What is Bigger Ford Explorer XLT or Chrysler Pacifica?

Ford Explorer XLT 2.3 EcoBoost 2022

Finding the right vehicle for your family comes down to balancing space, comfort, and practicality. The Ford Explorer XLT and the Chrysler Pacifica are two top contenders, each catering to different needs. The Explorer, a versatile SUV, is known for its rugged design, advanced technology, and family-friendly features. The Pacifica, a trusted minivan, is celebrated for its spacious interior and practical layout. Both are designed with families in mind, but their approaches to comfort and functionality set them apart. Let’s explore how they compare in terms of size and practicality.

Chrysler Pacifica vs. Ford Explorer XLT: Design Features

The Ford Explorer XLT and Chrysler Pacifica are designed with different types of families in mind. The Explorer leans into its rugged SUV personality, standing tall with a bold design that feels ready for adventure. Meanwhile, the Pacifica keeps things sleek and practical, with smooth lines and a focus on making life easier for your busy family.

Exterior Dimensions

When it comes to size, the Ford Explorer XLT and Chrysler Pacifica show their differences.

Here are the Ford Explorer XLT’s dimensions:

Here’s how the Chrysler Pacifica measures up:

While the Pacifica is longer, the Explorer’s taller height and SUV build make it appear more substantial on the road. The extra height in the Explorer comes in handy, especially for passengers in the third row, creating a roomier feel inside. Meanwhile, the Pacifica’s added length and width work wonders for its interior layout, offering more elbow room.

Ground Clearance

Ground clearance plays a big role in how each vehicle handles different terrains. Here’s how high you’ll ride in these SUVs:

The Explorer’s higher ground clearance is a big plus if you deal with snow, dirt roads, or rougher terrain. It’s built for families who want a vehicle that can handle more than just smooth pavement. Meanwhile, the Pacifica sits lower to the ground, making it easy to get in and out of — especially helpful when wrangling kids or loading groceries. In the end, the Explorer is great for versatility and tackling tougher conditions, while the Pacifica is all about a comfortable, easy-to-use option for city and suburban life around Bakersfield.

Interior Space

The Ford Explorer XLT and Chrysler Pacifica are both family-friendly vehicles, but they approach seating and comfort in very different ways:

The Chrysler Pacifica is great if you have a larger family, offering space for up to 8 passengers. Its wide, open interior feels roomy, especially in the second row. However, the Explorer XLT’s second-row captain’s chairs (if selected) bring a luxury that’s harder to find in a minivan, offering more legroom and making the cabin feel more upscale.

Third-Row Access and Comfort

Accessing the third row is easy in both vehicles, but they offer slightly different experiences. The Ford Explorer XLT stands out with its taller design, giving passengers more headroom in the back and making the third row feel less cramped. Its second-row seats slide and fold effortlessly, allowing for smooth access to the rear.

The Pacifica’s lower step-in height makes it easy to get in and out, which is a big plus for kids or anyone with mobility concerns. However, the third row is a bit tighter than the Explorer, which may be fine for kids but less comfortable for adults on longer drives.

When comparing the Ford Explorer vs. Chrysler Pacifica, it’s clear that if you’re looking for premium comfort and more space in the third row, the Explorer XLT might have the edge. Meanwhile, Pacifica’s ability to fit an extra passenger makes it ideal if you have a larger family.

Cargo Capacity

When it comes to cargo space, both the Chrysler Pacifica and Ford Explorer XLT offer ample room, though each takes a slightly different approach to meeting your family’s needs.

Here’s how much cargo space the Ford Explorer XLT provides:

In comparison, here’s what the Chrysler Pacifica has to offer:

While the Pacifica offers more overall cargo space, especially when the seats are folded down, the Explorer still provides plenty of room for your everyday needs. The Explorer’s 87.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space offers a generous area for luggage, sports gear, or groceries.

Ease of Loading

The Pacifica’s lower cargo hatch (24.3 inches) certainly makes loading easier, but the Explorer’s higher lift-over height (31.1 inches) is worth noting if you need to carry larger items. While the Explorer’s lift-over height is a bit higher, it’s designed with ruggedness in mind, offering ample cargo space and the capability to handle more challenging roads and weather conditions with ease.

Other Key Features

The Ford Explorer XLT offers a robust towing capacity of 5,300 pounds (with the Class III Trailer Tow Package), making it ideal for towing larger loads. In comparison, the Chrysler Pacifica has a towing capacity of 3,600 pounds. The Pacifica also features sliding doors for easy access, especially in tight spaces. Meanwhile, the Explorer XLT has power-fold seats, and its SUV design enhances maneuverability and parking ease.

Experience the Ford Explorer XLT at Jim Burke Ford

The Ford Explorer XLT and Chrysler Pacifica differ in how they prioritize space. The Pacifica provides impressive cargo room, thanks to its minivan design. In contrast, the Explorer XLT combines generous passenger space with the versatility of an SUV, making it the perfect choice for comfort and capability. If you’re in search of a vehicle ready for adventure, the Explorer XLT stands out. Visit Jim Burke Ford in Bakersfield, California, to explore our inventory along with the Explorer XLT and experience its spacious interior. We also have flexible financing options, so schedule the test-drive today.

Ford Explorer XLT 2.3 EcoBoost 2022 by RL GNZLZ is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0