Sunday Drive: 2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV the pinnacle of family travel
One would not always think that having a week with a minivan would be exciting! Not the case for the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV, short for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, as it stands out from many of the competitors in this urban family hauler environment. With its blend of eco-friendly technology, spacious interior and advanced safety features, the Pacifica PHEV is designed to meet the diverse needs of modern families.
Deanne, having now enjoyed the company of a PHEV as a daily driver for the past eight months in a Jeep Wrangler PEHV, was particularly intrigued by the Pacifica, wanting to know if it would perform as well as its brother the Jeep. Having a PHEV became kind of a game on the daily drive as we engaged and tried to move the MPG number as high as possible.
Performance and efficiency
At the heart of the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV is a 3.6-liter V-6 engine paired with dual electric motors, delivering a combined 260 horsepower. This hybrid setup provides great power for a minivan, ensuring smooth accelerations and confident highway driving experiences. The transition between electric and gasoline power is seamless, thanks to Chrysler’s refined powertrain management system.
One of the most significant advantages of the Pacifica PHEV is its fuel efficiency. In electric-only mode, the van can travel up to 32 miles, making it perfect for short commutes and daily errands without burning a drop of gasoline.
When the electric range is depleted, the Pacifica PHEV operates as a conventional hybrid, achieving an impressive EPA-rated 82 MPGe, or miles per gallon equivalent. For longer trips, the total range extends to over 500 miles, combining electric and gasoline power.
Charging the Pacifica PHEV was straightforward. Using a standard 120-volt household outlet, the battery can be fully charged in about 14 hours. For faster charging, a 240-volt level 2 charger reduces this time to just two hours. We found that we could charge both the Pacifica and the Jeep using our level 2 charger after arriving home from work each day.
So how did we do in our drive to put the MPG as high as possible? After 514 miles of driving during the week that was mostly around town, to work and back, etc., we averaged an awesome 47.6 miles per gallon buy getting 360.2 miles on electricity and 154.5 miles on the gas motor, leaving us with 378 miles still in the tank at the end of the week.
Interior design and comfort
The interior of the Pacifica was definitely designed with families in mind, offering seating for up to seven passengers across three rows, with the option of second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat.
The Stow ‘n Go seating system, a hallmark of the Pacifica, allows the third-row seats to fold flat into the floor, creating a vast cargo area. The second row needs to be removed by hand as the batteries occupy the normal Stow ‘n Go area.
The materials used within the cabin and build quality proved to be top-notch, with soft-touch surfaces, premium leather upholstery in higher trims and thoughtful details located throughout the cabin.
The driver and front passenger seats are highly adjustable and offered us heating and ventilation, ensuring our comfort in any weather conditions. Rear passengers benefit from ample legroom and an included entertainment system.
The Pacifica boasted a cavernous cargo area. With all seats in place, it offers 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 140.5 cubic feet with the second row removed and third row folded down. This versatility makes it easy to accommodate most anything. In fact, it will fit a 4-by-8-foot sheet of plywood into the space!
Technology and infotainment
Chrysler has equipped the Pacifica with an array of cutting-edge technology features. The centerpiece was the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, accessible via a 10.1-inch touch screen display. This system was very user-friendly and responsive, supporting both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation, voice commands and a Wi-Fi hotspot further enhanced our connectivity to the outside world.
For audiophiles, the Theater and Sound Group update came with a Harman Kardon premium audio system that delivered crisp, immersive sound through 20 speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin.
Rear-seat passengers could also enjoy the Uconnect Theater system, which included dual 10-inch touch screens, a Blu-ray player, HDMI inputs and wireless headphones. This entertainment suite would be the perfect addition for the kids on any road trip!
The minivan also featured an array of convenience technologies. Keyless entry and push-button start, a hands-free power liftgate and power sliding doors make accessing the vehicle a breeze, even with hands full of groceries or kids.
Safety and driver-assistance features
Safety, of course, is a paramount concern for all family vehicles, and Pacifica did not disappoint. Standard safety equipment included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
The adaptive cruise control system was particularly noteworthy, maintaining a set distance from the vehicle ahead and even bringing the Pacifica to a complete stop in heavy traffic, then resuming when traffic moves.
Our trim even offered additional safety technologies such as parallel and perpendicular park assist, which steers the minivan into parking spaces while the driver controls the brakes and throttle. The full-speed forward collision warning system could detect pedestrians and cyclists, adding an extra layer of protection in urban environments.
Value
The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV starts at a competitive price point, offering excellent value given its extensive list of features and hybrid technology.
When considering the long-term savings on fuel costs and potential tax incentives for hybrid vehicles, the Pacifica PHEV becomes an even more attractive proposition. Its blend of efficiency, versatility and advanced technology makes it a top contender in the minivan segment.
The Pacifica PHEV is a standout choice for families seeking a reliable, efficient and feature-packed minivan.
Base price: 53,425
Destination charge: $1,595
Price as driven: $64,205
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- The all-new 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Pinnacle.
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- The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle features a new sepia interior color, dual-pane panoramic sunroof and a rear seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV.
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- The all-new 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Pinnacle.
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- The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Pinnacle remains the first and only plug-in hybrid in the segment, achieving more than 80 miles per gallon equivalent, an all-electric range of more than 30 miles and a total range of more than 500 miles.
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- For 2024, the premium Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle model is refreshed with an exclusive new sepia interior color, including sepia-quilted napa leather seats with Light Diesel stitching and Sydney Gray piping.
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- The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle features a new sepia interior color and includes a rear seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV.
