The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited Edition Minivan
You Are What You Drive – A Bottom Line Review
The Bottom Line: The first T-115 coded “Magic Wagon” came off the retooled final production line at Chrysler’s Windsor, Ontario, assembly plant on Oct. 7, 1983. The 1984 Voyager and Caravan, the auto industry’s first garageable vans, called minivans, went on sale in November 1983. The Voyager and Caravan transformed mobility for the suburban family. Today, the minivan is a staple of the American landscape.
Initially introduced as the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager, the Chrysler minivans have been marketed under a variety of nameplates under Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge, and Ram brands, through the use of nameplate rebadging, Chrysler minivans have also been sold under the Lancia and Volkswagen brands.
Today Chrysler sells Pacifica and Voyage minivans. Because they are mostly the same vehicle, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica and 2021 Chrysler Voyager are the same size. The only real difference is the Pacifica Hybrid is slightly heavier than the Voyager due to its battery pack and EV drive train.
This week Chrysler sent me a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid S Appearance Limited Edition Minivan to test drive and review. The base price for this Limited Hybrid model starts at $45,845. The options on the minivan are: the Red S Rodeo seat package for $195, the S Appearance package for $795, and the Uconnect Theater Family Group package for $2,495. The total MSRP manufacturer’s suggested retail price, including the $1,495 destination charge, came to: $50,825.
The electric motors are the heart of the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. They work with the 16 kwh lithium ion battery to deliver up to 32 miles on a single charge, and the battery has a 10 Year/100,000 Mile Limited Warranty. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is more efficient than just getting 82 MPGE, with regenerative braking. It has the ability to be fully charged in as little as two hours, with an available 240 volt charger.
This minivan gets a fuel economy rating of 30 MPG running on gas only, the greenhouse gas rating is a 9, and the smog rating is a 7, both out of 10. All exceptional numbers for any hybrid, let alone a minivan that can haul 7 people, all their gear, and still tow up to 3,600 pounds.
And it has so much space! With 81 different seating configurations, and more cargo area than a full size SUV, the most family friendly, seven passenger, plug-in hybrid lets you remove the second row seats, and stow the third row seats into the floor, for even more room.
The orange hued Red Rodeo seats add a sporting touch to the multi colored plus interior. The S Appearance group package includes the
18” Shadow colored aluminum alloy wheels with 235/60R18 all season self sealing tires. Next add in the black roof rack, black front grill surround molding, red S badges, black exterior moldings, the Nappa Leather quad bucket seats with the S stitched logo, power everything, and the Piano Black interior accents.
There is not another minivan on the planet with such a bold and exciting interior color pattern. It just looks and feels fantastic. With 520 miles of total driving range, handsome styling, and the family theater group, with seatback video screens, wireless headphones, and remote video controls, this van has it all. Plus the Pacifica Minivan has an Intellichoice Value Rating of Excellent, and that’s a better value rating than all the other minivans for sale today, combined.
Now that we know that it looks great, has fantastic family favored options and power accessories, how does it drive? It drives perfectly. The hybrid drive train transfers power from the electric motors and the gas engine seamlessly. The 9 speed EVT transmission knows exactly when to shift gears to keep the van in that sweet spot between gas power, electric power, fuel efficiency, emissions output and drivability. You are always in the right power band for climbing hills, highway cruising, or just driving around town. This Pacifica Hybrid minivan driveline is as linear and smooth shifting as you can get in any vehicle today.
Call, click or visit your local Chrysler dealer for a test drive and a Bottom Line price review, for the best minivan for sale in the minivan class. Pacifica minivans start at just $35,045, minus generous year end cash rebates, so there is a Chrysler minivan priced in everyone’s budget.
FYI: With the purchase of a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, you may be eligible for a one time federal tax credit of up to $7,500, which is a savings you may not find with another hybrid vehicle. This non refundable credit does not carry over from year to year, so make sure you take advantage of this federal tax credit, while you can.
A word to the wise is sufficient. Be Smart, Stay Safe, and Just Breathe. Remember “You Are What You Drive ©” And maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should “Drive one, Buy one, Today ©”.