Chrysler’s Pacifica minivan includes segment’s first plug-in hybrid model
Moving into model year 2023, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid returns with no charges, and remains the only minivan with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, which is standard across the three-model lineup.
The Pacific Hybrid can be recharged externally, and can go up to 30 miles on a single charge, using battery power only.
As it was last year, the 2023 Pacifica is also available in regular (non-hybrid) versions, which also include an allwheel-drive option. Again, for 2023, there is a choice of four gasoline-only models and three hybrid versions (which are not offered with four-wheel drive).
Two years ago, there were several updates to the Pacifica, including a more-athletic exterior, along with new infotainment and interior comfort features, and performance and lineup changes.
Amazon Alexa capability is also now available.
Changes for 2021 included the addition of the all-wheeldrive gasoline-only Pacifica Touring, Touring L and new topof-the-line Pinnacle AWD, and the new Pinnacle Hybrid trim.
Prices for 2023 have not been released yet. But for the 2022 models, the front-wheel-drive gasoline-only Pacifica models start with the Touring ($37,095), available only with front drive; followed by the Touring L
($41,098; Limited ($49,172), and Pinnacle ($54,167).
Touring L, Limited and Pinnacle gasoline models are each available with all-wheel drive. For the Touring L, allwheel drive adds $2,995, while Limited and Pinnacle models get the upgrade for $2,795 each.
Hybrids models, which come only with front-wheel drive, include the Touring L ($48,478), Limited ($54,422) and Pinnacle ($58,172). Destination charge is $1,595 for all models.
For this report, we tested the hybrid Limited model with the “S” appearance package ($995), which added 18-inch Foreshadow aluminum wheels; 235/60R18 black sidewall all-season tires; anodized ink
badging; black daylight dooropening moldings; body-color door handles and exterior mirrors; Nappa leather bucket seats, black with light gray piping and “S” logos; Piano Black interior accents; Glossblack grille surround; and the premium rear fascia with black accents and an “S” badge.
Our vehicle came with the premium Velvet Red Pearl-coat exterior paint, which was $495 extra. Only the Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl-coat and Bright White Clear-coat paints are available for no extra charge.
The interior was all black, including the Nappa leather seating surfaces. Other available premium colors are Granite Crystal Metallic Clear-coat and
Silver Mist Clear-coat, for $195 each; and Ceramic Gray Clear Coat and Fathom Blue Pearlcoat, for $495 each.
All of the gasoline-only models are powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 foot-pounds of torque. It’s connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission. EPA ratings are 19 mpg city/28 highway/22 combined for frontdrive models, and 17/25/20 for all-wheel-drive models.
Hybrid versions come with a special 3.6-liter Atkinson-cycle V-6 engine, coupled with an electric motor for total system horsepower of 260. With a combination of battery power and the modified Pentastar V-6