2023 Chrysler Pacifica – chrysler.com | Shop 2023 Chrysler Pacifica on Carsforsale.com
Still in its first generation dating back to 2017, the new Chrysler Pacifica offers seven trim levels, two engine options, and front or all-wheel drive. It’s also one of the best minivan driving experiences available on the market and even features excellent cargo storage solutions. Chrysler introduces the 2023 Pacifica with no changes compared to the 2022 model.
Spacious interior
Good handling
Electric only range
Underwhelming power
Hybrid is FWD only
Hybrid is pretty pricey
A great option in the segment
Chrysler sells the 2023 Pacifica in seven distinct trim levels despite some naming overlap between the two powertrains on offer. The base engine is a gas-only V6 with 287 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It mates to a nine-speed automatic gearbox and the buyer’s choice of front or all-wheel drive.
Above that is a hybrid V6 that makes just 260 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque. While that’s a letdown for a vehicle that costs more, it’s worth noting that at least the torque that’s on tap is basically instant. What’s really frustrating is that Chrysler only sells it as a front-wheel drive vehicle with a continuously variable transmission.
Regardless of which Pacifica one buys, it’ll handle better than one might expect when behind the wheel of a minivan. It’s by no means sporty but it doesn’t have the lean and body roll associated with older people haulers of this sort. Visibility is great and we think that the feedback through the wheel and pedals is perfectly adequate for the segment.
Fuel economy numbers for the Pacifica aren’t too shabby but they’re especially good in the hybrid version. Gas-only units get up to 19 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway according to the EPA. The electrified Pacifica can achieve up to 30 mpg combined though and travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone.
Inside of the Pacifica, the experience has its highs and lows. The front seats are comfortable and supportive. There’s moderate drone from the hybrid powertrain thanks to the CVT but it’s easy to drown out with the sound system.
The regular gas-powered Pacifica benefits from a traditional nine-speed automatic so it’s quieter. Ride quality is good and we like how Chrysler has laid out the driver and front-passenger area.
The second row is a bit of a miss in terms of passenger comfort. The seats themselves are still fairly comfortable but they’re not very adjustable so rivals from Kia and Toyota offer a better experience there. Still, we appreciate how all three rows are usable for adults.
Where the Pacifica really stands out is in its ability to transform seating and cargo positions quickly and effortlessly. Stow’n Go seating in the second row and stow’n place roof rails are awesome editions. We love that this minivan can go from a people mover to a cargo van in under a minute. When all of the seats are folded down this vehicle features over 140 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s downright cavernous.
The Pacifica offers maybe the best infotainment experience in the minivan segment. Uconnect 5 is the best that Stellantis has to offer right now and we really like it. It’s very fast, very easy to navigate, and incorporates all of the most used third-party systems like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa. That opens up flexibility that we think buyers will really appreciate.
On top of that, the available rear-seat entertainment system is fantastic with wireless casting ability, wireless headphones, and a pair of big bright screens for rear-seat passengers. There’s other tech in the Pacifica to make daily trips easier too including an integrated vacuum cleaner and an available interior camera feed so that parents can see everybody in the car without having to turn around.
We’re impressed with Chrysler’s inclusion of advanced safety features as standard equipment across the lineup. Its base package includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. The NHTSA hasn’t released any safety data on the Pacifica but the IIHS did give it a Top Safety Pick+ award.
The base Pacifica comes with 17-inch wheels, automatic high beams, power-adjustable heated side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, a power liftgate, remote start, tri-zone automatic climate control, a 10.1-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, cloth upholstery, heated front seats, a heated tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, second-row bucket seats, second-row sunshades, and a universal garage door opener.
The Touring L gets stow’n place roof rails, a panoramic sunroof, faux leather upholstery, third-row sunshades, ambient lighting for the rear of the van, grocery bag hooks in the cargo compartment, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and an automated parking system.
Stepping up to the Limited adds 18-inch wheels, self-sealing tires, hands-free power-sliding rear doors, a hands-free liftgate, premium leather upholstery, heated second-row seats, ventilated front seats, a power-folding third row seat, an on-board vacuum cleaner, integrated navigation, and a Harman Kardon sound system.
The base hybrid version of the Pacifica is largely identical to the non-hybrid Touring L model but it does lose the stow’n place roof rails, the panoramic sunroof, and the third-row sunshades. Notably, it adds a second-row captain’s chairs.
The top trim for the gas-only Pacifica gets 20-inch wheels, a 115-volt power outlet, quilted premium leather upholstery, second-row captain’s chairs, second-row lumbar pillows, and a theater rear-seat entertainment system. It comes with dual 10.1-inch touchscreen displays, wireless content streaming capability, wireless headphones, HDMI and USB ports, a Blu-ray and DVD player, and a FamCam interior-view camera system.
The Hybrid Limited adds back the panoramic sunroof but loses the heated second-row seats, the self-sealing tires, the on-board vacuum, and the power-folding third row from the gas-only Limited.
This version gets everything from the normal Pinnacle but also includes the 18-in self sealing tires while losing the captain’s chairs and the Blu-ray and DVD player.
Every Pacifica comes with the same basic warranty package. It consists of three years or 36,000 miles of limited coverage and five years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Hybrid components get 10 years or 100,000 miles of coverage. Chrysler doesn’t offer any sort of complimentary maintenance.
2023 Chrysler Pacifica – chrysler.com | Shop 2023 Chrysler Pacifica on Carsforsale.com
The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica is a great option for those in need of transporting three rows worth of people or things. In fact, we think that most SUV buyers would do better to pick up something like the Pacifica since it offers better fuel economy, more space, and better driving dynamics than the average three-row SUV.
Regardless, it also manages to stay competitive in a class of very specialized vehicles. If you’re in the market, consider our article on new car incentives and whether or not we’d rather spend our money on a new or used Pacifica.