Chrysler Pacifica: Interior Features, Comfort, and Safety

Youssef Shaban August 12, 2024Last Updated: August 12, 2024

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The Chrysler Pacifica: A Versatile Family Van

The Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan that kids love to nickname, and it certainly deserves many. This is the van that introduced Stow ‘n Go seating, allowing the second-row seats to fold seamlessly into the floor, much like a magician performing a flawless trick. Available in both front- and all-wheel drive, the Pacifica stands out in terms of powertrain options compared to competitors like the Kia Carnival, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna.

Chrysler Pacifica: Powertrain Options and Performance

The standard powertrain setup includes a 287-hp V-6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. For those interested in a more eco-friendly option, the Pacifica Hybrid comes with a 260-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain, offering an impressive 540 miles of range in highway fuel-economy tests. The sliding rear passenger doors, a unique feature for minivans, allow quick access to the second and third rows, something SUVs struggle with.

Chrysler Pacifica: 2024 Model Updates

Not much changes for the Chrysler Pacifica in 2024. The Pinnacle trim now offers a new interior color option called Sepia, while other trims see new paint choices such as Red Hot and Baltic Gray. The plug-in hybrid model now has only two trims: Hybrid Select and Hybrid Pinnacle. Additionally, a new Emergency Vehicle Alert System has been added to the Uconnect infotainment system, helping drivers stay aware of approaching emergency vehicles.

Chrysler Pacifica: Pricing and Trim Levels

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica is priced between $41,340 and $61,480, depending on the trim and options selected:

Touring: $41,340
Touring L: $43,500
Limited: $50,270
Hybrid Select: $52,750
Pinnacle: $55,930
Hybrid Pinnacle: $61,480

The midrange Touring L trim is the best value, offering additional features like a heated steering wheel, perforated leather upholstery, heated front seats, and 18-inch wheels. While front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is available for added security, though the standard 3.6-liter V-6 engine is recommended due to some reliability issues with the hybrid version.

Chrysler Pacifica: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The front-wheel-drive Pacifica, while not the quickest minivan, is certainly not sluggish, reaching 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. It features a 287-hp 3.6-liter V-6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Pacifica Hybrid, on the other hand, produces 260 horsepower from its 3.6-liter V-6 engine and two electric motors. However, it takes an additional 0.5 seconds to reach 60 mph compared to the gas-only model and is available only in front-wheel drive.

Chrysler Pacifica: Towing and Payload Capacity

The Chrysler Pacifica has a maximum towing capacity of 3600 pounds. However, Chrysler does not recommend towing with the Pacifica Hybrid.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

In addition to its spacious interior, the Chrysler Pacifica also excels in fuel efficiency. The Pacifica Limited achieved 31 mpg on a 75-mph highway fuel-economy test. The Pacifica Hybrid is rated at 84 MPGe combined and can travel up to 33 miles on electric power alone. During real-world tests, it matched the EPA’s range estimate of 33 miles around town and achieved 23 miles on electric-only driving on the highway before the gasoline engine took over. For more details on fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo in the Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica’s interior is designed with minivan buyers in mind, offering an airy, spacious cabin packed with cubbies, cupholders, slide-out bins, and ample connectivity options. While the overall fit, finish, and materials are decent, there are some lower-quality plastic pieces within the cabin. The Limited and Pinnacle models have taller center consoles that blend seamlessly with the dashboard for an SUV-like feel. The luxurious Pinnacle model even includes quilted-leather upholstery and matching lumbar pillows for the second-row captain’s chairs, a feature reminiscent of the ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach S-class.

Comfort and Seating

The Pacifica’s standard Stow ‘n Go seats are a hallmark of the minivan but offer less padding than those in rival models due to their need to fold into the van’s floor. In the Pacifica Hybrid, which sacrifices the Stow ‘n Go second row to accommodate the battery pack, Chrysler has added extra cushioning to the standard captain’s chairs for enhanced comfort. The Pacifica excels in cargo space, fitting 53 carry-on suitcases with the second- and third-row seats stowed. You can opt for a built-in vacuum cleaner, but it takes up space that could otherwise hold a mini-spare tire.

Infotainment and Connectivity Features

The Chrysler Pacifica comes equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, displayed on a glossy 10.1-inch touchscreen flanked by climate-control vents on the dashboard. Uconnect 5 provides a customizable home screen, integrates Amazon Alexa, and connects wirelessly to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Wi-Fi hotspot is also available. For rear-seat passengers, an optional entertainment system includes dual touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV, allowing access to movies and TV shows through embedded streaming apps. The Pacifica’s cabin features up to 12 USB ports, including some USB-C types for faster charging.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Chrysler Pacifica enhances its safety reputation by offering nearly every modern driver-assistance feature available. For detailed information on the Pacifica’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Standard adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Chrysler provides a competitive warranty package for the Pacifica, though the Kia Carnival offers longer terms. However, the Pacifica does extend its roadside-assistance plan for a longer duration. The Pacifica Hybrid model comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on hybrid components. The warranty details include: