When it premiered for the 2017 model year, the Chrysler Pacifica brought enough of a “coolness factor” to rekindle consumer interest in minivans and stir up some competition in the segment. And now, the class-exclusive plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version makes it even more compelling if you’re willing to trade off a few of the non-hybrid’s selling features to get more miles to the gallon and increased driving range.
Electric + Gas Driving Range = 520 miles
The Pacifica Hybrid uses a modified version of the V6 engine plus two electric motors, a rechargeable 16-kWh battery, and a continuously variable transmission to create 260 horsepower for the PHEV powertrain. It supplies about 32 miles of all-electric driving range before a gas fueled V6 fires switching between electric and gas to give it 30 mpg in combined driving. Together, the fully charged electric and hybrid system add up to total driving range of 520 miles.
Hybrid vs. Gas Models
The Hybrid starts at $52,390; that’s about $10K more than the non-hybrid at the same trim level. The gap between the hybrid and gas-powered variants narrows a bit at the higher trim levels. All-in price for our top-shelf Hybrid Pinnacle was just over $62K, about $7K more than the gas equivalent.
Take note that some of the compelling reasons to purchase Pacifica are not offered on the hybrid, however. All-wheel-drive and Stow n’ Go seating which folds the second-row seats flat into the floor to turn the seven-passenger shuttle into a cargo hauler are not available on the hybrid.
What’s next?
A new generation Pacifica arrives in 2025 with an all-electric powertrain.
Minivan or SUV?
Compare the Pacifica PHEV minivan with its cousin—the Jeep Grand Cherokee PHEV SUV.
