2024 Chrysler Pacifica

The Pacifica has a nice, soothing look inside with shapely lines and generally cohesive switchgear arrangement. We lament that Chrysler has dialed it back to a few interior hues, though. The contrast between the black seats and off-white trim is not very appealing. 

How fast is the Chrysler Pacifica?

The 3.6-liter V-6 is still the more popular choice. It’s rated at a decent 287 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, which goes to the wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. That gearbox’s behavior can be troublesome at low speeds, where it fumbles its way through too many cogs. It’s also highly reluctant to step into ninth gear. It works best when driven with authority, which can be a bit frustrating. 

Good steering heft helps the Pacifica drive confidently down a winding road and it settles into a nice highway cruise. A well-controlled ride with standard 18-inch wheels only becomes a bit firmer with the optional 20s, so try before you sign on the dotted line. It’s a quiet mile-eater, among the best road-trip cars money can buy. 

The Pacifica Hybrid pairs two electric motors and a small 16-kwh battery pack to a detuned version of the V-6 for a system output of 260 hp. At lower speeds, it’ll motor around for shorter stints on electric power alone. Fully charged, it can even handle highway speeds before the gas engine kicks on.

The downside to this is that the hybrid weighs 500 pounds more than the base Pacifica, which means more body lean when pushed into a corner. 

Non-hybrid Pacificas other than the top Pinnacle trim level have second-row seats called Stow ‘n Go that collapse into the floor. All models have a 60/40-split third-row bench that does the same. Seats stowed away and the Pacifica is like the automotive equivalent of a C-130.

Some caveats, though. For one, the second-row seats are thinly padded to enable that folding ability. The second-row middle seat is a downright rare option, too, so shop wisely if you need to seat eight passengers. Finally, hybrids and the Pinnacle lack that flexibility.  

Maximum cargo utility stands at an astounding 141 cubic feet, among the most you’ll find in any vehicle short of a Sprinter. Even behind the third row, the Pacifica can lug more than 32 cubic feet of stuff thanks to its low floor. 

Interior trim is mostly in line with pricing, though Chrysler has become a bit stingy with colors and upholsteries. Leather seats are now restricted to the pricey Limited and Pinnacle versions. And you’ll have to be happy with a curious contrast between bone-colored plastics and black leather seats unless you opt for the Pinnacle with its warm brown upholstery. Chrysler once offered saddle brown and gray options, but those have vanished from the lineup.

That said, the IIHS recently tested minivans and concluded that the Pacifica, like its rivals, offers weaker rear-seat protection in a wreck than front seat. 

Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking that can detect and stop for pedestrians, active lane control, a rear-seat reminder, and blind-spot monitors. A surround-view camera system and parking sensors are widely available—and worthwhile since over-the-shoulder vision is not great. 

The base Pacifica Touring is reasonably equipped with 17-inch wheels, LED exterior lighting, cloth seats that are heated up front, second-row seats that fold into the floor, a power tailgate, power sliding side doors, adaptive cruise control, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It’ll set you back $40,020, or $500 more if you want any color other than black or white.  

Which Chrysler Pacifica should I buy?

The mid-level Touring L strikes us as the one to have. Its synthetic leather upholstery will be easier to clean than cloth and it comes with a much nicer center console between the front seats. It’s also the gateway to all-wheel drive, built-in navigation, a surround-view camera system, rear-seat entertainment, and a number of shockingly expensive appearance packages. Particularly egregious is the S Appearance Package that for $2,245 adds blacked-out accents and 20-inch wheels. At least the Road Tripper Package also includes rubber floor mats, a trailer hitch, and trailer sway damping for similar money. 

A base Touring L runs $43,680, while all-wheel drive is $2,995 more.

If you want leather, you’ll need to step up to the Limited for about $51,000. It’s pricey, but it includes a sunroof, cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, a wireless charging pad, a vacuum, and navigation. Before you start adding options to a Touring L, the Limited is worth a look. 

The Pacifica Hybrid lineup starts off in a new Select trim level outfitted similarly to the Touring L, though federal, state, and even local rebates may bring it closer to parity with the non-hybrid. 

There is no Hybrid Limited for 2024. 

How much is a fully loaded Chrysler Pacifica?

The top Pinnacle trim level checks in at $56,610 with 20-inch wheels, an SUV-like full center console, a 19-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system, and rear-seat touchscreens. It’s an appealing executive-grade van and it includes much more comfortable second-row seats with extra padding. The downside? Those seats don’t fold into the floor as in other trims. 

A top Pacifica Hybrid Pinnacle should run about $63,000.