Used 2021 Chrysler Voyager

The 2021 Chrysler Voyager minivan is an attractive proposition for budget-conscious families seeking something stylish, spacious, practical, and comfortable.

There has to be a “but” though. The amount of features offered in the Voyager is pretty sparse compared with pricier yet more refined competitors like the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Chrysler’s own Pacifica.

Ah yes, the Pacifica. The Voyager is kind of new, but has a history. As a vehicle in its own right, this is its second year. Before that, the Pacifica was Chrysler’s only minivan. Then the lowest two trims were siphoned off to become the Voyager range.

Since the Dodge Grand Caravan has been discontinued, the Voyager is now the least expensive minivan from the whole Fiat/Chrysler group. Although the Dodge Grand Caravan name will still be used for Voyagers sold in Canada.

Even the most focused of drivers will have lapses of attention with a minivan full of kids, so it’s always worth having some driver aids that don’t care if Josh threw his empty juice box at Ginny. The Voyager can be optioned with active safety features like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking, but not lane-keeping assistance or adaptive cruise control. Rivals like the all-new-for-2021 Toyota Sienna have comprehensive sets of driver aids as standard.

At least the Voyager has a maximum overall score of five stars from crash tests carried out by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a clutch of top scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

With 262 lb-ft of torque, the V6 engine in the 2021 Voyager provides plenty of thrust for merging onto freeways, passing maneuvers, and going for gaps in the traffic. Chrysler’s 9-speed automatic transmissions have been hesitant in the past, but subsequent tweaks have improved their performance. The Voyager now drives how virtually every owner would desire: smooth, quiet, and comfortable. LX trim has the most pliant suspension settings.

Minivans aren’t obliged to follow any coupe-like styling trends or worry too much about aerodynamics. The Voyager, therefore, has a nicely elevated driving position and outward vision through the large glass areas is generally excellent.

The Chrysler Voyager seats seven. Two up front, two in the second row, and three in the back. This is preferable to an 8-occupant setup because it brings nicer accommodations to the second row and easier access to the third.

Standard cloth upholstery comes in black or brown. There’s plenty of open space and storage. Chrysler’s innovative Stow ’n Go seats that fold flat into the floor (rather than having to lift them out and store them somewhere) are in the third row. LX trim also brings some under-floor stowage in the second row. Cargo volume is a massive 32.3 cubic feet, even when all the seats are in place.

Up front, a futuristic-looking dash houses a standard 7-inch infotainment touchscreen surrounded by buttons and dials for temperature and audio functions. And a rotary dial for the automatic transmission frees up space in the front.

No powered sliding side doors, no powered tailgate, steel wheels (with covers) on the base L trim, sparse chrome touches, and black door handles. That’s what happens when a minivan like the 2021 Voyager costs relatively little. But as far as minivan design essentials go, like big windows and plenty of headroom for all three rows, the Voyager does the job.

The LX is brightened up by 17-inch alloy wheels and body-colored door handles. A roof rack is optional.

VALUE PRICING
For families on a budget (how many families aren’t?) or, say, an airport shuttle company seeking a minivan at a low price that looks more expensive than it really is, and still comes with useful tech and a decent engine, then the 2021 Voyager could be ideal.

PREPPED FOR MOBILITY
The 2021 Voyager comes ready to be converted by BraunAbility to offer easier access for passengers in wheelchairs or scooters. Enhancements can include a ramp-securement system, wider entries, and greater interior space.

The 2021 Voyager minivan comes in L and LX trim levels (there’s also a Voyager LXi trim, but that’s for fleet customers only). The base L trim has dual-zone manual climate control and a manually adjustable driver’s seat. But it also has heated side mirrors, cruise control, and an infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth streaming, USB port, auxiliary audio input, and a 6-speaker sound system.

It’s worth spending the extra $2,810 for the 2021 Voyager LX to gain a more comfortable suspension setup, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 3-zone temperature control (still manually adjustable, not automatic), ambient cabin lighting, satellite radio, 2nd-row stowage, and access to more options.

By all means, purchase a 2021 Voyager because it’s so affordable. Don’t scrimp on additional driver aids, though. Both trims are eligible for the SafetyTec package, adding blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path alert, full-speed forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection (a new feature for 2021), and rear parking sensors with automatic braking.

The L trim can be ordered with the 3-zone climate control. The LX offers a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with one overhead screen. It can also come with heated front seats, heated/leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a remote start function.

Chrysler’s excellent 3.6-liter V6 engine propels the 2021 Voyager with 287 horsepower. That’s a decent amount of muscle, slightly more than the Honda Odyssey, slightly less than the Toyota Sienna.

A 9-speed automatic transmission is standard, and front-wheel drive is the only configuration. The only minivans to offer all-wheel drive are the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica. Hybrid minivans are even rarer. Only the Chrysler Pacifica offers a plug-in hybrid variant.

3.6-liter V6
287 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
262 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/28 mpg