The Chrysler Pacifica PHEV didn’t deserve to get axed. This minivan broke ground by being the first electrified vehicle in its segment. It combined a plug-in hybrid system with such a family-friendly body style. You got the efficiency and all-electric driving capability without sacrificing versatility and clever features that made family motoring enjoyable for everyone. The Pacifica PHEV was nearly perfect, and I’m going to tell you why killing it was a downright dumb move.
Chrysler Pacifica PHEV: Style Meets Versatility
Stellantis pioneered the minivan and made it a staple family vehicle through clever innovations. The Chrysler Pacifica PHEV embodied that spirit of leadership. Its timeless design gave it style, all while retaining its practical shape. Soft curves, round headlights and taillights, and careful use of chrome accents gave it a classy look. Even after nearly 10 years on the market, this minivan looks modern, aging gracefully.
Inside, the Pacifica PHEV had clever solutions that made it such a great family car. Third row seats that stow into a massive under-floor bin, removable second row seats, and spacious seating for everyone. First class comfort came courtesy of supremely cushy heated and ventilated front seats, vents across all three rows, and 11 USB ports for everyone. It even had a clever dual-display rear seat entertainment system with games, movie streaming capability, and the ability to connect to your mobile devices.
On the other hand, the UConnect 5 interface defined user-friendliness with its standard 10.1-inch touchscreen and easy controls. Moreover, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility enhanced its approachability, allowing you to easily stay connected. The available 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system sounded excellent, too. It did a great job immersing the cabin, all while remaining stunningly clear and crisp, even when you played bass-heavy tunes.
Meanwhile, the Pinnacle trim turned the Pacifica PHEV into a proper luxury minivan featuring diamond quilted leather seats, lumbar pillows for the second-row captain’s chairs, and materials that won’t feel out of place in a luxury car. Together with excellent sound insulation and minimal noise, this van made long trips with the family a true joy. Better yet, have one of your adult children chauffeur you around in one!
Cruising in Ultimate Comfort (and Efficiency)
Supreme comfort defined the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV’s road manners. This minivan glides over road imperfections, resulting in a plush ride. Modestly sized 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels with tires that have plenty of sidewall added to the Pacifica PHEV’s smoothness on the road. Most importantly, it remained composed thanks to its accurate steering and surefooted handling, both of which help you stay confident behind the wheel.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain further enhanced this upscale driving experience. It pairs a 3.6-liter V6 with an electric motor, a planetary gear set, and a 16-kWh battery. The result is 260 hp delivered smoothly and without any lag. Putting your right foot down got you a refined wave of power that moved this 2.5-ton minivan without much drama. Most importantly, the driver assistance tech never got annoying or intrusive, adding to the overall refined feel.
However, we did wish it had drive modes because we like having the ability to save our all-electric driving range for later use. Sadly, the Pacifica didn’t let you do that because it depletes the all-electric range first, no matter how you drove it. This would’ve allowed you to save EV mode for city driving, while keeping hybrid mode for highway stints. In return, this may have helped improve your real-world efficiency and get the most out of the plug-in hybrid system.
In our experience, we easily exceeded the Pacifica PHEV’s 32-mile all-electric range and its EPA ratings of 29/30/30 mpg city/highway/combined. The ability to plug in, charge, and use no fuel on short drives made it so easy to stretch every tank of fuel.
A Huge Loss (and Mistake)
The Pacifica PHEV was one of a kind. Literally. It was the only plug-in hybrid minivan available, and no, it wasn’t perfect. It lacked the second-row Stow N’ Go seating because of the traction battery being mounted in the center of the vehicle. The powertrain didn’t have any way to control how you used its all-electric driving range and got loud at full throttle. However, those are small quibbles when taking the vehicle as a whole.
Although the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV got pricy, it brought plenty of value and appeal to the table. From its user-friendly tech to its incredibly comfortable drive, this minivan was borderline perfect. Most importantly, it didn’t skimp, and the build quality matched the price tag. You got your money’s worth in the Pacifica PHEV.
This vehicle didn’t deserve to get axed so soon. It’s a pioneer and a showcase of engineering prowess for Stellantis and proof that it can do more than outrageous gas guzzlers and bro-dozers, and execute them well. With the Pacifica PHEV’s sudden discontinuation, Stellantis cedes the electrified minivan space to Toyota and Kia. Soon, Honda joins the space with a redesigned Odyssey featuring a new hybrid powertrain developed for large vehicles.
This short-sighted decision has lasting repercussions because electrified vehicles are here to stay. Hybrids continue to dominate, while plug-in hybrids and EVs slowly recover from the insanity of 2025. Without the Pacifica PHEV, Stellantis lost a pioneer. A vehicle that brought hybrids to the minivan segment and gave the conglomerate its electrified vehicle foundations.
