2021 Chrysler Pacifica | Review & Road Test

For the latest Chrysler Pacifica pricing and information:
https://www.kbb.com/Chrysler/Pacifica/

Though vividly pragmatic, minivans like the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica have a cool side. I mean, not traditionally cool but stick with me. For a mobile storage unit, the Pacifica has some stylistic swagger.

Inside, Chrysler’s van is well suited for comfortably hauling people and cargo. Plus, there are cupholders and small-item storage throughout for whatever weird crap your passengers absolutely can’t live without. This particular Pacifica seats 7 but 8-passenger accommodations are available.

Further bolstering the Pacifica’s usability cred are easily accessed child-seat LATCH points, tons of storage space behind the 3rd row, and, of course, Chrysler’s beloved Stow ‘N Go 2nd-row seats.

Be warned, Stow ‘N Go is not included on the Pacifica hybrid because the subfloor is where the batteries go. Speaking of…the electrified Pacifica is actually a plug-in hybrid that can cover about 30 miles on electricity alone, it recharges in just a few hours with a 240-volt charge, and, when burning gas, it’s crazy efficient for a minivan (30 MPG combined). Ok, how does Chrysler’s mobile responsibility vault drive?

As you might’ve guessed, I am dead inside, but that’s not the Chrysler Pacifica’s fault. It accelerates briskly, absorbs bumps with ease, and corners oddly well. That’s kinda fun…even for me.

Propelling the standard Pacifica is a 3.6-liter V6 (287hp, 262 lb-ft) and a 9-speed automatic transmission that, in concert, deliver smooth acceleration and reasonable fuel economy (19city/28hwy FWD) And in a boon for folks who, unlike Angelenos, experience different season, you can equip your Pacifica with all-wheel drive. Yeah, the system dings fuel economy a touch (17city/25hwy AWD).

Sadly, you can’t get all-wheel drive with the hybrid. But, good news, the all-wheel-drive components don’t impede on the Stow N Go seats.

From a feature perspective, the base $35k Pacifica Touring trim comes nicely equipped with power sliding doors, a power liftgate, 3-zone climate control, a 10.1-inch Uconnect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Audio, full-speed adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot warning.

Venture up the trim ladder and you’ll uncover delights like a 360-degree camera system, heated and ventilated front seats, the FamCam for observing and judging rear seat behavior, and a vacuum cleaner you can use to actually clean the vehicle…or just toy around with like a child. Fun!

To maximally distract your flock, consider the Uconnect theater Group package, in addition to hands-free side doors, heated second-row seats, and a hands free liftgate, the package adds dual 10.1-inch screens, wireless headphones, a Blue-ray player, and pre-loaded games. Good news, Queen’s Gambit fans, chess is included. If those screens don’t do the job, the optional 20-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system should drown out passengers who insist on conversing. Hush up now, children. Daddy’s in the zone.

And now, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the comically indulgent Pacifica Pinnacle trim. For a spicy $53-large, it imparts the Pacifica with platinum chrome exterior trim, Nappa leather seats in all three rows, matching lumbar pillows for the 2nd row, and a redesigned center console Chrysler calls the “Ultra Console”. Classy.

Among the Pacifica’s well-regarded competition are the stalwart Honda Odyssey, which offers neither a hybrid powertrain or all-wheel drive, and the highly stylized Toyota Sienna, which does offer all-wheel drive and only comes with a non-plug-in hybrid powertrain.

I’ve said it before, you don’t have to be a parent to like the Chrysler Pacifica. Its features, design, and clever engineering can appeal to anyone. But if you have a family or cargo you treat like family, the Pacifica minivan is a lovely way to move it around.

00:00 2021 Chrysler Pacifica
0:34 Interior Review
2:57 Pacifica Hybrid
3:20 Road Test
4:19 Prices & Features
6:09 Competitors