn’t necessarily bad, but it’s much worse than other minivans. Finally, the hybrid version of the Pacifica loses Stow ‘n Go, which is one of most reviewers’ favorite parts of the minivan.

J.D. Power’s worst minivan

A 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Pinnacle minivan with in Fathom Blue Pearl driving on a snowy mountain highway
2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Pinnacle | FCA US LLC.

Similarly, J.D. Power ranked every minivan in its class ahead of the Chrysler Pacifica. Accounting for everything owners like or dislike about the model, JDP gave it a 68/100. Although that doesn’t seem too bad, the Toyota Sienna scored 79, the next lowest. Just like CR, JDP’s worst ratings are due to reliability. Unfortunately, customers do not have good experience with Pacifica models lasting a long time.

However, reliability isn’t the only thing owners dislike about the Chrysler Pacifica. J.D. Power also noted that getting in and out of the front seats isn’t as easy as it should be. Next, the rear seats aren’t comfortable, which is a significant problem for minivan owners looking for a comfortable family hauler. Notably, many customers also reported a poor dealership experience when buying from Chrysler.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica is the worst minivan

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Chrysler Electric Minivan Will Keep Pacifica Name

Overall, Consumer Reports and J.D. Power agree on where the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica ranks among minivans. The two experts think it’s not a great option for most buyers. Both outlets love the hybrid version much more and can’t say enough about the infotainment system. However, reliability, non-hybrid fuel economy, and overall comfort aren’t the Pacifica’s strong suit.

Although both reviewers are critical of the Pacifica, it’s one of only four genuine minivan options left. It isn’t easy to stand out from the others in such a small segment. Additionally, the Pacifica has excellent features like Stow ‘n Go, which gives owners tons of flexibility for the seating arrangement, allowing extra cargo space when necessary.

Consumer Reports and J.D. Power agree on the worst minivan

In conclusion, Consumer Reports and J.D. Power have the same worst overall minivan. Both reviewers agree it’s the worst option for buyers right now. Both rank the segment closely, but the Pacifica falls far behind opponents. Choosing the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica gets owners a high-quality infotainment system, convenient seating/storage, and excellent fuel economy in the hybrid version. However, poor reliability, comfort, and fuel economy for the non-hybrid make it the worst minivan.