Chrysler’s hybrid minivan leads way
Yet another first underscores just why this company continues to own the segment
This SoCal beach community proved the ideal location to launch the all-new Pacifica PHEV last weekend.
It’s a place that wears sustainability on its sleeve; you could fit a dozen surfboards in the cargo hold of the minivan; and, well, that large body of water to the west of the Pacific Coast Highway? That’s the Pacific.
And while many of the beach-goers and surfers were impressed by the fleet of gleaming Pacificas parked at the Malibu Pier for a lunch stop, few if any of them could know that they were glimpsing a piece of motoring history.
In the long history of minivans — it’s been just over three decades since Chrysler invented the segment — there has never been an electrified one. Until now.
On the one hand, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Chrysler — or FCA as it calls itself now — is at the forefront of breaking new minivan ground. After all, the automaker has been the unabashed leader of the oft-bashed segment since 1984. Today in Canada, seven out of every 10 minivans purchased is an FCA model.
On the other hand, it can be considered quite surprising, as FCA is very late to the electrification dance. Only the most diehard Chrysler fans will remember the company’s first-ever toe-dip into the hybrid pool, the short-lived 2008 Aspen and Durango models. Apart from that, there’s only been the Fiat 500e in the company’s battery-powered stable.
The Pacifica PHEV (or plug-in hybrid) is a very big deal for the company, and for consumers. Particularly those in the minivan market. Why? Well, first is the ‘Pacifica’ part of ‘Pacifica PHEV.’ Apart from a big battery pack, a couple of electric motors, a newfangled electric transmission and some minor exterior and interior cosmetic changes, this vehicle is identical to the Pacifica minivan that debuted earlier this year as a 2017 model. Positioned to ‘reinvent’ the minivan segment, it is the most awarded minivan of 2016. And for good reason. It has great styling inside and out (not necessarily hallmarks of the minivan segment), excellent utility (those clever stow-n-go second and third rows), state-of-the-industry on-board technologies (particularly when it comes to entertainment features for second- and third-row occupants), and seating configurations of either seven- or eight-passengers.
Simply put, a great family hauler. The only knock against it, as my colleague David Booth rightly pointed out, is a price that brings a handful of luxury SUVs into the conversation (but more on that later).
The second reason is the ‘PHEV’ part of the ‘Pacifica PHEV.’ With a reported all-electric range of 48 kilometres, a full-tank range of 850 kilometres and a city driving economy rating of 2.9 litres equivalent per 100 kilometres, the Pacifica PHEV is designed with a family budget in mind. And the sacrifices are minimal. With a combined horsepower rating of 260 from the two electric motors and a 3.6-litre V-6, the Pacifica PHEV has just 17 less ponies than the gas-powered model.
The PHEV’s CVT transmission is smooth to a fault, and is as good a gearbox as the gas-powered’s ninespeed shiftable automatic.
The only real compromise with the hybrid centres around the second-row seats. Just two individual seats are available — as opposed to the three-seat bench option in the gas-powered Pacifica. And there is no stow-n-go option for the second row, due to that fact that the PHEV’s big lithium-ion battery pack — a whopper at 16 kWh — is located under the second row seats. So, as with the competition, you have to manhandle the second row seats out, one at a time, to create the full cargo space. As with the gas-powered Pacifica, the third row seats are stow-n-go.
The only other compromise is that FCA recommends the Pacifica PHEV not be used for towing. The gas-powered model is rated to 1,630 kilograms.
In terms of charging up the battery pack, the vehicle comes with a Level 1 charge plug, and FCA reports a depleted-to-full charge time of 14 hours. Pick up a Level 2 charge cord and that drops to around two hours. Level 3 charging — or ‘fast charging’ — is not available.
Now, back to my colleague’s point about Pacifica pricing.
Mr. Booth, a.k.a. Motor Mouth, opined with outrage (is there any other kind when it comes to Motor Mouth?) back in March that the rumoured Pacifica PHEV could touch $60,000, based on price points for the then-just-announced gas models. He was close as the price of the 2017 Pacifica PHEV is $56,495.
However, in the three provinces that currently offer government incentives for electrified vehicle purchases, the price is very competitive.
And thanks to that big battery, the Pacifica PHEV qualifies for the full amount in all three jurisdictions. (I can just hear another Motor Mouth coming ...)
For instance, in Ontario, with the full $14,000 off the sticker price, the price is a super competitive $42,495. In B.C., with $8,250 subtracted, $48,245; and in Quebec, minus $8,000, just $48,495.
And, it should be noted, the Pacifica PHEV comes loaded up in just one trim level, called Platinum, that includes as standard such things as a 360-degree surround-view camera and park assist. To get similar packaging in the gas-powered trim, you’re looking at the Limited edition, with a starting price of $52,995.
The sole option available on the PHEV is a stunning tri-pane panoramic roof.
And at just $1,795, well worth the add-on as it fills the cabin with light, which is particularly important for those third-row passengers. Often those seats in a minivan feel like a dungeon. Not with this sunroof.
Driving Impressions
Our drive route took us from the heart of L.A. in Culver City, through West Hollywood, along Santa Monica Boulevard then onto Pacific Coast Highway to the Malibu Pier. Then it was up some canyon roads for an hour or so then back to the PCH and a drive back into the city.
So, a good mix of city, highway and twisty driving.
As advertised we got about 48 kilometres of all-electric driving to start the trip, which made for whisper quiet and super smooth experience. Plenty of power underfoot, and the handling in city traffic was quite impressive. It might look like a big vehicle but it certainly doesn’t drive like one.
When the V-6 kicked in, the transition was smooth and almost unnoticeable. Some PHEVs change personality when the carbon fuels take charge, but the Pacifica’s electric transmission — designed and built by FCA specifically for the minivan — kept this very civilized.
Even under hard acceleration, cabin noise was far from obtrusive, and likewise wind noise at speed was hardly noticeable.
Ergonomics for the driver and front passenger are also first-rate, with easy-to-use controls and easy-to-understand gauges. As with all PHEVs, there is a number of hybrid-related driving screens you can scroll through to see where the power is going and coming from.
All things considered, an electrified minivan just makes sense. And as the first one to come to market, the 2017 Pacifica PHEV has set the bar very high.
Once again, when it comes to the minivan segment, FCA is leading the way.