Chrysler dug into its bag of retired nameplates to bring us the 2020 Chrysler Voyager. Typically, we would call this an all-new vehicle for the United States partner in the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles family, but in truth, it’s not. What Chrysler has done is peel away the Pacifica’s lower L and LX trim levels, joining them with a new fleet-only LXi trim to create a more affordable, more approachable minivan for budget buyers.
Those remembering Chrysler’s Plymouth brand should also recall Voyager was its nameplate for the budget-priced member of the Plymouth Voyager-Dodge Caravan–Chrysler Town & Country minivan family. Chrysler shut down Plymouth in 2001, well before its acquisition by Italy’s Fiat. In streamlining brand model lineups after forming the FCA venture, the Town & Country was totally redesigned for 2017, and renamed the Pacifica. FCA’s model strategy also calls for the eventual elimination of the Dodge Grand Caravan.
The issue with discontinuing the Grand Caravan, however, is that Dodge sold more than 150,000 Grand Caravans last year. Putting that in perspective, Honda sold 106,000 Odyssey minivans and Toyota 88,000 of its Sienna. The Voyager, it seems, is teeing up to appeal to the Dodge minivan buyer when FCA eventually takes the plunge, terminating Grand Caravan.
Because Chrysler, at this writing, has yet to post pricing for the Voyager or the Pacifica, we don’t know how prices will compare. What we do know by a quick study of the standard and optional features lists for the 2020 editions of the Voyager and the Pacifica, is that Pacifica has more standard content, as well as more available options. We also know that if you like the way Pacifica looks and performs, you’ll like Voyager.
What’s New for 2020?
Voyager is a new nameplate for Chrysler. See the 2020 Chrysler Voyager models for sale near you
What We Like
- Looks like a Pacifica
- Drives like a Pacifica
- Easy-to-use infotainment technology
- Third-row Stow ‘n Go seats
What We Don’t
- Limited driver-assist/safety features only available in an option package
- Only fleet grade has second-row Stow ‘n Go seats
- Practically no options
How Much?
Prices to be announced
Fuel Economy
Powering the front-wheel-drive Voyager is a 3.6-liter V6 engine with automatic start/stop producing 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It works alongside a 9-speed automatic transmission. Voyager government-estimated fuel economy has yet to be announced, but the Pacifica’s mileage with the same powertrain is 19 miles per gallon in the city, 28 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in combined driving.
Standard Features & Options
The 2020 Chrysler Voyager comes in L, LX and fleet-only LXi trims. Chrysler has yet to announce prices. We expect them to be less than the Pacifica’s and begin close to last year’s Pacifica L trim (maybe even less) that was $27,235 before adding the $1,495 factory destination charge.
Standard in Voyager L are 17-in steel wheels with covers, fold-away power heated outboard mirrors, dual-zone manual climate control, a 12-volt power outlet, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, a trip computer, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, cloth seats, a second-row bench seat, third-row Stow ‘n Go seat, eight airbags, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and the Uconnect 4 interface with a 7-in touchscreen, a 6-speaker audio system, voice command, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a USB port. Options include tri-zone manual climate control.
To the L’s standard gear, the LX adds Touring-tuned suspension, automatic headlights, 17-in aluminum wheels, tri-zone manual climate control, redundant steering wheel-mounted audio controls, an 8-way power driver’s seat, second-row quad seats with in-floor storage bins and satellite radio capability. Options include a roof rack and a rear DVD player.
Only available to fleet buyers, the LXi adds power-sliding side doors, a roof rack, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, second-row retractable sunshades, full-length floor console, a universal garage-door opener, leatherette seats, second-row Stow ‘n Go bucket seats, Auto Advance ‘n Return driver’s side second-row seat and a security alarm. Options include 8-passenger seating, a power rear lift gate, a second-row DVD player and KeySense for added parental control.
Available on all grades is the Safety Tec Group with ParkSense rear-park assist with full stop, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Available on the LX and LXi trims is the Cold Weather Group with heated front seats and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Safety
Voyager has the usual required safety systems, like electronic stability control and a rearview camera. It also provides eight airbags, including knee airbags for front-seat occupants. An option package with ParkSense rear-park assist with full stop, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert is available on all grades.
Although we can’t say for sure how third parties might rate the Voyager’s safety, the Pacifica received the top ratings for overall, frontal and side crash protection in government tests. The non-profit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named Pacifica a Top Safety Pick for its performance in various crash protection and prevention tests. However, we suspect the Voyager won’t earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick because of its lack of driver-assist/safety features.
Behind the Wheel
The Voyager breaks no new ground. It is the spitting image of the Pacifica inside, outside and from the driver’s perch. That’s not a bad thing. It means it drives like a big sedan, has plenty of get up and go, and is seriously comfy. There’s a lot of cargo room behind the third-row seat. However, when people aren’t your primary cargo, the third row folds into the floor providing significantly more than double the 32 cu ft. of cargo space with all three rows in place. Sadly, you’ll have to step up to Pacifica to get the popular second-row Stow ‘n Go seats because only Voyager’s fleet LXi trim offers it.
The Voyager is an ideal people mover with loads of passenger space. It offers only the minimum in connectivity technology, but its Uconnect 4 interface system is easy to operate and does include a touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Other Cars to Consider
2019 Dodge Grand Caravan— Although somewhat dated, this minivan still packs a lot of value and has many features Voyager lacks.
2019 Kia Sedona — A terrific value in the minivan arena, the Sedona is also car like in its performance and enjoys that impressive Kia powertrain warranty.
Used Toyota Sienna — The Sienna brings Toyota quality to the minivan segment. It performs well, is comfy and provides loads of technology.
Autotrader’s Advice
For families on a budget, the Voyager is a modern solution to moving your clan from place to place. Budget constraints being what they are, we’d suggest sticking with the L trim and then ponying up the extra cash for the Safety Tec Option Group with its extra safety technology. Find a Chrysler Voyager for sale
