The Pacifica delivers a surprising amount of driving pleasure for a vehicle in this category. The 3.6L V6 accelerates with verve and is nicely mated to its nine-speed automatic transmission. The Pacifica’s ride-handling compromise is near ideal for a family hauler, but its steering is precise and its brakes are strong and easy to modulate. The hybrid model is quicker and quieter than the conventional model as well as being more economical. The 16 kWh battery pack can propel the Pacifica up to 50 kilometres in full electric mode and can be recharged in as little as two and a half hours. Fuel economy of eight to ten litres per 100 kilometres once the battery pack has been depleted is quite parsimonious for such a large vehicle.

The Pacifica was expected to eventually supplement the Grand Caravan and in a sense did as a discontented Pacifica is now sold as a Grand Caravan. The Pacifica moved away from typically minivan proportions toward something sleeker and more sporting than its predecessor or the plethora of three-row crossover vehicles potential buyers might also consider. The range-topping model has a very elegant, luxuriously appointed interior. Most Pacificas will be powered by a 3.6L V6 sending power to the front wheels via a nine-speed automatic but the hybrid powertrain has proved popular in jurisdictions with government rebates for PHEV vehicles. Towing capacity is not recommended on the hybrid and 1633 kilograms (3600 lbs.) on the conventional V6 model. With 4513 units sold in Canada last year, the Pacifica sold in roughly the same numbers as the Honda Odyssey and Kia Carnival.

The base Pacifica, the Touring, is nicely equipped. The Touring-L is good value but its equipment and price are so close to the Touring that either one of them should be eliminated.

The Limited trim adds a plethora of additional equipment including an Alpine-branded audio system, additional sound insulation, laminated front door glass, a panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather seating, ventilated front seats, a power passenger seat, navigation, wireless cellphone charging and a number of other comfort and convenience features, at a tempting price. The range-topping Pinnacle trim, which adds a rear entertainment system, the FamCam (in car camera), upgraded leather upholstery, premium front door panels, hands-free power sliding doors, a 360 degree camera system, self parking and a variety of lesser features, is good value. All-wheel drive is a $4000 option. Forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot, rear cross traffic and lane-departure warnings, adaptive cruise control and a lane-keep assist system are all standard. PHEV: upgrading from the Touring L to the Limited is a bargain and moving further up to the Pinnacle, is good value. Oddly, the PHEV models are cheaper than the conventional equivalent, and can also qualify for rebates of $5000 from Quebec (Touring L only) and $5000 from the federal government.

Reliability is slightly below average. The Pacifica exhibited some issues during the first three years or production but it seems to have settled down more recently. Though very expensive, an extended warranty may be a prudent idea if you plan to keep the van past the three year/60,000 basic warranty.