Top-notch fuel economy doesn’t come any larger than this
When considering a new minivan, the focus is usually on how many bodies will fit inside and how much gear you can load.
The Chrysler Pacifica is a winner in that regard, but the newHybrid model raises the bar to greater heights with fuel efficiency that’s normally reserved for much smaller gasoline-electric models.
The Chrysler division of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) could certainly use a shot in the arm these days. With the demise of the short-lived 200 midsize sedan, only the full-size 300 four-door and the new-for 2017 Pacifica remain. Fortunately, the Pacifica appears to be single-handedly reviving the flagging fortunes of the minivan category and is more than holding its own against the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona.
Chrysler just didn’t install any-old hybrid system in the Pacifica; it went one step further and developed a plugin version. The result is a sliding-door carry-all that can travel up to 33 miles on battery power alone and has a claimed maximum driving range of 566 miles.
The official combined city/highway numbers are 84 mpg equivalent in electric mode and 32 mpg when the gasoline engine is operating. The electric range should be enough for most folks to commute to and from work using little or no gas, while still being able to take the family on a weekend trip and back again on a full tank of gas.
Charging the lithium-ion battery pack takes about two hours using a 240-volt (Level 2) charger that’s available for home use from Chrysler, or most commonly found in public-parking areas. The alternative is plugging in to 120-volt household current, but a recharge could take up to 14 hours. Charging status can be monitored using a smartphone app.
Outwardly, the Pacifica Hybrid appears identical to the non-hybrid, which is to say that it’s arguably the best-looking minivan in its class. The Pacifica is also generously sized, being slightly longer and wider than the Odyssey, Sienna, or Sedona.
TheHybrid’s interior is also equally pleasant, with plenty of room up front and easy access to the second and third rows, thanks to the extra-wide side doors.
Drivers also benefit from a unique touch-screen display that shows what power systems are functioning and when the regenerative brakes are feeding energy to the batteries. Yet another gauge monitors your driving efficiency to help extend the Pacifica’s range as far as possible.
The second-row under-floor “Stow ’n Go” seats only come in non-hybrid Pacificas, however. Since the batteries occupy that same space in the hybrid, you’ll need to remove the hefty 65-pound chairs more often to carry what you need.
The batteries, electric motors and other hybrid-related hardware push up vehicle weight by 600 pounds when compared to the standard Pacifica.
Chrysler’s 3.6-liter V6, standard in gasoline-only models, has been
modified for hybrid duty with two electric motors attached to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributing 84 and 114 horsepower. Combined, the drivetrain produces 260 horsepower, 27 less than the non-hybrid Pacifica. Why less and not more? The electric motors work below the rpm where the gasoline engine makes its peak power.
All this advanced electrification costs $43,100, including destination charges, for the base Premium Pacifica, but excludes federal and state incentives. Tri-zone climate control, perforated-leather seats (heated in front), power liftgate and rear-park assist come with this trim.
The $3,000-extra Pacifica Platinum gets you Nappa brand leather seat coverings, multi-speaker Alpine audio package, rear-seat entertainment system, 3D navigation and hands-free sliding side doors and liftgate. A range of active safety tech is also found in this trim.
A power-sliding panoramic sunroof that opens over the first two rows, along with a fixed third-row glass panel, is an extra-cost Platinum option.
A minivan (or any tall utility wagon, for that matter) this classy and thrifty is virtually impossible to find at any price. That the Pacifica Hybrid is priced about the same as any loaded-up competitor makes it even more appealing.