2023 Chrysler Pacifica: A strange incident occurred as everyone was preoccupied with the newest rugged-looking crossover vehicles. The utilitarian minivan that was once derided for smelling like compromise and crayons matured. To transport the whole family as comfortably as possible, minivans like the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica began to provide options often seen in high-end luxury vehicles, such as diamond-stitched leather upholstery and seat-back displays with almost every streaming service under the sun.
Despite having more excellent passenger and baggage rooms than almost every SUV, just four domestic minivan models are left, each with a unique focus. The Kia Carnival, which is relatively new, has the lowest base MSRP and the most extended warranty in its category. The Honda Odyssey offers a similar interior room, providing a superior driving experience with a more car-like ride and driver input. Those worried about long-distance fuel efficiency would choose the hybrid powertrain in the Toyota Sienna. Although Sienna’s interior is significantly smaller and less adaptable, its best-in-class combined fuel economy of 36 mpg is challenging to ignore.
However, the Pacifica is the only minivan to offer a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version, enabling it to do in-town errands without stopping at the gas station. The PHEV version can drive up to 32 miles on electric power before the gas engine engages. This sets the Pacifica apart from the new Sienna, a conventional hybrid with no plug-in charging capability. The Pacifica has good handling because of the battery’s low, central location in the chassis, and it has ample power with its 3.6-liter V6 and two electric motors, which provide 260 system horsepower in total.
From its Stow’ N Go seats that fold flat into the floor to the FamCam that allows you to zoom in on any seat in the back, the Pacifica offers numerous ingenious features and choices. Our top-tier Pacifica Hybrid Pinnacle tester featured not one but two high-definition TVs in the back—it cost $60,067 as tested, including destination. In a Rolls-Royce Cullinan was the last time I sat in a quilted leather seat, closed the door, and watched anything on a big screen immediately before me. To be honest, Pacifica’s onscreen visuals are more modern.
The Pacifica has a remarkable array of active safety technologies as standard equipment, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, and automated emergency braking with pedestrian recognition. Parallel and front park assist features, as well as a 360-degree surround view camera, are all included in the Pinnacle trim, which has even more helpful technology that makes parking simpler than ever. Anyone who has used a smart TV will immediately recognize the optional back entertainment system built on the Amazon Fire TV. You may choose the Pacifica with up to 12 USB connections to keep electronics charged and prepared to travel.
A significant modification in 2021 keeps the Pacifica current despite being mostly unaltered until 2023. A new UConnect 5 infotainment system, all-wheel drive as an option, and slimmer, more upscale styling were all part of Pacifica’s 2021 makeover. The Pacifica distinguishes itself as a reliable option in a small but competitive sector, particularly if you have access to a plug at home or the office to use the PHEV powertrain.
Performance: Chrysler Pacifica
The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 from Stellantis, which can be found in everything from Jeep Wranglers to Dodge Challengers, is used in both variants of the Pacifica. Since its debut in 2011, the model year, the engine has established itself as dependable for the firm and with good cause.
The V6 generates 287 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque while operating in a non-hybrid configuration, sent via a nine-speed automated gearbox. This edition offers both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrains. Coupled with two electric motors, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 in the plug-in hybrid variant is somewhat detuned and produces 260 horsepower. The hybrid Pacifica is not much slower than the regular Pacifica. The continuously variable gearbox (CVT) used in the PHEV variant transfers power solely to the front wheels.
The Pacifica Hybrid prioritizes using up its electric-only power when its 16-kWh internal battery has a significant charge, despite lacking a selectable EV-only mode. Our Pacifica Hybrid tester started the internal combustion engine when it had only 4% of its order. The changeover between the two power sources is seamless except when the radio is turned off. The main drawback is that when driving, it doesn’t recover much power. The battery could only recharge to a maximum of 1% without being plugged in after being almost completely discharged.
This does not imply, however, that the driver favors the Pacifica above other vehicles in its class. While our Pacifica Hybrid had strong power and reliable handling, it rode more bouncy and like a truck than many contemporary unibody crossovers or rivals like the Honda Odyssey.
