Back in 1984, Chrysler launched a new category of vehicles they called a minivan and now 40 years later that minivan still exists as one of the segment leaders, albeit a smaller segment these days. As we approach 2024, Chrysler offers a few updates to the Pacifica that include:
* Pinnacle models get an exclusive new sepia interior color.
* Red Hot and Baltic Gray are new exterior colors.
* Hybrid models will be available in two trims known as Select and Pinnacle
* S Appearance, Premium S Appearance and Road Tripper Package content is optional on the Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Select model
* Emergency Vehicle Alert System (EVAS) feature of the Uconnect connected-vehicle platform gives drivers cluster and touchscreen in-vehicle notifications of an active fire truck, ambulance, or other nearby roadway hazards.
The standard Pacifica is available in four models known as the Touring, Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle. Under the hood of the new Pacifica are two options. Standard is a 3.6L V6 VVT engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission that gets 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. of torque. A Plug-in Hybrid version features a dual motor electronically variable transmission that is paired with a modified version of the 3.6L V6 that gets 260 horsepower. Prices start at $39,090 for a Touring and climb to $55,875 for the Pinnacle. Plug-in Hybrid models start at $53,425 for the Select and climb to $62,155 for the Pinnacle. The minivan segment has shrunk in recent years and now is left with three additional players to the Pacifica which include the Kia Carnival, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna.
Chrysler continues to innovate with more standard safety features than any vehicle in the industry and is the only brand to offer a Plug-in Hybrid minivan which delivers more than 80 miles per gallon equivalent with an electric range of around 32 miles. While many fear the purchase of a minivan, as it's often a significant milestone for a parent, they truly make life easier for a growing family. As a family of five at home, we welcomed the chance to drive the new Pacifica for a week and put it through a true family test. This time, we were treated to the Road Tripper model that made an appearance at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show, here's what stood out...
Road Tripper Package (+)Designed to celebrate the ultimate family hauler for a road trip, the Road Tripper package adds to the Pacifica's already impressive list of features with standard a Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available Uconnect Theater with Amazon Fire TV and more. On the exterior it gets subtle cues with Luster Gray graphics outlined in orange. The 20-inch wheels (18-inch wheels on the Hybrid) are also Luster Gray, as are the center caps, which carry a Brilliant Orange Chrysler wing badge logo. The semi-gloss Granite Crystal Chrysler wing badges on the front grille and rear liftgate are also highlighted by Brilliant Orange center inserts. Semi-gloss Granite Crystal accents the front fascia and grille trim, as well as the door moldings, door handles and mirror caps. Gas models also come with the Trailer Tow package that is capable of towing up to 3,600 pounds... enough to haul a pop-up camper or decent sized boat. Rounding out the package is a roof rack compatible with a range of carriers. This package is available in three colors, Bright White, Brilliant Black and Ceramic Gray. The Road Tripper package is available on the Pacifica Touring L at a MSRP of $2,395, the Touring L AWD at an MSRP of $2,095 and on the Pacifica Touring L Hybrid at an MSRP of $1,495. While there's nothing ground-breaking about the package, it does combine some of the most needed options for a family that travels into one package.
Exterior (+/-)The current model has maintained the same overall design since it launched in 2017 but did get a refresh in 2021. The test vehicle was a Limited AWD version and came in a Ceramic Gray clear coat with 20" Luster Gray aluminum wheels. This color/wheel combo looked sporty and contemporary. Chrysler offers six different colors to choose from along with a variety of wheel choices depending on trim. Up front, the Pacifica's grille is larger with a 3D diamond styled grating. The headlights offer standard LED lighting and are more squared off giving the Pacifica a more utility looking front end. Around the back the taillamp runs the entire width of the rear hatch which is further enhanced with an LED lighting signature giving it a modern flare over the previous design. While it's generally aged well, the competition has all since been overhauled making the Pacifica the oldest design of the segment.
Performance / Handling (+)Off the line, the Pacifica offers decent acceleration, and the ride is smooth on the highway. Its 287 horsepower is enough to propel it from 0-60 MPH in about 7.3 seconds, average for the class. Both the Honda Odyssey and Kia Carnival feel more powerful. Nonetheless, it is sufficient to get this minivan moving on the highway and in passing. It's well-composed and grips the road. The Pacifica feels smaller and nimbler than some of the competition. Road noise is minimal as Chrysler has tightened the gaps, upgraded the glass, including acoustic front side glass and windshield on higher trim models. Steering is precise and overall, this van is easy to drive making it a great daily driver or road trip vehicle.
All-Wheel Drive (+)Adding AWD as an option to the Pacifica while maintaining the Stow 'N Go storage option is impressive. The three-piece drive shaft connects the power transfer unit and rear drive mode without effecting interior space/storage. The AWD system provides added traction when needed. The system doesn't use a standard lock button, instead it will activate automatically and seamlessly when the van detects slippage. The system is smart and will engage based on a variety of signals such as outside temperature, use of windshield wipers, heavy acceleration, and the aforementioned slippage. As a driver, you just need to focus on driving and let the van do its job.
Fuel Economy (+)The Pacifica runs on regular grade fuel and is rated at 17 MPG City, 25 MPG Highway, 20 MPG combined on the AWD models. When full, the gas tank will provide a range of approximately 300 miles in a 19-gallon tank. During my week of primarily suburban driving, I averaged 17 MPG. Opt for the plug-in hybrid for more efficiency. The Pacifica PHEV offers a range of 520 miles with EPA estimates of 82 MPGe combined city/highway or 30MPG if you're only using gasoline. The all-electric range estimate is 32 miles.
Interior (+)As you might expect, the interior space is the real value of the Pacifica. While Stow 'N Go has always been Pacifica's primary bragging feature inside, it now offers a lot more for consumers to take a second look. Drivers face a twin dial cluster separated by a digital display that can be customized to show just about anything related to the van. The gauge cluster is trimmed in chrome and is highlighted by a blue ambient lighting that gives it a very upscale and modern vibe. Chrysler also includes steering wheel controls for audio, cruise control, voice commands, and some driver assist features. All are clearly marked and easy to understand.
For the front passengers, the Pacifica offers a 10.1" touchscreen at the center of the dash that is paired to Chrysler's new Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The materials are soft to the touch with the layout being both functional and elegant. Below the large touchscreen are the volume control knob, driver assist controls, and climate controls. The Pacifica utilizes a rotary dial for shifting gears and while the knob itself is nice, the placement of it relative to the volume control knob is questionable. These are likely two of the most used knobs in the van and they are separated by only an inch or so, quite often I found myself unintentionally grabbing the shift knob instead of the volume. If Chrysler were able to move that volume knob up near the infotainment screen, this would be a non-issue.
The Pacifica also has an available panoramic moonroof that stretches over the second-row passengers. Third-row passengers can get a fixed position glass roof to further brighten the interior.
Technology (+)The Uconnect system integrates and connects wirelessly to both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also has the feature to connect two phones simultaneously with Bluetooth capability which is nice for long road trips. Uconnect also brings Amazon Alexa capabilities into the van as well. Customers that utilize Amazon Alexa at home can ask Alexa to start the van or lock/unlock the doors from inside the house. For busy parents, these little things make all the difference... imagine asking Alexa to warm up your van on a cold winter morning and to unlock the doors so the kids can load their backpacks all while you're collecting everything you need to leave the house, without forgetting the coffee in the microwave.
The convenience doesn't stop there though, Chrysler has a FamCAM interior camera that is easily accessible on the touchscreen. The camera provides a high-definition view of every seat in the second and third row. For parents with infants that are still rear facing in their car seats, this is pure genius. Parents can see exactly what their children are doing (or not doing) with the touch of a button and even can zoom in on a single seat. The Pacifica also offers a variety of USB ports, including Type C ports which will allow devices to charge four times faster than standard USB ports. In total, the Pacifica has 12 USB ports (a mix of Type A and Type C) so that everyone's device can be fully charged.
