Review: Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle Hybrid Is Still Innovating Greatness

My press loan for the week is the Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle Plug Hybrid. When it was introduced in 2017, it was a segment disrupter by being the first minivan to offer both gas and hybrid powertrains and still the only one in the segment to offer a plug-in hybrid version. The Chrysler minivan has been a staple in the Chrysler fleet cupboard for over forty years now dating back to 1984. Today it is currently building its sixth generation of minivans. When you look at how many, minivans, sedans, SUVs, and, trucks have come and gone during that time span you have to wonder how this family shuttle and grocery-getter keeps chugging along.

The answer is one word that gets used a lot with new and sexy ground-up builds of the next greatest vehicle but rarely used with vehicles that are assumed 'out to pasture'. That word is innovation and the engineers at Chrysler are good at it. It's in the company DNA dating back to late CEO Lee Iacocca's days at the helm of Chrysler, coincidently when the minivan was first released. Iacocca has another famous vehicle also still cruising the streets, but I'll leave that for another article. The Pacifica has the distinction of being the most-awarded minivan five years in a row with more than 150 honors and industry accolades. The Chrysler brand has innovated 117 minivan-firsts, including nearly 40 minivan-first features on the Pacifica. The company has sold over 15 million minivans globally since 1983, which is twice as many as any other manufacturer.

This is not your mother's or grandmother's minivan. The Pacifica Pinnacle is just that, the top-of-the-line trim that not only provides a sleek and sophisticated exterior design, and an interior brimming with several luxurious features and materials. The Pinnacle exterior also features a unique front grille design with a platinum chrome finish, as well as front and rear lower fascias and a rear spoiler that are color-matched to the body of the vehicle. Also standard is the exclusive 20-inch wheels with chrome accents. Other available exterior options include a panoramic sunroof, roof rack, hands-free power liftgate, and sliding doors for added convenience.

The interior is just as sophisticated to match the interior with quilted Nappa leather seats, that are heated and ventilated for the first two rows. There is satin chrome and brushed metal finishes, and the front dashboard features a unique silver bezel. For those crazy date nights out on the town, there is an impressive 23-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a wireless charging pad, and a built-in vacuum cleaner to keep the cabin tidy.

The Pacifica Hybrid features a Stellantis-designed, innovative dual-motor eFlite electrically variable transmission (EVT) paired with a specially modified version of the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 gasoline engine. The dual power plants combined a travel range of more than 500 miles. Because the Pacifica is a hybrid plug-in, this will allow up to 30 miles of electric-only travel. So if you are running errands around town or happen to work in your community, you can use the electric-only option and never use a drop of gas. But if you happen to go beyond your 30 miles, the gas engine will take over and you can go home and recharge the Pacifica for the next day. If all of that was not innovative enough, the Pinnacle also has an available Trailer-Tow Group Package, which adds a Class II hitch receiver, trailer sway damping, and a 220-amp alternator to increase its towing capacity.

The week I had the Pacifica, I had the opportunity to put it through its paces in the big city as well as a trip to the lake in East Texas where I was able to open the sunroof and let in a bit of sun and East Texas while using a good portion of the 500-mile range. One option I really liked was the highway cruise on the Pacifica. I find today so many of the manufacturers believe they have to save you from yourself and they don't give you options in the nanny systems they have developed

This minivan treats you like an adult allowing you to make the decision if you want the regular cruise or the nanny cruise. Don't get me wrong, there are times that I like the attended cruise control. But there are times it can be more of a pain than a convenience. So I like that you have the option to choose in the Pacifica. I am seeing a number of older drivers buying minivans again because they have told me they feel less cumbersome and easier to drive. It's also convenient to get in and out of, especially when loading grandkids. So, if you have a desire for a plush ride that can tow some weekend fun or carry a ton of grandkids, maybe a minivan is in your future again.

Specifications

Engine: 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 gasoline engine / plug-in hybrid 16-kWh lithium-ion battery
Transmission: eFlite electrically variable transmission (EVT)
Wheels: 18" Polished Aluminum
Sound: Harmon Kardin with 20 Speakers
Color: Fathom Blue Pearle
Fuel: 80 MPGe
MSRP (shown): $60,067

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
Chrysler | Pacifica