2024 Chrysler Pacifica

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. New for 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 road hazards.

Coming in 2025 will be a simplified trim line and a new Select model, a shift in the other trim structure packages,  and powertrain availability. For 2024 the  standard Pacifica is available in four models known as the Touring, Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle. Pacifica PHEV models are available in Select,  Premium, and Pinnacle trims with added options of an S Appearance or the Road Tripper Package. 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.  Also available is a Plug-in Hybrid version featuring 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 $39,645 for a Touring and climb to $57,425 for the Pinnacle AWD. Plug-in Hybrid models start at $51,250  for the Select and climb to $59,980 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 to 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 Pacifica Select PHEV Premium S Package and  here's what stood out...

Exterior (+/-)
The current model has maintained the same overall  design since it was launched in 2017 but did get a refresh in 2021. The test vehicle had the S Package version and came in a Silver Mist clear coat with 18" dark gray aluminum wheels, black badging and more. 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 tail lamp 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 (+)
The Pacifica Hybrid is powered by a 3.6L V6 engine and two electric motors backed up by a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery with a combined 260 horsepower. It is exclusively available with front wheel drive and is mated to a continuously variable transmission.  While the overall horsepower is less than the non-hybrid V6 (287 HP) the electrification gives it some zip off the line with estimates of a 0-60 time of 7.8 seconds. It seamlessly transitions between gas and electric modes without any hesitations or jerkiness. The added weight of the battery in the van seems to ground the Pacifica more, making you feel more connected to the road. The ride was extremely smooth, absorbing road imperfections and was very quiet. Even when transitioning from gas to electric, the noises are kept to a minimum. Be cautious of 16-year-old drivers who could easily sneak out with this van without making any noises as it rolls out of the driveway.

Unlike other plug-in hybrids that will let you choose which mode you'd like to drive in, the Chrysler chooses for you. For example, when I was driving the Volvo XC90 Recharge I had the option to select a pure electric mode for around town and then could save the electric power and drive it in gasoline mode on the highway.  In the Pacifica those choices don't exist, but you can adjust your driving while watching the gauges to be an eco-friendlier driver (more gradual in acceleration and less harsh on the brakes). Generally, the Pacifica has mastered this shift between electric and gasoline, so the average driver won't ever realize which mode they are in nor do they need to worry about making those drive mode choices while driving.

Fuel Economy (+)
The real value in this model is with the fuel economy. When the Pacifica Hybrid arrived with a full 19-gallon fuel tank, it displayed a range of 520 miles.  EPA estimates are 82 MPGe combined city/highway or 30 MPG if you're only using the gasoline. The all-electric range is 32 miles. Comparatively, the AWD gasoline version of the Pacifica I drove in had a combined rating of 20 MPG and when full offered a range of 300 miles. Charging time on the battery will vary depending on the source. In a standard 120V outlet at my house, it took approximately 10-11 hours to get its full charge, but when hooked up to a Chargepoint 240V quick charge station, that time frame was reduced to a little over two hours. After a week of my normal commuting and use of the Pacifica, I still had nearly 150 miles left in the tank whereas most vehicles ranges have been depleted and required a fill-up.

All-Wheel Drive (Non-hybrid only)  (+)
Adding AWD as an option to the Pacifica while maintaining the Stow 'N Go storage option is impressive; however, it is only available in the non-hybrid models. The three-piece drive shaft connects the power transfer unit and rear drive mode without affecting 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.

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. 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 (+)
Pacifica also offers 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 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 with 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. 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: 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Select PHEV Premium S Appearance
Exterior Color: Silver Mist
Interior Color: Black Nappa Leather
Notable Options: Paint ($195), Preferred Package 2ET ($5,995),  UConnect Theater ($2,995),
MSRP as tested (including delivery & processing fees): $64,205

Pros: Fuel economy, interior space, cargo capacity
Cons: Aging design, basic materials