Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Review

The Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid is Stellantis’s latest way to keep the minivan relevant. The minivan still suffers a stigma for not being cool, and the manufacturers still favor SUVs. But every time Napleton News get inside, we are reminded how innovative and practical they can really be. Did someone just say road trip? Hop in, and let’s hit it!

The Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid competes in what we would call a field of four. Their competition includes the Toyota Sienna, the Honda Odyssey and newcomer, the Kia Carnival. Each has their strong points, but the idea is to have a bunch of capabilities in one package. How does the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid measure up? Let’s take a look.

Just what is the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid?

The Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid is the only Plug-in Hybrid in the field. It receives motivation from a gasoline/electric powertrain made up of Chrysler’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine and a pair of dual electric motors that combine with a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery. Total power output checks in at 260 horsepower. There’s 262 lb-ft of torque delivered exclusively to the front wheels. If you have a need for all-wheel drive, you best look at the standard gas-powered Pacifica or one of  its competitors.

The Pacifica uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Using the lithium-ion battery alone, the Pacifica is good enough for 32 miles of electric power. According to the EPA, it should yield 520 miles on a full tank of gas. About mileage: the EPA states the Pacifica Hybrid can deliver a combined fuel economy rating of 30 mpg from the gas engine alone and an electric equivalent of 82 MPGe.

The Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid builds on the well-received and award-winning Chrysler Pacifica introduced in 2017. Six years later, it continues to look as graceful as it did when introduced by comedian Jim Gaffigan.

How does the Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid look?

It didn’t always look this way. At one time, the Pacifica resembled a gussied-up station wagon more than an SUV or minivan. The trouble was the Pacifica had a good name but not much else. That’s too bad, but it didn’t seem to connect with buyers. Chrysler thought it best to put the name on ice for a while. When it reappeared, the buying public seemed ready for it once again.

The Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid utilizes the same body as the standard Chrysler Pacifica. Here, it is a member of a class of one, being the only plug-in hybrid available in the minivan category. It’s a perfect look for those who have tired of the squared-off competitors in the segment. The Pacifica doesn’t make you feel closed off, either. There is plenty of glass throughout, as well as a double-paned panoramic sunroof.

Other than the “e” badging, a charge port in front of the driver’s door and Hybrid logo at the rear, there is very little to differentiate this Pacifica from the standard gas-burning model.

Interior Design

The interior of our charge was, as we have seen in other Chrysler Pacifica models, well-equipped with a nice array of high-quality materials. There was Nappa leather throughout, which didn’t look too different from what we see in Ferrari sports cars. At the front, In-car entertainment was handled by the award-winning Uconnect 5 Nav with an 8.4-inch display screen. It included Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay technology, and a 4G LTE Wi-fi hotspot. The Pacifica’s Active Noise Control (ANC) system kept most road noise outside the vehicle. The result was a very hushed ride.

Sounds were provided courtesy of Harman Kardon’s 20-speaker 760-watt audio system that was over the top as far as what we would expect in any minivan.

The Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid is available in three different trim levels:

• Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Touring L
• The Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Limited
• The top-shelf Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Pinnacle

But wait, there’s more!

There are loads of ways to add extra technology to your Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid. Our example was equipped with Park Sense front and rear park assist, a 360 Surround-view camera with a bird’s eye view of everything around the vehicle. There’s Adaptive cruise control to bring the Pacifica to a complete stop in heavy traffic. It’s joined by Chrysler’s full-speed forward collision warning plus, which slows you down as needed. The Pacifica’s lane departure warning system helped steer us between the lines, while parallel and perpendicular park assist with stop helped to halt the vehicle if it senses a car approaching from outside your field of view. The package is complete with advanced brake assist, automatic wipers and auto high-beam assist help to round out the package.

Behind the wheel.

Our time behind the wheel of the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid acquainted us with a smooth, quiet and satisfying ride that almost made us feel as though we weren’t in a minivan at all. Acceleration was brisk and subtle thanks to the CVT transmission. The entire powertrain performed flawlessly as we worked our way to and from our offices in electric hybrid mode. But the Pacifica Hybrid will kick up a racket when merging into fast-moving traffic. There’s no way around it; this is just how a hybrid works. Exercise some restraint, otherwise battery life will suffer.

But it’s not a total loss. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offers energy regeneration when applying the brakes. This helps to recharge the lithium-ion battery system. That’s why a test drive should be in your future if you are in the market for a hybrid minivan. Only then will you be able to determine if the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid serves your individual needs.

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Specifications

Type	Seven-passenger gasoline-hybrid minivan
Power	3.6-liter Gasoline V6 with two electric motor generators and lithium-ion batteries
Horsepower	260 horsepower
Torque	262 lb-ft of torque
Transmission	TourqueFlite EVT continuously variable transmission
Electric Range	32 miles
Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight	4987 pounds
Overall length	203.8 inches
Wheelbase	121.6 inches
Width	90.4 inches
Payload Capacity	1200 pounds
Cargo Capacity	140.5 cubic feet
Towing Capacity	Not recommended
Fuel Capacity	16.5 gallons
Mileage	30 mpg gas / 82 mpg-e (Miles-per-gallon-equivalent)