When researching wheelchair-accessible vehicles, organizations often compare minivan-based conversions like the Chrysler Pacifica from BraunAbility with full-size walk-in vans such as the MoveMobility P3. Each vehicle is built for different use cases, passenger needs, and accessibility goals.
It’s not easy to understand the differences between the vans without a side-by-side comparison.
The Chrysler Pacifica is a Side Entry commercial minivan conversion by BraunAbility. The P3 is a Side Entry commercial van with a patent-pending conversion design by MoveMobility, built on the Ram Promaster.
To help you understand the pros and cons of each accessible van, we’re pleased to share a comparison. MoveMobility manufactures the P3 van, but we believe that the Pacifica is also a great option. Our goal is for you to understand the options so that you can make an educated decision.
Compare the BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica vs. MoveMobility P3
Overall Van Features
| BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica | MoveMobility P3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle type | Chrysler Pacifica | Ram Promaster Low Roof 136″ Wheelbase (smallest model of full-size van) |
| Conversion type | Side entry minivan-based, low-floor conversion | Side entry, power or manual ramp with power opening transit doors |
| Operation | Ramp-based access (manual or powered) | Power ramp and power doors can be operated from driver dash. Manual ramp is operated by driver. |
| Barrier-free entry | Up to 57″ door height (varies by model) | Yes; door and ramp can be operated by driver for independent mobility access |
| Flexible floor system | ~98″ long, ~34″–59″ wide (depending on model) | Yes; full flexibility for wheelchair and seat layouts with AutoFloor |
| Seating type | Removable front, flip-down, foldable bench | Lightweight, wipe-clean removeable seating on wheels |
| Door type | Side-entry (Infloor, Foldout, XT); Rear-entry | Powered bus-style transit leaf doors, operated from driver dash |
| Ease of curb access | Infloor (flat); foldout (deploys onto curb); rear (requires space behind) | Driver pulls up beside curb (glass doors allow curb visibility from driver seat), opens door and deploys ramp from dash |
| Fuel economy | 19 MPG City, 28 MPG highway, Combined 22 MPG | Ram Promaster 1500: 19 MPG City, 25 MPG Highway. Combined 21 MPG* |
Van Dimensions and Capacity
| BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica | MoveMobility P3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger capacity | Up to 6 passengers (varies by configuration) | Up to 8 |
| Wheelchair capacity | 1–2 wheelchairs | 3 |
| Ramp width & capacity | Up to 34″ wide, 1,000 weight capacity | 34” wide, 600 lb manual ramp/1,000 lb powered ramp |
| Door opening height | Up to 57″ (depending on model) | 57” |
| Interior height | Up to 60″ (XT model) | 63.5” |
| Usable length of floor space from back of driver area to rear of vehicle | Approx. 98.5″ | 118” |
| Vehicle length | 204.3″ (17 feet) | Approx. 213″ |
Van Availability and Budget
| BraunAbility Chrysler Pacific | MoveMobility P3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Location of manufacture | Stellantis’s Windsor Assembly, Windsor, Ontario | Winnipeg, MB and Mississauga, ON, Canada |
| Purchase/delivery process | Dealer-guided financing and conversion steps | Manufactured and delivered to your location from MoveMobility’s Winnipeg and Mississauga facilities |
| Availability | Relies on chassis being sent to BraunAbility by a dealer, or BraunAbility having stock | Relies on MoveMobility’s vehicle inventory dedicated to P3 manufacturing |
| Typical lead time (at time of publish) | Currently unavailable | 10-16 weeks* |
| Approximate price range | $45,000–$90,000 for new van | $142,000 to $180,000 |
As you can see, comparing the Pacifica to the P3 is like comparing apples to oranges. While the vans are similar in exterior size, they offer different levels of accessibility.
Whether the Pacifica or P3 is right for you will depend on:
When you need a van
The Chrysler Pacifica’s availability depends on dealer stock and manufacturer lead times, which can vary by model and location.
P3 vans are in stock at MoveMobility and available for conversion with shorter lead times.
If you need flexibility for wheelchair and seat layouts
The Pacifica offers some flexibility, including removable front seats and options for mid-row seating or wheelchair securement.
The P3 features a full AutoFloor system, allowing you to reposition seats and wheelchairs anywhere along the cabin.
Passenger and wheelchair capacity needs
-
Chrysler Pacifica: Up to 6 passengers or 1–2 wheelchairs, depending on layout
-
P3: Up to 8 passengers or up to 3 wheelchairs, with custom options available
Long Term Benefits vs. Short Term Cost Difference
When comparing vehicles like the Chrysler Pacifica and the P3 Walk-In Van, it’s important to balance short-term costs with long-term value.
The P3 starts at approximately $142,000, which may be than a converted Chrysler Pacifica, depending on the configuration. While the Pacifica offers a lower entry price, the P3 may deliver greater long-term benefits, such as higher passenger and wheelchair capacity, full interior flexibility, and walk-in accessibility.
If you’re working within a tight budget or need a smaller vehicle for individual transport, the Pacifica might be a suitable fit. But if your service model involves growing ridership, multiple mobility devices, or evolving transport needs, the P3’s added capacity and adaptability could result in greater efficiency and service coverage over time.
Choosing the right vehicle depends on your program’s current needs and future goals, including capacity, layout flexibility, availability, and budget.
Recommendation for BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica/MoveMobility P3
Now that you have compared the different options for small side entry accessible vans, you may a better idea of which small to mid-size side entry van is best suited for your organization.
If you still aren’t sure what type of accessible van your program needs, contact us at 844-951-3808 or by clicking on the button below.
