Moving into model year 2023, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid returns with no charges, and remains the only minivan with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, which is standard across the three-model lineup.
The Pacific Hybrid can be recharged externally, and can go up to 30 miles on a single charge, using battery power only.
As it was last year, the 2023 Pacifica is also available in regular (non-hybrid) versions, which also include an all-wheel-drive option. Again, for 2023, there is a choice of four gasoline-only models and three hybrid versions (which are not offered with four-wheel drive).
Two years ago, there were several updates to the Pacifica, including a more-athletic exterior, along with new infotainment and interior comfort features, and performance and lineup changes.
Amazon Alexa capability is also now available.
Changes for 2021 included the addition of the all-wheel-drive gasoline-only Pacifica Touring, Touring L and new top-of-the-line Pinnacle AWD, and the new Pinnacle Hybrid trim.
Prices for 2023 have not been released yet. But for the 2022 models, the front-wheel-drive gasoline-only Pacifica models start with the Touring ($37,095), available only with front drive; followed by the Touring L ($41,098; Limited ($49,172), and Pinnacle ($54,167).
Touring L, Limited and Pinnacle gasoline models are each available with all-wheel drive. For the Touring L, all-wheel drive adds $2,995, while Limited and Pinnacle models get the upgrade for $2,795 each.
Hybrids models, which come only with front-wheel drive, include the Touring L ($48,478), Limited ($54,422) and Pinnacle ($58,172). Destination charge is $1,595 for all models.
For this report, we tested the hybrid Limited model with the “S” appearance package ($995), which added 18-inch Foreshadow aluminum wheels; 235/60R18 black sidewall all-season tires; anodized ink badging; black daylight door-opening moldings; body-color door handles and exterior mirrors; Nappa leather bucket seats, black with light gray piping and “S” logos; Piano Black interior accents; Gloss-Black grille surround; and the premium rear fascia with black accents and an “S” badge.
Our vehicle came with the premium Velvet Red Pearl-Coat exterior paint, which was $495 extra. Only the Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl-Coat and Bright White Clear-Coat paints are available for no extra charge.
The interior was all black, including the Nappa leather seating surfaces. Other available premium colors are Granite Crystal Metallic Clear-Coat and Silver Mist Clear-Coat, for $195 each; and Ceramic Gray Clear Coat and Fathom Blue Pearl-Coat, for $495 each.
All of the gasoline-only models are powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 foot-pounds of torque. It’s connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission. EPA ratings are 19 mpg city/28 highway/22 combined for front-drive models, and 17/25/20 for all-wheel-drive models.
Hybrid versions come with a special 3.6-liter Atkinson-cycle V-6 engine, coupled with an electric motor for total system horsepower of 260. With a combination of battery power and the modified Pentastar V-6 engine, the hybrid has a range of 530 miles on a single tank (17 gallons) of regular gasoline.
EPA rating for the Pacifica Hybrid is 80 mpg/e (miles per gallon/equivalent), based on everyday driving using a combination of gasoline and electric power. Owners who drive 30 miles a day or less might not need to refuel for months, unless they take longer trips, as long as they plug up to recharge every night.
One of the Pacifica features not offered in the hybrid is the brand’s exclusive Stow ‘n Go seating arrangement. The area that would be used to stow the seat under the floor is where the hybrid’s battery pack goes.
Included in the recent upgrades to the Pacifica were numerous new safety features, the new FamCAM interior camera, wireless charging, next-generation Uconnect 5 connectivity with a 10.1-inch touch screen, and more interior storage.
Other new features included 18- and 20-inch self-sealing tires, new Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking, and formerly optional advanced safety features that are now standard, including Forward Collision Warning-Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, LaneSense Lane Departure Warning-Plus, Lane Keep Assist, rain-sensing wipers and automatic high beams.
Included at no extra charge on our Limited Hybrid model were the 360-degree Surround View Camera, ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist, and Front Park Assist.
Exterior design changes included new front fascia, grille, LED headlights/fog lights/taillights, and a black Chrysler wing badge insert (except for hybrids).
Limited models also come with hands-free automatic-opening sliding doors and tailgate, power/folding outside mirrors with power fold-in feature, and bi-function LED projector headlights.
The seven-inch digital gauge cluster and soft-touch instrument panel with accent stitching are now standard. Uconnect 5 brings Amazon Alexa directly into the vehicle, allowing for starting the engine or locking/unlocking the doors on Alexa from home or smartphone.
