The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is the only plug-in hybrid, or regular hybrid for that matter, minivan available today. It can go 32 miles on all-electric power. Besides that, it comes well equipped and boasts peppy performance, seating for seven, and lots of cargo space.
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was introduced for the 2017 model year. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay became standard for 2018. Otherwise there are few changes for 2020. It comes with standard captain’s chairs in the second row and bench seating in the third row.
Three trims are available: Touring, Touring L and Limited. Starting prices range from $39,995 to $45,845, which is than higher than average for a minivan. However, the Pacifica comes with a lot of standard features so it’s a good value for the money. And you’ll save money at the gas pumps.
The Pacifica Hybrid is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine and two electric motors. Total output is 260 horsepower and pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable transmission is standard.
The Pacifica Hybrid is quick off the line thanks to the electric motors. You don’t always expect a minivan to respond so enthusiastically when you press the accelerator! There’s also plenty of power for merging and passing at freeway speeds. Transitions between electric and gas power are smooth and barely noticeable. The gas engine can get a bit loud when pressed. The steering isn’t particularly sharp and the regenerative brakes have a little of that squishy feel that is customary on a hybrid. The ride is smooth and comfortable even on rough roads. Visibility is good all the way around.
Fuel efficiency is great for a minivan. EPA estimates for my tester are 82 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) with the gas and electric motors, and 30 mpg city/highway combined with the gas engine only. I got 41 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving, using electric-only and gas/electric modes. The Pacifica Hybrid can go 32 miles on all-electric power which is better than many plug-in crossovers and SUVs.
The roomy cabin is attractive, and most materials have a nice look and feel, although you may notice that some stitching is not perfectly lined up. Seats in the first two rows are comfortable and supportive with lots of leg- and headroom. Even the third row is roomy enough for adult passengers and it’s easy to get back there.
Standard features include a rearview camera, cloth upholstery, power-sliding rear doors, tri-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, seven-inch digital instrument cluster display, Uconnect infotainment system with 8.4-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, HD Radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB port, voice recognition, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, second-row sunshades, universal garage door opener and auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Standard driver assistance technologies include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and rear parking sensors.
Available features include remote start, leather upholstery, Nappa leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat, ventilated front seats, 13-speaker Alpine audio system, 20-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, two second-row USB ports, a third-row USB port, tri-pane panoramic sunroof, a household-style power outlet, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, two 10-inch seatback touchscreens, third-row sunshades, and hands-free sliding rear doors.
Available driver assistance technologies include lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, surround-view parking camera system, automatic parking assist, front parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic high-beam headlights. Another available feature is Keysense. This is a key fob that lets you set limits on the vehicle’s top speed, audio volume, and access to satellite radio channels.
The Uconnect infotainment system is user-friendly and easy to figure out. Controls are large and laid out in a straightforward fashion and are easy to see and reach. For some controls, though, such as turning on the heated steering wheel or seat ventilation, you have to wade through different menus and submenus.
The Pacifica Hybrid has a little less cargo room than average for a minivan with 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space with all three rows in place, 87.5 cubes behind the second row and 140.5 cubes with the second and third rows folded. A power liftgate and hands-free liftgate are available.
The good:
- Excellent fuel efficiency
- Lively performance
- Smooth, comfortable ride
- Well equipped with lots of standard and available features
- User-friendly infotainment system
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard
- Adults are comfortable in all three rows of seating
The not-so-good:
- Starting prices are higher than other minivans
- Engine gets loud when pressed
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $45,845. The S Appearance Package is $795 and adds the S badge, Nappa leather bucket seats with S logo, Gloss Black upper/lower grille surround, 18-inch x 7.5-inch Black Noise painted wheels, all-season tires, Black Noise badging, and black Stow ‘n Place roof rack. The Advanced SafetyTec Group is $995 and includes a 360 surround view camera system, full speed forward collision warning plus, adaptive cruise control with stop & go, lane departure warning plus, parallel and perpendicular park assist with stop, ParkSense front and rear park assist with stop, rain-sensitive windshield wipers, advanced brake assist and automatic high beam headlamp control. The tri-pane panoramic sunroof is $1,895. Destination charge is $1,495 bringing the grand total to $51,025.
Bottom line:
If you want a plug-in hybrid minivan, the Pacifica Hybrid is the only game in town. It’s also an appealing family hauler with its roomy and comfortable cabin, peppy handling and lots of standard and available features.
