2018 Chrysler Pacifica
Starting at $28,390
Select a year
- Highs Comfortable ride, more than enough space for people and gear, versatile interior configurations.
- Lows A few cheap interior materials, less engaging driving experience than some rivals, many desirable features are optional.
- Verdict The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, with its car-like ride, cavernous interior, and wealth of standard and optional features, is one of the best minivans on the market.
Overview
The minivan has become a staple of American culture by virtue of its cargo capacity, passenger space, and fuel economy. And no minivan does it better than the Chrysler Pacifica, which has aced many of our tests and is competitive with its rivals in the rest. Thanks to its quick-change interior, it sails through everyday life so effortlessly it might as well wear tights and a cape. Second- and third-row disappearing seats, an optional plug-in hybrid powertrain, and an unbeatable infotainment system separate it from the herd. The Pacifica is such an impressive vehicle that we named it to our 2017 10Best Trucks and SUVs list and even ordered one up for a 40,000-mile long-term test.
What's New for 2018?
Chrysler has made some adjustments to the Pacifica trims for 2018 by introducing a lower-cost L model and renaming some other trim levels. Updates to the Pacifica’s Uconnect infotainment system include the addition of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and onboard Wi-Fi. New wheel designs and body-colored exterior mirrors adorn Touring Plus models. The Touring L gets chrome roof-rack rails, and two new colors join the palette: Copper Pearl Coat and Ocean Blue Metallic. Inside, Touring L models get perforated leather seating surfaces.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- L: $28,390
- LX: $31,190
- Touring Plus: $33,990
- Hybrid Touring Plus: $41,390
- Limited: $45,490
- Hybrid Limited: $46,390
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Pacifica’s 3.6-liter V-6 makes 287 hp and drives the front wheels through a very capable nine-speed automatic transmission. That’s enough to scoot this not small, not light vehicle to 60 mph in a reasonable 7.3 seconds while providing plenty of pop for highway merging and back-road passing. The Pacifica plug-in hybrid pairs a modified version of the V-6 with two electric motors for a combined output of 260 hp. The 16-kWh lithium-ion battery can be charged in about two hours with a 240-volt connection or 14 hours from a 120-volt household outlet.The Pacifica is easy to maneuver for its size, rides comfortably, and handles well. It strides smoothly over most bumps and absorbs all but the worst road blemishes. The Pacifica’s driving experience doesn’t feel quite as engaging as the Honda Odyssey’s, but it’s not far behind.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the "Compare Side-by-Side" tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Airy, spacious, and packed with cubbies, cupholders, slide-out bins, and connectivity, the Pacifica is big on the features that minivan buyers love. Fit, finish, and materials are good enough, but a few downmarket plastic pieces lurk inside the cabin. You’ll find plenty of USB ports and power outlets, along with optional extras like heated second-row seats and dual 10-inch touchscreens mounted on the rear of the front seatbacks. Our Pacifica Limited test vehicle came with heavily cushioned front seats with power adjustments, but they could use a little more bolstering for extra support. For maximum versatility, the Pacifica's second- and third-row seats disappear into the floor in seconds to convert from a people bus to a cavernous cargo van.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Chrysler’s Uconnect infotainment system remains one of our favorites, with knobs and buttons for audio controls. Every Pacifica model gets a touchscreen display. Lower trims have a 5.0-inch screen, but a larger, 8.4-inch unit is optional on mid-range models and standard on top trims and hybrid models. The Pacifica helps keep the peace on long trips with up to six USB ports, two 12-volt outlets, and one auxiliary input. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard across the range. As icing on the cake, the onboard Wi-Fi has been updated to the latest 4G LTE connection.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Chrysler Pacifica’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
