1 / 8

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

FCA US LLC

2 / 8

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

FCA US LLC

3 / 8

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

FCA US LLC

4 / 8

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

FCA US LLC

5 / 8

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

FCA US LLC

6 / 8

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

FCA US LLC

7 / 8

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

FCA US LLC

8 / 8

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

FCA US LLC

❮ ❯

As the world races to electrify everything, from our homes to our cars, it seems that every auto manufacturer has a new offering in the hybrid world. Most are choosing a route that includes both electric and combustion engine combinations.

It seems only fitting that the company which introduced the modern-day minivan, back in 1984 with the Dodge Caravan, be the first to bring a hybrid version of the concept to market. It marks a bold move for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, especially since other segments seem to be moving to the ever-popular SUV.

We have driven the Chrysler Pacifica a couple of different times and have found it to be our favorite in the category with all its amenities and unique additions. After a week with the hybrid version, we had a hard time getting past all the comfort features, which are abundant, but adding a 31.3 mpg average was pretty much incredible from a vehicle of its size and weight.

In our last week with the Pacifica over a year ago, we averaged just over 22 mpg. Adding the electric engines and batteries gave the minivan a significant upgrade in the mileage department. The battery issue, though, is one spot where the Pacifica gives up some previous mojo.

With the rechargeable batteries onboard that will propel the vehicle for up to 33 miles on pure electric power at freeway speeds, the Pacifica loses the second row of stow-and-go seating. There is still enough room in the back to haul a full 4-by-8 sheet of plywood, but the second-row seats have to be removed by hand and taken physically from the car. The things we give up for progress!

In the how-to-make-a-minivan department, Chrysler continues to impress us with all the standard features and luxury features that are included in the Pacifica. High mpg numbers aside, the design of the Pacifica is indeed the complete family package.

Even though we did enjoy the highest trim level, “Limited,” for our evaluation week (which, of course, comes with many extras), at the end of the week, we were convinced these extras would do nothing but help parents with busy lives keep their kids in check and happy in their many day-to-day adventures. On the family vacation, however, this vehicle would become priceless to any parents!

For mom, this trim includes a vacuum cleaner in the rear to help with the many spills and extra tidbits left behind by the kids. It comes complete with a 12-foot extension hose that will allow mom to not only clean the Pacifica, but even the car next to it in the garage. We can only imagine the impact of having an onboard vacuum to aid today’s busy lifestyle.

The Limited also comes complete with 10-inch screens on the back of each front seat. That came in super handy when we had the opportunity to take our son Landon, his wife Michelle and our grandson Jensen on a “Sunday Drive.”

As we didn’t leave until around 5 p.m., the sunshades that pulled up to cover all of the rear windows really came in very handy by keeping those in the back seats cooler and ensuring the sun stayed out of their eyes. The video screens became priceless to us on that afternoon as Landon and Michelle both became quickly engrossed in all the installed applications that come with the dual touchscreen entertainment center. Of course, Jensen, at 4-years-old, soon also wanted his turn at some of the included games.

Installed were games like Tic-Tac-Toe, checkers, chess and bingo that can be played solo or against other players. The bingo game even makes users look for objects along the way, the thought here being to keep the children or grown children engaged during the ride.

The best app turned out to be an “are we there yet” app that works with the navigation. When a destination is inputted, the folks in the back can see where they are on the map and how long it will take to get to the destination. Again, a priceless addition from the engineers that helps make a long family vacation better for the grownups!

The Pacifica performed like a champ heading up Provo Canyon and then onto the steeper roads as we left Heber and headed towards Park City. The 3.6-liter V6 engine provides 287 horsepower and is paired with a nine-speed transmission which left no doubt that we would make the climb up over the top and down Parley’s Canyon with ease. With an over 550-mile range when fully fueled and charged, the Pacifica becomes the ultimate road-tripping vehicle.

Those up front are not left out by the designers, with luxury and technology aplenty surrounding the first row. Heated and cooled seats are standard on the Limited, along with a heated steering wheel. Both were additions we really couldn’t live without in a climate where the seasons can give us very cold days and nights.

The 8.4-inch touchscreen that comes with the new Uconnect system is now in high definition and includes an all-around view monitor when backing, as well as a great navigation system. We have come to love the way everything can be controlled form this screen, from radio to climate control.

This made it very easy to control either side of the front or the rear and keep everyone comfortable and happy on our “Sunday Drive.” Also included was an in-vehicle Wi-Fi system that allowed all to hook up their devices for streaming or any other option. Again, it was a priceless option for kids with iPads and other wireless toys. iPads and the like could also be hooked up to the rear screens via an HDMI cable allowing the kids to stream to a larger screen if wanted.

Safety is also a priority in the Pacifica, with standard features including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection and parking assist. Added in our Limited trim with the Customer Preferred Package were adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, forward collision warning with advanced brake assist, rain-sensing wipers and automatic high-beam control.

This package also comes with a 20-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system with active noise canceling that made listening to anything including a Blu-ray Disc outstanding.

Storage is also part of the package, with ample amounts included behind the rear seats, along with all the space the rear seats take when in the stow-and-go position. A center console that was also accessible from the rear seats had plenty of space for everyone’s stuff.

The addition of the 18-inch polished aluminum wheels gave the exterior a more refined look, one we would suggest as this look takes more of that minivan stigma away. With the new sleek exterior design, the Pacifica is no longer just another in its class. In fact, with the rear doors closed, it no longer screams minivan, as it heads more into the sophistication category.

For a great addition to the family and one that will grow with the family, the new Pacifica Hybrid has to be the leading choice in this ever-evolving and competitive market. See one today at Doug Smith Chrysler at 523 W. Main St., American Fork, (801) 492-1110; Doug Smith Chrysler at 1339 N. Main, Spanish Fork, (877) 629-6450; or Larry H. Miller Chrysler at 1825 N. University Parkway, Provo, (888) 245-3833.

Base Price: $44,995

Price as Driven: $48,580