Standard on Limited is the Uconnect 5C Navigation, which includes a 10.1-inch touch screen for displaying music information and climate controls, AM/FM/HD Radio, SiriusXM All Access with six-months trial and integrated Voice Command. Included are Hands-Free Calling, voice commands for radio functions, Bluetooth Streaming Audio, easy prompts and voice commands for TomTom Navigation.
SiriusXM Guardian connected services, Apple CarPlay support and Android Auto integration are also included.
Our vehicle also came with the Uconnect Theater Family Group ($2,395), which added rear entertainment with rear seatback video screens, a 115-volt auxiliary power outlet, second- and third-row window shades, built-in Amazon Fire TV, the FamCam interior camera, HDMI/USB/headphone ports, video remote controls, and a video USB port.
Hybrid models come with some unique exterior, interior and technology features. Because the hybrid had to give up a seating position to the battery pack, which goes under the floor, there are dual captain’s chairs in the middle row instead of the normal three-person bench. In the gasoline models, the middle bench seat is standard, while the dual captain’s chairs are optional.
Pacifica’s external charging port is under a lid on the fender just in front of the driver’s door. It allows the hybrid to be recharged in about 14 hours with a 110-volt power connection, or two hours with the built-in 240-volt charger, if the vehicle is connected to a 240-volt power outlet.
The hybrid’s electric motor is built into the special E-Flite electronically variable transmission that drives the Pacifica’s front wheels. The motor provides torque at startup to get the vehicle moving quickly. The switch from electric to gasoline power is automatic.
Limited gasoline and hybrid models come with a three-pane panoramic sunroof that opens all three rows of seating to views of the sky.
The middle-row captain’s chairs seats can be removed, and the third row stowed away to allow the cavernous interior to carry up to 64 sheets of plywood completely inside the vehicle, the automaker says.
Limited models include heated and ventilated front seats, advanced safety features, and the KeySense programmable key fob, which lets parents regulate some of the vehicle’s features when teen kids are out on their own.
Our 2022 Pacifica Hybrid Limited had a total sticker price of $59,407, including freight and options.
The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the San Antonio Express-News since 2000. Contact him at chambers@auto-writer.com. His driving partner Emma Jayne Williams contributed to this report.
2022-23 Chrysler Pacifica
The package: Front- or all-wheel-drive (gasoline only), five-door, seven- or eight-passenger, gasoline only or gasoline/electric plug-in hybrid-powered minivan.
Highlights: Pacifica is the continuation of Chrysler’s former Town & Country minivan line. The hybrid version was added with the 2017 remake, giving Chrysler and the U.S. market the first gasoline-electric plug-in minivan. For 2021, all-wheel drive was made available on gasoline-only models.
Negatives: Can get pricey especially with options; hybrid’s electric-only range is limited to about 30 miles on a full charge.
Overall length: 204.3 inches.
Curb weight range: 4,521-4,883 pounds (gasoline models); 5,010 pounds (hybrid).
Engine: 3.6-liter V-6, normally aspirated, gasoline (non-hybrid versions); 3.6-liter Atkinson cycle, gasoline powered, coupled with an electric motor (horsepower not specified).
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic (non-hybrid models); electrically variable, with built-in electric drive motor (hybrids).
Power/torque: 287 HP./262 foot-pounds (non-hybrids); 260 HP. system total/torque not specified (hybrids).
Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock.
Cargo volume: 32.3 cubic feet (behind third row); 87.5 cubic feet (behind second row); 140.5 cubic feet (behind first row).
Towing capacity: 3,600 pounds (non-hybrids); towing not recommended for hybrids.
Electronic stability control: Standard.
Side air bags: Front seat-mounted; roof-mounted side-curtain with rollover sensors, all three rows.
EPA fuel economy: 19 mpg city/28 highway/22 combined (gasoline front-drive models); 17/25/20 (gasoline AWD models); Hybris, 80 mpg-e (miles per gallon-equivalent, special rating for electric vehicles).
Fuel capacity/type: 19.0 gallons, unleaded regular (non-hybrids); 16.5 gallons/unleaded regular (hybrids).
Base price range (2022): $37,095-$54,167, plus $1,595 freight (non-hybrids, front drive); $48,478-$58,172 (hybrids).
Price as tested: $59,407, including freight and options (2022 Limited Hybrid with S appearance package).
On the Road rating: 8.7 (of a possible 10).
Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail. Actual selling price may vary.