Pros: Unique plug-in hybrid; versatile Stow ‘n Go seats; great entertainment features; attractiveness
Cons: No cheaper base trim; top trims and Hybrid are really expensive; less-comfy second-row Stow ‘n Go seats
Wow, does time fly by. The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica represents the eighth(!) model yr since Chrysler’s iconic minivan lineup was reborn under a single newish name with handsome styling, state-of-the-art features and a plug-in hybrid powertrain that provided unrivaled fuel economy for a three-row family vehicle. Seems Chrysler did a fairly bang-up job all those years ago, because for 2024, the Pacifica stays a totally competitive and appealing minivan that doesn’t seem long within the tooth.
True, the revolutionary Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid makes a more compelling case for itself since no competitor matches it. Even the superb, hybrid-only Toyota Sienna doesn’t offer the all-electric range of the Plug-In Pacifica. The superior fuel economy offered by each, nevertheless, is the important thing reason why they’re our top minivan decisions. We ultimately give the nod to the Toyota as a consequence of interior versatility and the Plug-In’s hefty price increase last yr (2024 pricing was not available on the time of this writing, but since when do cars get cheaper yr to yr?).
As for the usual, V6-only Pacifica, it still stands out from the pack with its user-friendly technology (for those up front and in back), attractive interior style, well-mannered driving dynamics, and unique Stow ‘n Go second-row seats you’ll be able to’t get within the hybrid. There’s loads to love, but then the identical may be said of the Sienna, Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey. The Pacifica might not be long within the tooth, but its competition has caught up or surpassed it in some respects, so cross-shopping is a must.
Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy
What it’s prefer to drive | Pricing & Trim Levels | Crash Rankings & Safety Features
What’s latest for 2024?
The Pacifica Hybrid has been officially renamed the Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid, however it’s at all times been a plug-in hybrid, so there’s nothing functionally latest about it. Its trim levels do get reduced by one, with a brand new Select trim level joining the carry-over Pinnacle. Speaking of that trim level, it gets a brand new exclusive “Sepia” interior color, with quilted leather seats accented with “Light Diesel stitching and Sydney Gray piping.” Fancy.
What are the Pacifica interior and in-car technology like?
The Pacifica interior is a beautiful place to spend time. It might not be as eye-catching because the Toyota Sienna or Kia Carnival’s car-like cabins, however it’s way more appealing than the Honda Odyssey’s frumpy appliance look. Up front, there’s loads of room to stretch out, and plenty of places to stash items inside easy reach. We’re especially fans of the large cupholders, that are large enough to accommodate two 32-ounce Nalgene water bottles side by side.
The cabin materials are nice, with good attention to detail. We were quite keen on the perforated leather seats, smooth leather steering wheel and attractive stitching in our long-term Limited test van, but things get even ritzier with the range-topping Pinnacle trim level that adds quilted leather seats and matching cushions for the second row.
As for tech, the UConnect 5 infotainment system’s quick responses and user-friendly layout are bolstered by a giant, 10.1-inch screen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless smartphone charging can also be available, while upper trim levels may be equipped with a rear-seat entertainment system that uniquely has screens mounted in each front seats somewhat than a single screen overhead (as within the Odyssey and Sienna). There’s also the available FamCam that lets those up front watch the children punching one another from the essential infotainment screen (it is a feature that ought to be offered on every sort of family-oriented vehicle). Bear in mind, though, that lots of the whiz-bang features are exclusive to upper trims.
How big is the Pacifica?
The Pacifica is largely the identical size on the surface as its minivan competitors. They’re all so big that an inch here or there really doesn’t make much of a difference. That goes for locating a big-enough parking spot after which maneuvering into it. Cargo space behind the raised third row can also be effectively equal amongst all of the vans.
Things change once you begin lowering seats, nevertheless. Every minivan has a unique second-row seating format, and the Pacifica’s claim to fame is the Stow ‘N Go captain’s chairs that fold into the ground (the 2 top photos below). This helps you to quickly transform your van from people carrier to stuff hauler without giving yourself a hernia lifting seats out. The downside is that the seats themselves aren’t as comfortable because the second-row captain’s chairs present in rivals – or those within the Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid (the underside two photos) below. That doesn’t have Stow ‘N Go because its battery takes up the underfloor stowage space. Principally, you get considerably more comfort for considerably less versatility – the seats also don’t slide as much as those in rival vans.
As for the Pacifica’s eight-passenger configuration, it adds a small seat between the captain’s chairs that does should be physically removed. It’s just like what you’d find within the Sienna, and due to this fact less versatile than what’s present in the Odyssey or the Kia Carnival.
