2018 Chrysler Pacifica

Pros: Outstanding passenger and cargo versatility; excellent ride and handling balance; quiet cabin; class-exclusive Stow ‘n Go seats; stylish looks

Cons: Some complicated touchscreen controls; Stow ‘n Go seats are a bit less comfortable than conventional second-row seats

CG Says: For 2018, all Chrysler Pacificas have a standard SafetyTec Group that includes rear parking sensors with automatic stop, blind-spot alert, and rear cross-traffic alert. There is a new base L model that is around $1500 less expensive than last year’s lowest-priced Pacifica. There is also a new Hybrid Touring Plus trim that is about $2000 cheaper than the previous entry-level Hybrid. A new 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot is available and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is now standard. The rear-seat enterainment system can now stream from Android devices. Chrysler replaced its aged Town & Country minivan with the all-new Pacifica for 2017. (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles also sells the Dodge Caravan, which is of the previous-generation minivan design.) Conventional Pacificas are powered by a 287-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. A plug-in hybrid model that combines the V6 with two electric motors for a total of 260 horsepower; Chrysler estimates a 30-mile all-electric driving range and up to 80 MPGe in city driving. Pacifica’s class-exclusive Stow ‘n Go stowable second-row seats feature an Easy Tilt feature that makes third-row access easier. Max cargo volume checks in at a generous 140.5 cubic feet. Pacifica’s available features include a tri-pane panoramic sunroof; Stow ‘n Vac integrated vacuum cleaner; and a dual-screen rear-seat Bluray/DVD entertainment system complete with a touchpad remote control and aux, USB, and HDMI jacks for each screen. The Chrysler Town & Country had aged to the point of being an also-ran in the minivan segment, but the Pacifica put Chrysler back at the head of the minivan class. Pacifica is surprisingly stylish inside and out, its all-around dynamic performance is class-competitive, and its passenger and cargo versatility is unmatched. Also, the hybrid model delivers a new level of fuel-efficiency to the minivan class. If you’re shopping for a family hauler, the Pacifica should be on your list.