Review: 2023 Pacifica Pinnacle PHEV Is Charging Into the Future

When you have been around as long as the Chrysler minivan has, you are in pretty exclusive company. It's almost like being an NFL quarterback winning a Super Bowl after 40. FYI, Jim Plunkett was the winning quarterback of the 1984 Super Bowl XVIII at age 36 when the Chrysler minivan was released. That was Plunkett's second Super Bowl win. His first came in Super Bowl XV, in which he was named MVP. Plunkett is the only NFL quarterback with two Super Bowl wins and a Super Bowl MVP, not to be in the Hall of Fame. And that is an absolute shame. But I digress.

My press loan for the week is the family-friendly Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle Plug-in Hybrid. The minivan was originally introduced to the buying public in 1984 under the CEO leadership of marketing genius Lee Iacocca. But to stay relevant and current with consumers buying tastes the minivan has had many successful makeovers. The newest, if you could call it that, is the Chrysler Pacifica. It was released in 2017 replacing the Town & Country minivan. The reason it feels new each year, since its release, the Pacifica holds the status as the most-awarded minivan five years in a row with more than 150 honors and industry accolades. Also in 2017, the Pacifica was recognized as the first minivan in North America to offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain option.

The Pacifica hybrid is equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a dual-motor electrically variable transmission (EVT). This powertrain delivers an impressive 260 horsepower and a class-leading all-electric driving range of up to 32 miles. The 32 miles of all-electric range makes the Pacifica an excellent option for short commutes and running errands around town. When the battery is depleted, the Pacifica hybrid seamlessly switches to gas-electric mode for an extended driving range. Once home it will recharge in 2 hours on a standard 240w outlet. The engine is quiet and smooth, providing a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience and the plug-in feature is so easy to use, a teenager could do it.

If you don't know a thing about the Pacifica minivan, you should know the Pinnacle is the premium people-mover. The exterior of the Pinnacle is distinguished by its exclusive 18” polished aluminum wheels, chrome accents, and LED lighting. Inside, the minivan boasts a spacious and comfortable interior, with seating for up to seven passengers on quilted Nappa leather seats, which are heated and ventilated in the front and second rows. The Pinnacle also has a built-in vacuum cleaner, a tri-pane panoramic sunroof, and a 23-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

One of my favorite technology/safety features is its 360-degree surround-view camera system. This system uses four cameras to provide a bird's-eye view of the vehicle, making it easier for the driver to maneuver in tight spaces and avoid obstacles. Because the Pacifica is a family-first concept, vehicle safety is front and center, so there is a host of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking for the driver, but the passengers are protected by a comprehensive airbag system, including front, side, and curtain airbags, to provide additional protection in the event of a crash.

I always catch some grief from my neighbors when the 'minivan' press loan arrives, but now that I'm a recent grandfather a couple times over, I find myself looking at convenient and safe and also an easy way to carry my golf clubs. I will say the Chrysler Pacifica hybrid engine is a well-rounded powertrain that offers a combination of power and eco-friendliness. And the interior and exterior styling is not...well your grandmother's minivan, making it an excellent choice for families, and grandparents, in need of a spacious and practical vehicle.

Specifications

Engine: 260 horsepower 3.6-liter V6
Transmission: dual-motor electrically variable transmission (EVT)
Wheels: 18” polished aluminum wheels
Sound: Harman Kardon Sound System with 20 Speakers
Color: Velvet Red Pearl
Fuel: 30 MPG / 82 MPGe
MSRP (shown): $62,805

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
Chrysler | Pacifica