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- Highs Decent fuel economy, economical price, proven powertrain.
- Lows Power-sliding doors unavailable, no second-row Stow 'n Go seats, little visual differentiation from the Pacifica.
- Verdict This no-frills minivan may not provide a lot, but it's got you covered where it counts.
Overview
If you're looking for a bargain minivan but the ancient Dodge Grand Caravan doesn't appeal to your modern sensibility, Chrysler's got you covered with the Voyager. For the 2020 model year, Chrysler took the lowest trim levels of its Pacifica minivan, swapped the nameplate with one from an old Plymouth, and voila: The Voyager was born. If this van behaves anything like its 10Best-winning brother—and it should, because they're one in the same—we have no doubt it'll impress with a smooth ride and well-sorted powertrain, all at an economical price.
What's New for 2020?
The Voyager joins Chrysler's lineup for 2020, but we hesitate to call it "new." This seven-passenger minivan draws its name from a long-dead Plymouth model and everything else from the Pacifica.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Unless you're prepared to go with the barest-boned minivan on the market, we recommend you look at the LX. While neither trim provides much in the way of amenities, the LX at least offers a more compliant suspension tune than the L as well as automatic headlamps, aluminum wheels (instead of steel), three-zone manual climate control, and superior exterior lighting. Plus, if you want options such as remote start, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, satellite radio, and/or a built-in DVD player to entertain the kiddos, the LX is the only way to go.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Mechanically, the Voyager is identical to the Pacifica, using the same 287-hp 3.6-liter V-6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission to drive the front wheels. In our testing, the Pacifica managed a 7.3-second sprint to 60 mph. Given this van forgoes some of the features that weigh down its brother, the Voyager likely weighs less than the Pacifica and thus has the potential to beat that time. Don't hold your breath for a hybrid. Chrysler will reserve that powertrain for the pricier minivan in its lineup.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
We haven't had the opportunity to test the Voyager on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy loop, but for reference, the last nonhybrid Pacifica we tested achieved 31 mpg. The Chrysler vans both earn EPA estimates of 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The Voyager's 22 mpg combined score betters those of the Kia Sedona and Toyota Sienna and matches that of the Honda Odyssey, all chief competitors.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
As with the exterior styling, powertrain, and chassis, the Voyager's interior mimics that of the Pacifica, albeit with fewer creature comforts. You won't find leather seats, in-dash navigation, automatic climate control, or power-sliding side doors here. What's more, the Voyager provides Stow 'n Go capability only for the rear bench seats. If you want the second row to fold into the floor, you'll need to shell out at least $35,540 for the base Pacifica. You can, however, tuck away valuables in the underfloor cubbies in front of the captain's chairs if you opt for the LX trim. Behind the third row, the Voyager boasts the same 32 cubic feet of cargo volume as the Pacifica. So while we have yet to put this van through our practical space tests, we feel safe saying that the Voyager will be able accommodate what its brother could (i.e., 12 carry-on suitcases with the rear seats up).
Infotainment and Connectivity
Chrysler provides a 3.5-inch digital display in the gauge cluster, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the center stack, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a six-speaker audio system with active noise cancellation. Either trim level provides Bluetooth streaming and integrated voice control, but only the Voyager LX allows for SiriusXM radio. Need to entertain the little ones? A rear-seat overhead DVD player can be had on the LX for $995.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
The Voyager achieved a five-star rating—the highest possible—from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in each of its crash-test measures. Chrysler attributes the van's crashworthiness, at least in part, to the abundance of high-strength steel in the Voyager's body structure. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has yet to test the Voyager, but the Pacifica performed well in most areas. Looking for driver-assistance features? You won't find many in the Voyager and nothing of the like is offered as standard. Key safety features include:
- Available rear parking sensors with rear automated emergency braking
- Available blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Chrysler's warranty coverage is fairly typical for the class. The Sienna offers more value here in the form of a two-year/25,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance plan.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
