Chrysler Pacifica — America’s first-ever hybrid minivan

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(January 28, 2017) Gas prices in most parts of the country are low, hovering around $2 per gallon. Yet, fuel efficiency remains extremely important to most car buyers, according to the folks at AAA, who have researched their members.

And while it’s true that relatively cheap gasoline has buoyed the comeback of large utility vehicles, it has done nothing to discourage automakers from readying and introducing a plethora of new electric and hybrid vehicles that are hitting the road.

With a generation of new car buyers who grew up in minivans largely stigmatizing them as transporters from hell, the folks at Chrysler, who pioneered the minivan, are making a strong argument to choose a Pacifica over a utility vehicle.



We first drove and tested the new Pacifica last year. Since then it has won numerous “best of” and “Car of the Year” awards including the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year in January.

So what minivan could possibly be better than the Chrysler Pacifica? How about the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, recently introduced for 2017.

The Pacifica Hybrid is actually a plug-in hybrid electric minivan, the first hybrid minivan ever. Chrysler says you will get 33 miles of driving on all electric power. We recently were invited by Chrysler to drive the new Pacifica Hybrid in and around Malibu, Calif. In our first drive we actually were able to get 36 miles of all electric driving range before the 3.6-liter 260 horsepower V-6 engine automatically kicked in to extend the total driving range. Chrysler says you can expect a 570-mile total driving range — that’s the equivalent to getting an 84-MPGe vehicle.

For most driving applications the 33 all electric driving range sufficient for most families so essentially you’re driving an electric vehicle that can carry seven passengers and your cargo and gear with no need to visit a gas station.

When it’s time to recharge the batteries, just plug the vehicle in to a regular household outlet and it will fully recharge in 14 hours. A level two battery charger will recharge the battery in two hours and can be purchased on Amazon.com for $399 to $599.

Chrysler also provides exclusive features like a Smartphone app that allows for off-peak electrical recharging, finding charging locations and an “efficiency coach” for more efficient driving tips.

Of course, one of the best features of the Pacifica is the Stow ’N Go seats that disappear into the floor when extra cargo space is needed. With the Pacifica Hybrid the batteries are stored under the second row seats in space normally used for the Stow ’N Go seats. However, third-row seats still disappear into the floor. Second row seats are captains chairs that fold flat instead.

Two drawbacks to the hybrid: It is not designed for towing and you don’t get the vacuum that’s included in the non-hybrid Pacifica.

Appearance wise, the Pacifica Hybrid is distinguished by a slightly different grille that uses a flowing look verses the hex-mesh design. The hybrid also has unique 18-inch wheels, hybrid badging on the rear lift gate, and a recharging port door on the driver’s side front fender.

The Pacifica Hybrid is available in two trim levels: Premium ($41,995) and Platinum ($44,995). But because both trim levels qualify for the full federal rebate offered to electric cars, you can knock $7,500 off the price, dropping the Premium to $34,495 and the Platinum to $37,495. In some states there is a rebate of up to $2500 in addition to the federal rebate. While gasoline-only powered minivans start lower than these prices they don’t necessarily have as many features.

In addition to the fuel savings, there are plenty of reasons to consider the Pacifica Hybrid over a utility vehicle. Visually, the Pacifica looks less like a minivan and more like a utility vehicle. There’s significantly more useable cargo and seating room. Comparably priced, the Pacifica is much more affordable.

And, finally, it’s actually more enjoyable to drive. Take a road trip and you’ll quickly discover the room and comfort you’ll get in the Pacifica.



Vital Stats

Base Price: $41,995 - $44,995
Price as Tested: $47,885
Seating: 7
Engine: 3.6-liter V6 Atkinson Cycle Hybrid
Horsepower: 260-hp system
Fuel Economy: 84 MPGe combined city – highway gas+electric, 32-MPG gas

Fab Features:

The only hybrid – plug-in hybrid on the market
Exceptional fuel economy
More “utility vehicle” than minivan