2021 Chrysler Voyager
Starting at $29,655
Select a year
- Highs Bargain price, innovative storage cubbies, looks nearly identical to the more-expensive Pacifica.
- Lows Few frills, no standard driver-assistance features, Stow 'n Go seats not offered for second-row.
- Verdict This renamed and de-contented Chrysler minivan covers the basics but it sure doesn't pamper.
Overview
In case you didn't get the memo, the Dodge Grand Caravan is officially dead, leaving the 2021 Chrysler Voyager as the only choice for a budget minivan from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. And budget friendly it is, with a sub-$30,000 price tag and equipped with only the bare necessities. A cheapo version of the Chrysler Pacifica minivan, the Voyager is powered by a V-6 engine, offers room for up to seven passengers across three rows of seats, and provides ample room for cargo. While we haven't driven the Voyager, we know that it should deliver largely the same refined driving behavior as the Pacifica since they are essentially the same vehicle. A note to our Canadian readers: In the Great White North, the Voyager will be sold under the Dodge brand wearing the Grand Caravan moniker.
What's New for 2021?
Not much has changed on the Voyager for 2021, but Chrysler has improved the van's optional driver-assistance hardware to include updated radar and camera sensors which can detect pedestrians and alert the driver or attempt to mitigate an accident. The Voyager's suite of driver-assistance features remains optional for 2021, as part of the Safety Tec package.
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 that of the Kia Sedona and matches that of the Honda Odyssey, both 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 around $35,000 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 2021 Voyager earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but it wasn't named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 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 Toyota 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