2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited S AWD: A Plug-In Minivan

 

Highlight: This is the segments only plug-in minivan.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $59,407 (Base Model: $50,595)

Seating Capacity: 7

Standard Safety Features): airbags; ABS; a stability control system; hill descent control; a hill start assist system; a 360-degree camera; an electronic blind spot system; a lane departure warning system; a pedestrian braking system; a radar activated cruise control system; and a tire pressure system

Standard Equipment (Limited): 17-inch wheels; easy-to-slide 2^nd row bucket seats; heated/ventilated front seats with driver memory; parallel and perpendicular assist system; heated steering wheel; a leather wrapped heated steering wheel; Nappa leather seats; dual power sunroof; third row stow away seats; in-car Wi-Fi; power folding mirrors; a stow away vacuum cleaner; and hands-free sliding doors

Options:

18-inch wheels; optional exterior paint; nappa leather bucket seats; seatback video screens; interior camera to engage with the occupants

Other Trim Levels:

Pacifica Touring L (Base)

Pacifica Pinnacle (Top Of The Line)

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 20-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with AM/FM with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Hybrid Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.6-liter, 6-cylinder turbo engine/375-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Towing: 3,600 lbs 

Standard Fuel Mileage: 82-MPGe/30-MPG

What’s New: For the 2022 model year, Amazon Fire TV is now available. And the hybrid model adds a new visual cluster, which indicates when increased energy efficiency is charging the electric battery during braking.

Why:

Qualifies for the EV federal tax credit

Great family road trip vehicle

Car-like ride

A 35-mile electric only driving range

PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle)

Available in three trims

Nappa leather availble

Roomy interior

Flexible seating options

Flexible entry options

Power sliding doors

Heated steering wheel

Heated/ventilated front seats

Second row bucket seats

Easy to slide second row seats

An interior family video camera

Easy-to-use infotainment system

Easy to operate navigation system

Towing power

Roomy storage and utility vehicle

Rear entertainment systems available

A 360-degree camera

Front and rear parking assist system

A radar activated cruise control system

Apple Fire TV available

An automatic parallel and perpendicular parking assist system available

AWD available

But: 

Bulky

Loses the cool factor of a crossover/SUV

Verdict:  The Pacifica minivan is available as both a gasoline and a hybrid plug-in model. The brand’s seven or eight passenger hybrid minivan is available in three trims. While the family-oriented people mover doesn’t offer the sex appeal of some of today’s swanky crossovers and SUVs, it's definitely easier to navigate in terms of the interior layout.

Like many of today’s crossovers and SUVs, the feature rich minivan can be outfitted with rear entertainment systems, the latest driving safety aids, a dual power operated sunroof, Nappa leather, ventilated front seats and a high-end audio system. 

Inside the Pacifica, one can find an array of features. They range from a variey of seating configurations to a built-in vacuum to an interior camera to keep an eye on rear facing occupants and stow away rear seats.

Moreover, like a number of vehicles from the Stellantis family, the Pacifica also offers parallel and perpendicular automatic parking too.

Lastly, with this vehicle being a plug-in, its capable of garnering upwards of 32 miles on an electric charge, before the gasoline kicks in, making it one of the most efficient minivans on the road today. Its not wonder why the minivan market continues to thrive in a world where SUVs, crossovers and trucks dominate the industry.

Competition:  Its been the only plug-in minivan in the segment since the 2017 model year.