The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is one of only two cars that are still in production bearing the Chrysler name, the other one is the Chrysler 300. Chrysler claims that this minivan will hold up to 60 gallons of milk, a claim that I’m not going to challenge but I am going to test it and see if it is a better option than a full-size SUV.

History

Chrysler likes to take credit for introducing the minivan, way back in 1984. It was an overnight success, and the competition jumped on the bandwagon but they haven’t had the same level of success as Chrysler. The company has sold more than 15 million minivans globally since 1983, twice as many as any other manufacturer in the past 37 years.

Fast forward to today and this 2023 Hybrid model is now in its seventh year, a year past when most manufacturers would consider a redesign but it still keeps on trucking and I think it’s still actually pretty good and even though minivans have somewhat of a stigma about them, they are generally more practical than a full-size SUV.

What’s under the hood?

The standard powertrain is a 287-hp V-6 that pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Hybrid model has a DOHC 24-valve Atkinson-cycle 3.6-liter V-6 and 2 permanent-magnet AC electric motors making a combined 260 hp, which is less than the gas-only model but it does offer 326 ft-lbs. of torque. All the hybrid power is routed through Chrysler’s eFlite electrically variable transmission which is very good.

With less power, it does prove to be slower if drag races are your thing, Zero to sixty takes 7.8 seconds but fuel economy is the key here since the electric motors allow for up to 32 miles of electric-only range and it gets about 30 mpg on the highway, the 16-kilowatt-hour battery starts using all its electrons right away and when it runs out it reverts to being a normal hybrid even with an almost depleted battery. 

Charging

If you do decide to charge the battery at home on a normal 110-volt outlet, it takes about 14 hours to fill up, while a level two 220-volt outlet takes just two hours.

Driving

You can’t get AWD in the Hybrid model so the front wheels do occasionally scrabble for grip if you have a heavy right foot, which I am certainly guilty of. The pros outweigh the cons though the transition to gas power is so smooth you almost don’t notice it save for the noise of the V6.

Praise deservedly goes to the eFlite transmission, which in my opinion is one of the best CVTs on the market.  Even when the V6 kicks in it’s not buzzy and the cabin is fairly well insulated from the sound.

The Pacifica Hybrid is actually fun to drive, the suspension is very composed, comfortable, and not too firm giving it a surprising amount of confidence in the turns. It also doesn’t feel as big as it actually is and body control is exemplary even under hard cornering, which I wouldn’t advise with kids on board since it’s never fun to clear up vomit.

Turn-in is crisp and even under hard cornering it felt safe and planted and the standard all-season tires made no complaints with zero noise from the tires. High-speed cruising o the freeway is effortless and the interior is very hushed, so much so that you do hear more wind noise than in most cars.

With gobs of torque available passing traffic is a simple process, mash the accelerator, and the Pinnacle whooshes past with ease. Steering is decently precise but push on and it understeers, easily corrected by letting off the gas.

Interior

The single coolest feature for me on a minivan is the powered sliding doors that open to reveal the most luxurious minivan you’ve probably ever seen. Settling into the extremely comfortable super-soft caramel semi-aniline leather seats, you can find the perfect position thanks to multi-way power for both driver and passenger.

To add to the luxury feel the second-row passengers get a throw cushion with an embossed Chrysler logo on each one so you can relax your back while watching the rear seat entertainment system, which has Amazon Fire TV baked in. The rear-seat entertainment package not only adds individual screens for second-row passengers but also fits 11 USB ports across all three rows. Impressive!

Overall material quality is excellent and any hard plastics have been wrapped and stitched in vinyl and I’m ok with that. One small annoyance is the rotary-shifter knob, it feels weird and on several occasions, I selected park after backing out of a parking space.

An “Ultra” center console is available exclusively on the Pinnacle model and it comes with dual-level storage and a deep pass-through area underneath for larger stuff. and the 8.0 cubic feet worth of storage throughout the Pacifica Pinnacle is also best-in-class.

In addition to all the leather the Pacifica Pinnacle also uses piano black elements on the dash (not my favorite), a suede headliner, high-quality Berber floor mats, and additional chrome detailing both on the exterior and on the interior.

Technology and connectivity

The UConnect 5 infotainment system, is still one of the best although it has been somewhat buggy since it was introduced. Despite those glitches, it shows everyone else just how it’s done and I wish other carmakers could get it this right.

The 10.1-inch touchscreen works well, is well laid out, user-friendly, and is decently fast, although, on a couple of occasions, it was laggy loading certain pages.

The 3rd row offers decent legroom and headroom except for those of above-average height but this is expected in most 3-rows and they really are meant for children.

Cargo Space

At the back, you get a hands-free powered tailgate.  There are 32.3 cubic feet of space behind the Pacifica Hybrid’s third row, 87.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum capacity of 140.5 cubic feet with all of the rear seats folded.

Since Chrysler had to make room for the battery there’s no Stow n Go feature for the 2nd row, which does limit overall cargo space and there’s no completely flat floor.

Safety Features

The Pacifica comes standard with automatic emergency braking (for both cars and pedestrians), blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keep assist, forward-collision mitigation, and rain-sensing wipers.

Also included on the Pinnacle trim is the Premium Safety Sphere package. That option adds advanced features like a 360-degree overhead camera, parallel and perpendicular park assist, as well as front and rear park assist with automatic braking

How Much?

This is the top-of-the-range Pinnacle model and including destination, it costs a shade over $62k, the only option being the Fathom Blue Pearl coat exterior for $495.

In order to get the equivalent cargo capacity out of a full-size SUV, you need to get a Suburban, and a bare-bones basic one starts at $57,000. If you want similar luxuries as the Pinnacle that price will go up considerably once you start checking boxes.

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Verdict

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Pinnacle successfully raises the bar for the minivan segment, no other manufacturer offers this much luxury, cutting-edge technology, and eco-friendliness. It has a spacious and opulent interior, an impressive technology suite, and hybrid efficiency. In my opinion, the Pacifica Hybrid Pinnacle stands out as a top contender for families seeking the perfect balance of practicality and refinement.

I am thoroughly wowed by it, it’s super easy to drive but it was also fun in a way no minivan has ever been. Every time I drove it, it was an event, cossetted by super soft supple hide and wafting along on a mixture of electrons and gas. Forget your full-size SUV this is just perfect.

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle Numbers

BASE PRICE: $59,995
PRICE AS TESTED: $62,085
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door minivan
ENGINE: DOHC 24-valve Atkinson-cycle 3.6-liter V-6, 2 permanent-magnet AC electric motors
COMBINED OUTPUT: 260 HP 
TRANSMISSION: eFlite electrically variable transmission (EVT)
CURB WEIGHT: 5,060 lb
0-60 MPH: 7.8 seconds
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB: 35 mpg combined gasoline only | 82 mpge combined electricity + gasoline
OUR OBSERVED FUEL ECONOMY: 30.4 MPGe
CARGO SPACE: 32.3 ft³, 140.5 ft³ with seat area
PROS: Great handling, brisk performance, super-luxury inside, hugely practical, very fuel efficient
CONS: No Stow-n-Go, fiddly gear shifter, No EV only mode, no AWD option