Chrysler, one of the original members of the "Big Three" American automakers and a name synonymous with automotive innovation, engineering and excellence, has only one vehicle in their 2025 lineup, the Pacifica. Ironically, the Pacifica is a minivan, the same type of vehicle that helped Chrysler nearly escape bankruptcy in the early 1980's. Today, Chrysler is a subsidiary of the multinational automotive company Stellantis and lives on by way of the Pacifica. Let's take a look at it.
When it comes to moving lots of people around, a minivan is hard to beat, and the Chrysler Pacifica continues to be one of the best available, placing it right up there with the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. And like the Sienna, which is a hybrid, Chrysler offers the Pacifica as a hybrid, or as a Plug-in Hybrid that provides about 32 miles of electric-only driving.
The Pacifica is a three-row minivan and in regular form, is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that makes 287 horsepower through a nine-speed automatic transmission to drive the front or all wheels (AWD), depending on trim level and configuration. Going the Hybrid route, the same V6 gas engine is used, though it only makes 260 hp when combined with the two electric motors that back it up. Hybrid models are front-wheel drive only and sports a CVT transmission plus a 16kWh battery pack to help extend the range.
Drivetrain aside, the main purpose of a minivan is to haul families and all their belongings around - and that is where the Pacifica really shines. Standard on every Pacifica is a three-zone climate control system so the front and middle rows can each control the temperature. And there are lots of USB and auxiliary ports scattered throughout the cabin to keep every electronic gadget charged. Higher end models include features such as Blu-ray players and a tri-pane panoramic sunroof.
The Pacifica offers seating for seven people, but with a second-row bench seat, you can carry 8 passengers. The name of the game with the Pacifica is ease of use and convenience, and Chrysler nails it on both counts. The ride height is low making it very easy to enter through the key fob-controlled power sliding doors on both sides. High on the center stack is the infotainment screen that is used to operate the sound system, navigation system, Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is also a wireless charger, Wi-Fi hotspot, universal garage door opener, and what Chrysler calls a FamCam that lets those seated up front check on rear occupants. Second row captain chairs are comfortable, large, heated, and have fold-down armrests. Leg and headroom are terrific, and the second-row seats recline. The third row is also incredibly roomy and comfortably seats three adults or children.
When it's time to exit the Pacifica, the wide-open space of the sliding doors makes everything so much easier and with no fear of hitting the doors on other vehicles.
The Chrysler Pacifica is available in three different trim levels. The most affordable version is the Select, which starts at $44,445, and includes some nice amenities such as power sliding side doors, power liftgate, second row Stow 'n Go seating, 17-inch alloy wheels and a 10.1-inch display. Move up to the Limited and Pacifica is fitted with 18-inch wheels, leather interior, panoramic sunroof and a 13-speaker Alpine sound system. The Pinnacle is the most luxurious Pacifica you can get, wearing 20-inch wheels, quilted premium leather, power-folding third-row seat, an onboard vacuum cleaner and 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The Pacifica Hybrid has slightly different trim levels.
The tester arrived as a regular Pacifica in the mid-level Limited trim level, all-wheel drive and an MSRP of $59,165.
The experience behind the wheel of the Pacifica, as expected, is hardly exciting. But it does drive nicely, visibility is excellent, and the ride is comforting. There is plenty of power from the V6 powerplant and that power is quite smooth. The Pacifica, as nice as it is, doesn't break any new ground in the mini-van driving experience, but that's ok, because I hardly think anyone would buy a minivan for the driving experience.
Finally, as stated in the past, I get that the minivan stigma is still out there - regardless of how good you make it, some people just won't be caught driving one. Regardless, there is really no denying that it is the most practical vehicle when it comes time to pack up the family and hit the road. As for Chrysler, the nameplate continues to live on the back of the Pacifica, which is a testament to the minivan’s quality and resilience.