IT’S A BEST BUY BECAUSE:
The Pacifica offers class-leading horsepower, excellent road manners and ride quality, and an unmatched array of family-friendly features…all wrapped up in a stylish package.
BUT…
The standard Stow ‘n Go collapsible second-row seats give up fore-and-aft adjustability and a bit of cushiness in exchange for their fold-into-the-floor versatility.
WORTH NOTING:
For minivan shoppers who want a more affordable vehicle without as many frills, Chrysler offers entry-level versions of the Pacifica named Voyager.
WHAT IS IT?
The Pacifica is Chrysler’s minivan; it was introduced as a 2017 model that replaced the outgoing Chrysler Town and Country. Pacifica offers seating for seven or eight and is available in four trim levels: Touring, Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle. “Regular” Pacificas are powered by a 287-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission; for 2021, all-wheel drive is available in addition to front-wheel drive. The Pacifica Hybrid uses a similar 3.6 V6 mated to a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and comes only with front-wheel drive. Chrysler’s class-exclusive Stow ‘n Go second-row seats offer “Easy Tilt” access to the third row (even with an empty child seat installed) and feature Stow ‘n Go Assist, which powers the front seat forward at the touch of a button for easier floor-bin access. (The Stow ‘n Go second row is not available on Pacifica Hybrid.) The third-row seats fold to the floor, and a power-folding feature is available. Other available features include a Stow ‘n Vac integrated vacuum system; tri-pane panoramic sunroof; hands-free power liftgate and power-sliding side doors; and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system. Available safety features include forward collision warning and mitigation, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitor, and a 360-degree surround-view camera.
WHAT’S NEW?
The Pacifica gets a significant update for 2021. In addition to the available all-wheel-drive system, exterior styling is refreshed and several new available features are added, such as an upgraded infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability, standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and a “FamCAM” wide-angle camera (which allows front-seaters to view the rear-seat area, including rear-facing child seats). Pinnacle is a new top-line model that boasts lavish trim features such as quilted Nappa leather upholstery, a faux suede headliner, and leather-upholstered throw pillows for the second-row seats.
FUEL ECONOMY
The Pacifica is EPA-rated at 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway/22 mpg combined with front-wheel drive, and 17/25/20 with AWD. The Pacifica Hybrid is rated at 30 mpg combined and 82 MPGe, with an estimated all-electric driving range of 32 miles. In Consumer Guide® testing, a Pacifica Limited model averaged 25.2 mpg in about 85-percent highway driving, and another Pacifica Limited averaged 19.3 mpg in a near-even split of city and highway driving. A Pacifica Hybrid Limited averaged 35.9 mpg in 75-percent highway driving and displayed all-electric driving ranges of around 35 miles (achieved in ideal temperatures in the 50-60-degree range).
VALUE IN CLASS
The Pacifica matches or beats most of its competition in terms of power, fuel economy, ride quality, and overall comfort. What cinches its Best Buy status are its exclusive Stow ‘n Go second-row seats and the outstanding fuel efficiency of its well-executed plug-in hybrid model, along with its newly available all-wheel drive and long list of thoughtful available convenience features.
| BASE PRICE RANGE | $35,045 – $50,845 |
| BODY STYLES | Minivan |
| AVAILABLE ENGINES | 287-HP, 3.6-Liter V6; 260-HP, 3.6-Liter V6/Electric |
| DRIVE WHEELS | Front or All-Wheel Drive |
| BUILT IN | Canada |
| EPA FUEL-ECONOMY RANGE | 17-30 MPG |
Other Best Buys in this Class
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