The hybrid’s brakes also had a soft pedal feel; I had to watch the dashboard’s regenerative braking indicator to see whether the needle was dipping as I used the brakes. Other Forbes Wheels writers have discovered that although non-hybrid minivans’ brakes don’t perform better or worse than the other minivans, they give a more sumptuous feel and feedback. In addition, conventional and hybrid Pacificas tend to roll back on steep inclines since the gearbox doesn’t keep it in place for as long as you would anticipate.
Range, energy consumption, fuel economy, and charging:
Purchasing the Pacifica Hybrid seems like a no-brainer if your van is mainly used for shorter intra-city journeys and you can access a plug at home or work. With an EPA range of 32 miles and an MPGe rating of 82, it can easily do most in-town errands without stopping at a petrol station. While it may be difficult for more adventurous drivers to go 32 miles, most of my chores were too short to push this length. Just be sure to charge it up beforehand—which, regrettably, takes time.
On a 240-volt Level 2 charger, the 16-kWh battery of the Pacifica Hybrid can be fully charged in around two hours. Please don’t count on using the Pacifica Hybrid’s electric-only driving capabilities much on an extended road trip since it lacks a fast-charging option. Nevertheless, it still achieves a respectable 30 combined MPG.
With the all-wheel-drive model, the non-hybrid Pacifica only manages a slightly worse 22 mpg combined, 19 cities and 28 highways, which is still a respectable performance for the category. Except for the hybrid-only Toyota Sienna, which offers combined city and highway ratings of 36 mpg, this is comparable to most other vehicles in the class.
Safety and driver support technology:
According to Chrysler, the Pacifica offers the most industry-standard safety features. The van’s impressive and capable suite of technology is standard equipment on even basic versions, and it includes features like automated emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, and blind spot warning.
No matter the trim, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) awarded it a five-star crash rating, indicating that it is an extraordinarily safe car. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2022 model a Top Safety Pick+ grade despite not having evaluated a 2023 model. We anticipate the 2023 Pacifica will maintain its current status and see no changes.
The highest Pinnacle specification includes a 360-degree camera and front parallel and perpendicular parking assistance ($55,580 in non-hybrid, front-wheel drive configuration). Although our Pacifica Hybrid Pinnacle tester’s cameras were unobstructed, everything else, including the adaptive cruise control, worked without a hitch.
Comfort and Space
There is enough legroom for every passenger in the Pacifica, which is available in seven- and eight-seat configurations. Everyone entered and exited the van without difficulty during my testing. The vehicle’s multi-zone climate control allowed the back seat and front passengers to choose their temperatures independently of the driver. Heat and ventilation options are available for the two front seats, making them cozier for a cross-state drive in below-freezing temperatures.
The Pacifica Hybrid only includes third-row Stow’ N Go seats due to the hybrid battery’s location in the center. Still, the second-row captains’ chairs are designed to be completely simple to remove if necessary. The Stow’ N Go system’s one drawback is that the seats have less cushioning, making folding them neatly into the floor easier. Therefore these captain’s chairs are more comfortable than the stow-away seats.
Second-row captain’s chairs in my test van are as comfortable as many front seats, and they come with matching leather lumbar pillows that you can put anywhere you like—or, if you’re eight years old, use to start a small pillow battle. The second row’s lack of heat and ventilation options and the absence of a pop-out leg rest made them less abundant than some of the seats offered on the Kia Carnival or Toyota Sienna. However, the quality of the diamond-stitched leather was on par with far more costly automobiles.
The Pacifica’s ride is a touch bumpy, which might be problematic for those prone to motion sickness while attempting to watch a movie on one of the onboard Amazon Fire TV displays. However, the Pacifica offers a fantastic overall package if your family isn’t a die-hard Dramamine household.
Infotainment: Chrysler Pacifica
Chrysler’s most recent UConnect 5 infotainment system, which offers a responsive interface and a reasonable learning curve, is used in the Pacifica. A 10.5-inch touchscreen, as well as conventional buttons for the radio and temperature control, are located on the dashboard. You can utilize Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with a wired or wireless connection since they come standard. The most excellent part of Alexa is that it can be used as a push-to-talk system for both the driver and the passengers. Additionally, it frequently recognized my voice.
The Pacifica’s optional UConnect Theater system, powered by Amazon Fire TV, adds two seatback-mounted displays in front of the second row, each with a pocket for the remote beneath. Its user interface is similar to that of many contemporary intelligent TVs, simply keeping the backseat passengers entertained on long rides. It has an integrated Blu-ray player plus HDMI and USB connections for any other media users may wish to connect, and it can stream several well-known services like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video through Wi-Fi.