What are the Pacifica fuel economy, electric range and performance specs?
The Pacifica’s standard engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired to a nine-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is an option. The Toyota Sienna is the one other van that gives AWD. EPA-estimated fuel economy was not available on the time of this writing for the 2024 model yr, but we doubt it will be significantly different than 2023’s estimates of 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined with FWD and 17/25/20 mpg with AWD.
The Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid, because the name now says, is a plug-in hybrid with an extra-large battery pack that may deliver 32 miles of all-electric range. That range is replenished by plugging it in – preferably right into a home charging station for quicker charging times. Nevertheless, once that all-electric range is depleted, the Pacifica Hybrid still acts as a daily hybrid (very like the Toyota Sienna) that uses each its electric motor and three.6-liter V6 to attain an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in combined driving. How much it ultimately saves you is determined by how much you’ll be able to plug in and utilize that all-electric range. Its total output is 260 hp.
What is the Pacifica prefer to drive?
The usual, gas-only Pacifica delivers ample power and on-road comfort, with steering and handling that do not completely ignore a driver’s preference for actually feeling what the automobile is doing dynamically. It behaves less like an appliance than the Honda Odyssey, as an illustration.
Where things begin to get really interesting is with the Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid. With the electrical powertrain’s low-end torque, it’s quick to get moving from a stop without drama. It’s supremely smooth and quiet when running on electricity only, which it may possibly do for 32 miles. With that quantity, it’s actually possible to do a day’s price of commuting, school drop-offs and errands – and the more you utilize that all-electric range, the less gas you utilize. As an added bonus, the Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid can also be the higher handling minivan because of its 568-pound battery pack positioned low within the chassis between the axles. It’s actually quite the surprising difference.
What other Chrysler Pacifica reviews can I read?
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2021 Toyota Sienna Comparison Test
We test the one two hybrid minivans, which also occur to be our top-recommended minivans. It was very close.
The saga of Autoblog’s Long-Term 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Autoblog tested a Pacifica Hybrid for one yr to get a greater idea of what it’s prefer to live with this unique minivan. Although this was a pre-refresh model, our observations remain broadly the identical.
2021 Chrysler Pacific First Drive | More features, higher van
The Pacifica received its only significant refreshed for 2021. We cover those changes here, including those made to its design, feature content and latest Pinnacle trim pictured below.
The Chrysler Pacifica has clever “Stow ‘n Place” roof rack crossbars
We highlight Chrysler’s modern and useful crossbars that stow throughout the roof rails when not in use.
Chrysler Pacifica’s FamCam is an incredible feature that should be in additional cars
The camera mounted within the ceiling and displayed in the middle touchscreen is a terrific feature, especially for those with kids still using rear-facing child seats.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Quick Spin | Dad tested, kid approved
Certainly one of the fathers on staff puts his large son within the Pacifica Hybrid for a real-world review.
2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid | Mountain road / fuel economy review
Our West Coast Editor put the plug-in minivan through its paces to see the way it fared with some actual elevation changes.
What’s the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica price?
Pricing was not available on the time of this writing, though we anticipate a slight increase over last yr. There have been big-time increases for 2023, particularly for the Plug-In Hybrid
The available trim levels may be seen below. Each adds more equipment than the subsequent, though the Pinnacle does include some extra-fancy interior trappings. There may be an S Appearance package, available on all however the Touring and Pinnacle, that adds dark exterior accents and wheels. The Road Tripper package, available on the Touring L and Select, adds gray exterior trim and wheels, all-weather interior mats, the trailer tow package and special graphics.
Touring
Touring L
Limited
Pinnacle
While the 2 Pinnacle trim levels are equally equipped, the Select is exclusive. It’s probably closest to the Touring L, but there are key omissions and additions.
Plug-In Hybrid Select
Plug-In Hybrid Pinnacle
What are the Pacifica safety rankings and driver assistance features?
Every Pacifica trim level includes full-speed forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking (detects pedestrians in addition to other cars), lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Safety Sphere Group adds front parking sensors, a 360-degree parking camera and a partially automated parallel and perpendicular parking system.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the gas-only Pacifica an ideal five stars for its overall, frontal and side crash protection. The Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid differs with a four-star frontal rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Pacifica a Top Safety Pick+ for its best-possible rating in all crash-protection and crash-prevention categories plus an “Acceptable” headlight rating.
This Article First Appeared At www.autoblog.com
