If “hybrid” and “minivan” are your two must-have criteria, look no further — the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is the only one on the market.
Its base price of around $45,000 may be off-putting at first, but the value looks better when you consider its long features list that includes fuel savings and possible tax credits.
Simply stated, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is a great minivan. In addition to its swift acceleration and composed handling, this plug-in hybrid is one of the most efficient vehicles in the class.
So let’s start with a little history: The Pacifica Hybrid debuted as an all-new model alongside the regular Chrysler Pacifica I 2017.
After adding Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and HD Radio to the standard features list for 2018, Chrysler made a few notable updates to the 2019 Pacifica Hybrid, including minor reshuffling of features between trim levels.
So if the big question is whether you want the Pacifica Hybrid or the regular Chrysler Pacifica, the decision comes down to how much you prioritize fuel efficiency. There are a few differences when it comes to utility as well. The standard Pacifica seats up to eight, while the hybrid has one less seat. With the non-hybrid version, you’ll also get second-row seats that fold flat into the floor.
The hybrid’s batteries take up that space, but there’s no difference in total cargo volume.
Behind its last row of seats, the 2019 Pacifica Hybrid has 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which isn’t far off what most other minivans offer. The third-row bench seats fold flat into the floor to open up 87.5 cubic feet of space, which is almost 10 more cubic feet than some rivals in the class.
The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid comes in three trim levels: Touring Plus, Touring L, and Limited. My Limited offered Nappa leather, an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat, ventilated front seats, hands-free power sliding doors and liftgate, a 20-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and the rear-seat entertainment package.
Techies will appreciate the wealth of standard and optional convenience and entertainment features in the Pacifica Hybrid. Every model comes with amenities like tri-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, HD Radio, and the 8.4-inch Uconnect — regarded as one of the best infotainment systems on the market — with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The 2019 Pacifica Hybrid is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a pair of electric motors. The combined 260 horsepower may not seem like a lot for a big vehicle, but hit the gas and you will quickly change your mind. The Pacifica Hybrid pulls away from a stop briskly, thanks to instantly available electric torque. As you keep moving, the powertrain transitions seamlessly from all-electric to gas propulsion.
In terms of efficiency, the 2019 Pacifica Hybrid gets a combined 82 MPGe when running on electricity alone. It has an electric-only range of 33 miles, and it gets 33 mpg combined after the gas engine kicks in.
The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan worth considering whether you’re shopping for a hybrid or not. Its balanced performance and great efficiency make it a solid daily driver, and a high-quality cabin and lots of features boost its value.
Grant Miller is the publisher of Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or via email at Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com.