You may sync the two displays to view the same item simultaneously if you’d like. Passengers can listen via the van’s sound system or their headphones. Up to 12 USB connections are accessible, one for each row, so the whole family can keep their electronics charged on extended road journeys.
Storage & Cargo Space:
A minivan is often purchased for its spacious inside, and the Pacifica excels. With the back two rows either folded flat or removed, the rear has enough room to transport complete sheets of plywood. The third row of the hybrid Pacifica is the only row for which Chrysler’s Stow ‘N Go seats are available, making it quite simple to store them out of the way.
The third row of seats is best because it creates a deeper space for cargo that is more hidden from view from anybody who may be curious enough to peer through the rear window. Despite wishing there had been a cargo cover for the back, this pit managed to transport all of my Christmas gifts and luggage for a weekend journey to my mother’s house for the holidays. (Excuse me, Mom. You must be reading this, I know. Not another plant. I destroy plants.)
The Pacifica features 32.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is significant for a three-row vehicle when broken down numerically. Without the two back seats, the Pacifica provides a massive 140.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity when the third row is folded flat, increasing to 87.5 cubic feet. The cargo-champ Carnival measures 40.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 86.9 behind the second row, and a maximum of 145.1 cubic feet, even if those statistics are similar to those of the Odyssey and Sienna.
Design: Chrysler Pacifica
Although it is obvious what it is from the exterior, the Pacifica avoided dressing up as an SUV like the Kia Carnival in favor of a sleek, appealing, and contemporary van appearance.
Most of the interior’s components seem sturdy and ready to withstand the worst damage that small children can dish out, and it is stylish enough to match many of the premium cars we’ve tested.
Is the Chrysler Pacifica worth it?
The competitive starting MSRP of $38,615 (including $1,595 destination) for the primary 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Touring may be significantly increased by higher trims, extras, and PHEV models.
Price increases are corresponding for the Touring L ($42,230), Limited ($49,95), and Pinnacle ($55,580), while the Pacifica Hybrid Touring L begins at $52,090, about $10,000 more than its non-hybrid cousin. Given that the $37,470 basic model Toyota comes equipped with a non-plug-in hybrid powertrain, it is a lot to ask. Moving up the price scale, the highest Pinnacle trim of the Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Limited begins at $61,590. However, that excludes any state or federal tax credits for which the Pacifica Hybrid could be eligible.
The PHEV offers the best of both worlds in that regard, allowing for gas-free commuting for short, daily chores while still being able to handle long road trips due to the gasoline engine. It just has a high upfront cost.
The Pacifica Touring L is our top pick in light of this. AWD ($2,995), a panoramic sunroof ($1,695), and Navigation ($3,995, albeit as part of a package) are just a few of the luxuries it brings. More crucially, however, it makes numerous optional extras accessible. The Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Touring L is the sweet spot if your calculations show that the Plug-In Hybrid will benefit you in the long term.
Finally, it’s challenging to think of a good reason not to spend the extra money on the Pacifica Pinnacle if you really must have the Cadillac, oh, sorry, Rolls Royce of minivans. The Pinnacle offers incredible luxury value, starting at $55,580 for the gas model and $61,590 for the hybrid.
How Much Will Insurance Chrysler Pacifica Cost?
The Pacifica is in the middle of the pack regarding insurance rates for minivans. Our statistics show that a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record may anticipate an average yearly premium of roughly $1,857, although this moderate covers all 50 states. In contrast, the Honda Odyssey costs $1,875, and the Toyota Sienna costs $1,984. The price of the Kia Carnival is a little higher, at $2,291.
Verdict
With remarkable features that approach those of high-end luxury cars yet are crammed into a roomy minivan cabin, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica delivers an attractive overall package for families on the go. The Pacifica includes several distinctive features, including a plug-in hybrid powertrain, a passenger entertainment system based on Amazon Fire TV, and Chrysler’s simple-to-use Stow ‘N Go seats that fold flat into the floor. The Pacifica Hybrid seems like the vehicle with up to 32 miles of electric-only range since that distance was sufficient to do most of our small, in-town errands without stopping at a gas station.
