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The Greenest Car of 2024 Isn’t an EVNew vs Used: Chrysler Voyager
The Chrysler Voyager is a rookie in the minivan market with a familiar name and even more familiar mechanics, but is it better to buy it new or used?
Introducing the Chrysler Voyager
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The Chrysler Voyager is a cost-in-mind family van that covers any basic needs a modern family may have. Chrysler took the lowest trim levels of the Pacifica minivan and branded it as the Chrysler Voyager. The first introduction to the Chrysler Voyager was technically in the 2020 model year, but the minivan is taking its name from the retired Plymouth model and everything else from the Pacifica, while replacing the Dodge Grand Caravan.
With no word on a 2022 Voyager, you should certainly be able to find a new 2021 or 2020 Chrysler Voyager, but is it better to buy a new Voyager, right now, or a used one? This is a unique comparison because there are only two trims available on either model year: a L and the higher LX. Both model years are nearly identical to each other. For example, a new 2021 Chrysler Voyager L offers the same features as a 2020 Chrysler Voyager L. The same can be said for the 2021 and 2020 Chrysler Voyager LX.
However, the Chrysler Voyager LX trim provides some modern amenities that a Chrysler Voyager L trim does not have, so what if we compare a used 2020 Chrysler Voyager LX to a new Chrysler Voyager L? A cheaper price for the used vehicle with more offerings? That sounds like a good deal. Is it? Below is a breakdown of the similarities and differences between the two model years and the two trims.
Specs
Both the 2020 and 2021 models (in both the L and LX trims) have the same 287 horsepower, 262 lb-ft. of torque, 3.6-liter V6 engine that the Chrysler Pacifica has. They’ve also got the same nine-speed automatic transmission. Available only in front-wheel drive, the 2020 and 2021 Chrysler Voyager both do a good job of efficiently using fuel. The L and LX trims on the 2020 Voyager gets 19 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. That’s not bad for a minivan and is comparable to the Chrysler Pacifica (obviously), the Honda Odyssey, and the Toyota Sienna. With the same engine and configuration, the 2021 Chrysler Voyager L and LX have the same gas mileage. No matter which trim or model year is purchased, those will be the specs.
Driving & Performance
Whether accelerating onto the Interstate for a road trip, slamming on the brakes in rush hour traffic, or going at a steady pace en route to drop the kids off at school, the Chrysler Voyager can respond accordingly. With 262 lb.-ft of torque, it can handle most driving situations. The suspension in the 2021 and 2020 Chrysler Voyagers makes for a comfortable ride, too. It’s a controlled drive and it’s also quiet. There won’t be a whole lot of road noise with either model year. Same story as before regarding the different trims. The same configurations mean that there’s no noticeable difference between the different model years or trim levels.
Comfort & Interior
Again, the 2020 Chrysler Voyager mimics the Pacifica in many ways. Of course, the Voyager, with cloth seats in black, gray, or beige, doesn’t have all the comforts of a Pacifica. The layout and much of the styling, however, is the same.
Both model years are only available in a seven-passenger configuration with a decent amount of seating for everyone. The second and third rows don’t have as much space as some competitors, but it’s not tight either.
Second-row bench seats are standard on all four trims from both model years, but captain’s chairs are available. Storage isn’t lacking in this minivan, regardless of which is being compared. The Voyager has 32 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Underfloor cubbies in front of the captain’s chairs are available in the LX trim, so that’s one tally in the LX column. The third row of the 2021 and 2020 Chrysler Voyager does have standard Stow ‘n Go capability, too. Trim doesn’t matter, as they all have that feature.
The design of the dash itself is simple enough. There are knobs for shifting and volume control. The screen is centrally located and easy to see, too. There is a lot of hard plastic, but it is a lower-priced vehicle, so that’s to be expected.
Trims & Features
A 2020 Chrysler Voyager LX is very similar to a 2021 Voyager LX. The same goes for a 2020 Chrysler Voyager L and a 2021 Chrysler Voyager L. The higher trims, however, naturally have more features because you’re paying more for them. But when comparing a used, higher-trimmed 2020 LX to a new, lower-trimmed 2021 L, you start seeing the differences.
The 2021 Voyager base L trim has dual-zone manual climate control, a manually adjustable driver’s seat, and third-row Stow ‘n Go seats. It also comes with a standard seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Heated side mirrors and cruise control also regularly come with the L trim.
A used 2020 LX trim offers tri-zone climate control with separate controls for rear passengers, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and additional in-floor storage bins for the second row. The row two passengers are treated to bucket seats, also making it easier for third-row passengers to make the journey back there. A Touring-tuned suspension should make the ride that much more comfortable as well.
Not forgetting about safety, the LX trim has automatic headlights, whereas the L trim does not. In either model year, the SafetyTec Group package is needed in order to get safety features like parking sensors, monitors, and alerts. A rear overhead DVD player is another add-on option. So is the Cold Weather Group package, adding a remote start, heated front seats, and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. Without the packages, none of those features are included in any model at any trim level.
Getting All the Amenities While Paying Less
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The 2020 and 2021 Chrysler Voyager, new or used (in the L or LX), is certainly affordable for a regular consumer looking for a no-frills (yet comfortable), dependable family van. The advantage with the Voyager is that either way you go, you’re getting a near-new vehicle or a brand-new vehicle. The only question that remains: just how much do you want to spend on the amenities?
One advantage to buying new is the warranty. A new 2021 Chrysler Voyager has a limited warranty that covers three years or 36,000 miles, and a powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles. Generally, the warranty does not extend to a second buyer when someone buys the vehicle used.
Another advantage in buying a new 2021 Chrysler Voyager, even if it’s the lower trim, is that you can pay more for add-on features. A buyer can opt for the SafetyTec Group package, which adds rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. Tri-zone automatic climate control will cost extra, but can be added. An overhead DVD player and SiriusXM satellite radio are two additional infotainment features available if you’re willing to pay a little bit more.
However, if you can find a used 2020 Chrysler Voyager LX with those features already included, and you’re OK with not having the warranty, you should be able to get a more functional, higher-quality used 2020 Chrysler Voyager LX for the same price as, or less than, a new 2021 Chrysler Voyager L. It’s not a bad option if you can properly line that deal up.
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