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 significantly more expensive than the old Dodge Grand Caravan and never approached the big sales volumes of the Dodge. A decontented version of the Pacifica, sold as the Chrysler Grand Caravan, came on stream a few years ago but is so expensive that it cannot be seen as a replacement for the very popular Dodge 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.

Pacifica : The base Pacifica, the Select, with an active safety suite including active cruise control, a power driver’s seat and power sliding doors, is nicely equipped. Moving up to the Limited brings a power passenger seat, a dual-panel sunroof, heated second-row seats, Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, an Alpine-branded audio system and navigation. The Pinnacle adds an in-car vacuum, quilted leather, a Harman-Kardon audio system and a foot gesture power sliding door operation. All-wheel drive costs an extra $5000 on the Select and Limited trims and is standard on the Pinnacle. The only place where the Pacifica PHEV intersects with the conventional model is the front-wheel drive Select trim, where the PHEV drivetrain commands a $7295 premium. At around $50,000, the the cheapest variant of this platform, the Grand Caravan, is expensive. With the top trim, literally, the Pinnacle, pushing $80,000, Chrysler has left their market behind and are entering a territory where they might not find any customers. Only the Select version of the PHEV is eligible for rebates, with Quebec and the federal government each giving $5,000.

Reliability has been below average with lots of complaints from owners of the PHEV variant. 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.