2024 Chrysler Pacifica – chrysler.com | Shop 2024 Chrysler Pacifica on Carsforsale.com
Chrysler hasn’t made any gigantic updates for the 2024 Pacifica but there are a few notable highlights. The old Hybrid Touring L trim is gone in lieu of a new name dubbed Hybrid Select. In addition, there are new paint colors, Red Hot and Baltic Gray. Finally, a new emergency vehicle alert system can hear an approaching emergency vehicle and instruct the driver to pull over.
Available AWD
Engine configurability
Clever storage
Hybrid comes with compromises
Not as efficient as other hybrids
Getting long in the tooth
Pacifica could use new refinements
Under the hood of every Pacifica is a V6 engine that sends power to the front wheels. Beyond that, there are some important details to discuss. The base non-hybrid Pacifica makes 287 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. That’s about average in the segment so we’re happy that Chrysler has kept it competitive. That power is fed to the front wheels or all four through a nine-speed automatic gearbox.
Buyers can also select a hybrid version of the same V6 but beware, not only does it make just 260 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque, but it’s also only available with front-wheel drive. On top of that, it’s only available with a continuously variable transmission. Those are huge concessions to make on a vehicle that’s already not at the top of the pack when all features are accounted for.
Despite that, we think that the Pacifica handles quite nicely. It’s not as sharp as the Honda Odyssey but it’s neck and neck with the Kia Carnival. It also benefits from excellent visibility and very small blind spots that can be largely eliminated with proper mirror placement.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the gas-only Pacifica can tow up to 3,600 pounds which is excellent. Sadly, the hybrid version isn’t recommended for towing.
Minivans tend to offer above-average comfort and the Pacifica is no outlier. It has large doors that make for easy enterance and exit. The front seats and available second-row captain’s chairs are very comfortable and adjustable as well. We really like the stow-and-go seating as well though and would likely choose it whenever available. The third row also offers enough space for adults to ride there without discomfort.
The dash is quite simple and somewhat old-school aside from the infotainment system. Physical buttons and knobs offer excellent control of the climate and media but we wish they looked and felt a bit nicer than they do. Nevertheless, the rest of the interior feels decidedly premium and upscale. The available quilted leather is an especially nice option as are the optional second-row throw pillows.
Behind the third row owners will enjoy no less than 32 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s actually a bit below the average for the segment. Despite that, the Pacifica can expand to accommodate up to 140 cubic feet with the seats removed.
If there’s something that the Pacifica has on every competitor it’s Uconnect 5. This high-end user interface in the infotainment system is one of our favorites for good reason. It’s smooth, fast, easy to navigate, and pairs up with whatever ecosystem you prefer. That includes Android, Amazon, and Apple connectivity across the board. On top of that, an available theatre package adds a pair of screens for the second-row passengers.
Chrysler also offers both a 19 and a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system respectively. The former fits into the gas-only Pacifica while the latter does the same job in the hybrid model. Both are outstanding and produce a full rich sound quality not often enjoyed in a minivan these days. Notably, Chrysler also provides USB power ports in all three rows in most trims.
In terms of safety features, the Pacifica comes with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure mitigation, lane-centering assist, forward collision mitigation, blind-spot warning, and rear parking sensors. That full suite is standard across the whole lineup which is impressive. An automated parking system, surround-view camera system, and a family cam are all available as well. Finally,it’s a Top Safety Pick+ winner with the IIHS.
The base Pacifica gets 17-inch wheels, heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic LED headlights, a power liftgate, keyless entry, power-sliding rear doors, remote start, tri-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, stow-n-go second-row seats, a 10.1-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and six speakers.
The Touring L adds 18-inch wheels, a larger front console, driver’s seat memory settings, faux leather upholstery, second and third-row sunshades, second-row USB ports, and cargo hooks in the cargo space.
The Limited includes self-sealing tires, stow-n-go roof rails, chrome exterior trim, a hands-free liftgate, an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat, ambient interior lighting, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, integrated navigation, an on-board vacuum system, a 13-speaker sound system, third-row USB ports, a wireless charging pad, a wifi hotspot, and a universal garage door opener.
The base hybrid version of the Pacifica comes with similar features to that of the Touring L. That means that it loses a lot of features including stow-and-go seats, heated second-row seats, and the on-board vacuum system. It also has a smaller 16.5-gallon fuel tank compared to the 19-gallon unit in gas-only models.
The top level of the Pacifica gets 20-inch wheels, dark chrome exterior trim, hands-free power-sliding doors, a 115-volt power outlet, an auto-dimming exterior mirror on the driver’s side, quilted premium leather upholstery, second-row captain’s chairs, a suede headliner, a 19-speaker sound system from Harman Kardon, dual 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment systems for the second row, wireless headphones, a family cam interior camera system, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and an automated parking system.
The actual top-of-the-line Pacifica gets 18-inch wheels with self-sealing tires, second-row captain’s chairs, and a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system on top of what is already found in the normal Pinnacle edition.
The Pacifica isn’t a bad minivan and in fact, there are a number of features that we really like. Stow-n-go is great, the infotainment system is outstanding, and the way it drives is well-balanced. It’s worth noting that some options like the Sienna offer better fuel economy. The Honda Odyssey drives better, and the Kia Carnival offers a better warranty and more value for money.
Finally, it’s impossible to get around the fact that this can be the most expensive minivan on the market if one ticks all of the boxes. That puts it near the bottom of the list overall for us. Those dead set on one should take advantage of Chrysler’s incentives on it happening now. Those looking to save a chunk of change should look in the used market.
2024 Chrysler Pacifica – chrysler.com | Shop 2024 Chrysler Pacifica on Carsforsale.com
Chrysler really needs a full refresh for the Pacifica and to end the trade-offs that this generation makes. The Hybrid is great but it costs a lot and gives up a lot of what we love about the Pacifica like stow-and-go seating, towing capacity, and the heated second-row seats.
In standard form, the Pacifica is front-wheel drive but all-wheel drive is available on the non-hybrid version.
According to data from the NHTSA, the Pacifica has had very few complaints over the last few years compared to other options. In that light, it appears to be fairly reliable.
Yes so long as you buy the non-hybrid version. Those with electrification lose the stow-n-go feature.