2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the introduction of Chrysler’s minivans.
When the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager arrived at their respective showrooms, they gave families a better way to get around. A minivan that fits up to 7-8 people and can be parked inside of a garage very easily. And, it drove like a car!
Stellantis – the successor of the old Chrysler Corporation that introduced the Caravan and Voyager to the world - still produces the minivan. The Chrysler Pacifica remains a family favorite that offers the option of a plug-in hybrid for efficiency and sustainable transportation.
We were happy to receive the latest 2024 Pacifica Hybrid in the new Select trim – a value-oriented version of the PHEV minivan – with the addition of the S Appearance Package adding a bit more cool to your family transporter. Could this be a great combination for your family?
Unchanged for the past few model years, the exterior wears a large grille and LED headlamp units to greet you and your family. Wide taillights adorn the rear liftgate area. Overall, the Pacifica is a very distinctive looking minivan. The glass profile remains with its front quarter glass for better front corner vision, and a reverse slant for the C-pillar side glass.
Our Select tester came in a subtle silver color. A set of black-finished 18-inch alloy wheels finish up this sporty minivan’s overall look.
What we always loved about the Pacifica’s cabin is how the driver is engaged around a very advanced design. Our tester came with a seven-seat configuration, with the second-row captain’s chairs, and the third-row bench that folds into the floor through the Stow’n Go system. The hybrid system’s battery sits underneath the second row of seats.
All three rows offer adult-size accommodations. Access to the third row is very easy with a quick release of each second-row seat and two power sliding doors for ease of entry and exit. Front row occupants are treated to comfortable and supportive bucket seats.
The Pacifica has the best instrument panel in the minivan segment, anchored with excellent and concentrated controls. The transmission is controlled by a knob, while the electronic parking brake is a push button, all on the center stack. Capping the center stack is the 10.1-inch UConnect 5 touchscreen, offering access to UConnect Apps and a multitude of audio playback and connectivity options. Instrumentation includes a customizable information screen in-between the fuel gauge and power meter.
The generous interior is available to be loaded up to 140 cubic feet of items all the way to front seats. There is a hugely generous space of 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row that has a deep space underneath the bumper line.
The Pacifica’s plug-in hybrid system starts with a Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 with two additional electric motors driven by the under-cabin battery pack. This driveline is rated with a net of 260 horsepower. This driveline is connected to a continuously variable transmission, sending power to the front wheels. The plug-in hybrid electric battery can be recharge for around two hours to full through a Level 2 connection. Chrysler states that the Pacifica Hybrid has an all-electric range of 32 miles.
No one should be surprised that the hybrid driveline felt really good everywhere we drove this Pacifica. As for fuel economy, we averaged 28.5 MPG combined.
Our tester delivered with smooth ride quality with absorbent suspension all around to ensure that it drives along without any negative feedback from the vehicle. Although handling is quite decent, some roll and lean is evident. We found that cornering was near flat below the limit.
The turning radius was just fine. Steering action offered a strong on-center with great response from its thick-rimmed wheel. Brakes are good with a solid feel at the pedal. Our Pacifica Hybrid yielded solid stops in both normal and panic situations.
The 2024 Pacifica lineup starts with a base price of $37,095. Hybrids start from $50,960 – and there are five to choose from. Our Hybrid Select tester came with a sticker price of $64,205.
There are only a few competitors among minivans these days – some of which have electrified versions. That group include the Toyota Sienna and 2024 Kia Carnival.
If you’re looking for the best of all worlds – solid performance from a V6 engine along with sustainable energy through the plug-in hybrid system, the Pacifica Hybrid is na stand out choice. It is truly worth checking out for those looking for a family-friendly package.
Credits: CarSoup Editors
