A unique, well-equipped hybrid Minivan
In 1984 Chrysler created the minivan market segment that set the automotive world on its ear. Fast forward to 2017 and, with the introduction of the sixth-generation Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan, Chrysler once again led the way with the most advanced plug-In hybrid minivan available in the world today.
High-Mileage Plug-In Hybrid
For 2019, the Pacifica re-invents the minivan segment with a fantastic level of functionality, versatility, technology, and styling. Pacifica’s new platform, combined with its state-of-the-art hybrid powertrain, is the first electrified minivan that achieves more than 30 mpg (combined EPA gasoline only), 84 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), more than 33 miles of all-electric range and a total range of more than 566 miles. In mixed driving our Pacifica evaluation unit achieved as much as 39 mpg in combined gas and electric driving.
Manageable, But Yet Spacious
The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is a medium-sized minivan on the outside, but it leads its class on the inside. It rides on a 121.6-inch wheelbase with a wide track of 68.2 inches. Its overall length is 203.8 inches and it’s 79.8 inches wide. Its overall height is 69.9 inches. Chrysler took great pains to make the Pacifica a very aerodynamic vehicle with a drag coefficient (Cd) of only 0.298. Despite a size that allows it to fit comfortably in a garage, it is a substantial electric vehicle, tipping the scales at almost two and a half tons.
Inside the Pacifica there is seating for seven large adults sitting in a 2/2/3 configuration. The total interior SAE volume is almost 200 cubic feet (cu. ft.). Cargo volume is also class-leading with the minimum cargo area behind the third-row seats at 32.3 cu. ft., expanding to 87.5 cu. ft. with the fold-into-the-floor third row seats down, and further expanding to 140.5 cu. ft with the middle seats removed. The cargo and passenger areas are enormous, and just about anything can fit inside. If more room is needed, there are also roof rails for a rack to handle bicycles or cargo boxes.
Segment-Leading Technology
The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid powertrain is unique with a 260 horsepower (hp or 194 kilowatt-kW) 3.6-liter V6 Atkinson Cycle gas engine paired with two electric motors that have a combined power of 198 hp (148 kW). Managing the power between the gas engine and the hybrid electric motors is an electrically variable transmission that also houses the two electric motors. The hybrid electric motors use a 96-cell lithium-ion 16 kilowatt-hour, 360-volt battery. The battery can be charged on the go with regenerative charging or plugged into an Level 1 (L1) 110-volt or L2 240-volt EVSE. No L3 fast charging is available, but the battery can fully recharge in two hours or less with L2 charging.
The Pacifica has four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, ESC, traction control and emergency brake assist standard. Four-wheel independent suspension and electric rack and pinion steering are also standard.
A Posh and Comfortable Interior
The interior cabin of the Pacifica is not only roomy but very posh and comfortable too. Large and well-bolstered eight-way, heated and cooled driver and passenger memory power seats give a comfortable ride regardless of the size of the driver or passenger. The Pacifica’s multimedia offerings include Alpine 13-speaker or Harman Kardon 20-speaker sound systems with a bright and clear 8.4-inch center stack display combined with a seven-inch-driver’s display. All of the advanced connectivity that one would expect is available on the Pacifica, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and integrated voice command and Bluetooth. The Pacifica’s interior is made even quieter by the use of an active-noise-control system that listens for road noise and cancels the sound by projecting a reverse sound wave of the noise in the cabin like noise-canceling headphones do. For the backseat passengers there is an available theater system with displays built into the headrests and wireless streaming of Blu-ray or DVD videos, as well as built-in HDMI and USB video ports. In the middle seats, wireless headphones, remote controls and a 115-volt auxiliary power outlet for plugging in a video game console are available.
Segment-Leading Safety Tech
Safety is exceptional with multiple airbags for all passengers, lane departure and full-speed forward collision warning with active braking, and front/rear parking assist with emergency stop, and blind-spot/cross-path detection warning are all available on the Pacifica Hybrid. Our 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited evaluation vehicle was equipped with adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, which was great for rush hour traffic. The Pacifica keeps its distance from the car in front and will stop automatically and restart depending on the flow of traffic. Parallel and perpendicular parking assistance, rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic high-beams are also available.
Priced to Sell
If there is a safety, luxury or convenience feature desired, chances are the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid can be configured with it. There are three levels of trim for the Pacifica Hybrid–the Touring Plus starting at $39,995, the Touring L starting at $42,195, and the Limited starting at $45,395. Our evaluation Pacifica had additional options and a destination charge of $1,395 for a total MSRP of $50,375. Chrysler is eager to sell the Hybrid, and it is not unusual to see dealer discounts of between $5-8,000 on all trim levels. Add to that, the Pacifica Hybrid also qualifies for the federal $7,500 tax credit as well as state and utility incentives, and single driver carpool access in California.
As an example, the after discount and incentive price of our evaluation vehicle in California could be as little as:
MSRP: $50,375
Dealer Discount: $-8,000
Federal Tax Credit $-7,500
California Rebate $-1,500
Utility Rebate $-800
Net cost: $32,575
Total Discounts: $17,800
The Pacifica also has an excellent set of warranties including:
- Hybrid system 10 years or 100,000 miles
- High-voltage battery 10-years or 100,000 miles
- Powertrain Five years or 60,000 miles
- Basic Three years or 36,000 miles
The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is the only hybrid with seven-passenger seating available in the US today. It is a no-compromise hybrid with great range, a competitive price and has just about any option desired. From basic to ultra-luxurious, there is a Pacifica hybrid available. If a minivan or SUV is on your consideration radar, and a PHEV is desirable, then be sure and consider the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.
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Disclosure:
Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.
Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.
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