The interior features continue in the Pacifica with a class-exclusive Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system with two 10.1" seatback touchscreens. In addition to offering USB ports for devices, the system offers a variety of games without the need for Wi-Fi or a subscription. My kids immediately flipped these screens up and started playing Are We There Yet, a License Plate Game, Tick Tack Toe, and even practiced some math. The Pacifica also offers Harmon Kardon premium audio to create your own theater in the back of the van. With the cabin being extremely quite due to the use of acoustic front glass on Limited and up trim levels, the sound is very impressive.
Amazon Fire TV (+)New to Pacifica is the addition of Amazon Fire TV which gives passengers access to their favorite shows, movies, streaming apps, unique vehicle features and Alexa. Amazon Fire TV integrates directly into the Uconnect 5 and Uconnect Theater system, allowing parents to limit and select content. Passengers can view Amazon Fire TV in high definition from the rear seats and, when the vehicle is in park, the driver also can view Amazon Fire TV on the main first-row Uconnect 5 screen. An Amazon Fire TV remote provides control of the experience and includes push-to-talk access to Alexa, making it easy to find and quickly play shows. The remote includes a button that connects Amazon Fire TV with the Uconnect 5 system for control of vehicle features, such as climate, maps and more.
Cargo Capacity (+)Cargo capacity is one of the primary reasons many opt for the minivan over a crossover. No matter how hard they try, mid-size crossovers just can't match the cargo versatility of a minivan which is crucial with small children and all the things that come with them. Chrysler's Stow 'N Go storage system is exclusive to the class with a floor that opens with easy access for additional storage. This system accommodates the second-row seats which collapse into the floor when needed. The Pacifica offers 32.2 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded flat, and a maximum capacity of 140.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down. These are good numbers for the class.
Seating (+)The Pacifica will accommodate seven or eight passengers depending on the configuration. There's plenty of space for all passengers with good head, leg, and shoulder room. Base Pacificas come standard with cloth upholstery, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. Step up in trims for available synthetic or genuine leather, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats and a power folding third row.
Access to the third row is relatively easy via a handle on the top of the second-row captain's chairs which fold the seats forward. The second-row seats are fixed and do not slide forward and back. Third row seats can accommodate adults although the ceiling height feels lower than competitors, likely because of the higher floor in the Pacifica to accommodate Stow 'N Go. The third-row seats do recline backward at the touch of a button. As an added plus, Chrysler has incorporated a Stow 'N Vac vacuum system into the Pacifica which can be accessed from the driver's side behind the second row. Features like this prove Chrysler knows its audience and is very useful for a quick vacuum of those spilled cheerios.
Safety (+)Safety continues to be a priority for Chrysler with over 98 standard features and 117 standard and available safety and security features. Features across the lineup include things such as LED lights, pedestrian automatic emergency braking (PAEB), forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane sense lane departure warning and much more. As daylight in Chicago is minimal in the winter, I appreciated the LED lighting as they provide better visibility in addition to looking good when lit up. The new PAEB system works with the latest generation of radar, forward camera, and braking system to activate when a pedestrian is in the path. The system works similarly to collision mitigation systems for vehicles, but this system is fine-tuned to apply the brake even when it's a pedestrian in the path. Most of the driver assist features such as the park assist, lane departure warning, auto start/stop etc. can all be adjusted to driver preferences or turned off completely. For a full list of safety technology, visit www.Chrysler.com.
Final Statement:With a heritage as deep as the Pacifica's, there's a lot packed in this van. The current styling looks good and provides buyers the more utility look that is trending but is also starting to show some age. Packages like the Road Tripper cater to families with all the key necessities included in one van. Inside, the feature list goes on and on with things that appeal to its target audience like wireless mobile phone integration, built-in vacuum, stow & go storage, Amazon Fire TV, and much more. The Pacifica has aged well and should continue to be on your list if you're looking for a family hauler, especially the class exclusive plug-in hybrid variant.
First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L AWD Road Tripper
Exterior Color: Ceramic Gray
Interior Color: Black Caprice Leatherette
Notable Options: Paint ($495), Preferred Package 27L ($1,195), Road Tripper Package ($2,095), UConnect Theater ($3,995), Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof ($1,595)
MSRP as tested (including delivery & processing fees): $54,895