2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byDan Frio
Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show).Pros
- Capable of traveling up to 30 miles on electric power alone
- Interior feels premium and upscale
- Comes standard with plenty of convenience and luxury features
- Long, transferable battery warranty offers some peace of mind
Cons
- Can't fold second-row seats into floor due to hybrid battery pack
- Exhibits some transmission drone noise under hard acceleration
What’s new
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is an all-new model.
Vehicle overview
With the 2017 Pacifica Hybrid, Chrysler brings innovation to the minivan class it helped create. The Hybrid shares the same elegant design as the regular Pacifica, but with plug-in EV efficiency and reduced gasoline dependence. For a green-cred family hauler, it doesn't get any better.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Platinum 4dr Minivan (3.6L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
Not Available
Pacifica Hybrid Platinum
vs
$230/mo
Avg. Midsize Minivan
The Pacifica is an all-new model. It's a replacement for the now discontinued Town & Country van and cribs its name from a Chrysler crossover wagon/SUV from the mid-2000s. The regular Pacifica debuted first, and now the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid hits the road. It's the first gas-electric plug-in hybrid minivan in America, and it's an idea that's long overdue.
Since most minivan duty involves short hops around city and suburb, a minivan is an ideal candidate for hybrid technology. The Pacifica Hybrid embraces this philosophy with up to 30 miles of electric range. In some scenarios, that's enough juice to drop kids at school, go to the office, run an errand at lunch, then return for the kids and evening soccer practice, all without dipping into the gas tank.
Chrysler says combined range for the gas-electric combo is 530 miles — serious road-trip distance. With regular charging, you can make gas station visits an occasional pastime. Using a Level 2 (240-volt) charging station (whether at home or using a public one), expect to be able to recharge the depleted batteries in about two hours. With a regular household outlet, though, expect it to be more like 14 hours. When you do need gas, a stout V6 engine kicks in to assume duty. The EPA estimates you'll get 32 mpg in combined driving, which is still by far the best in the minivan segment.
Other than its additional weight and a suspension fortified to support it, the Pacifica Hybrid shares the same footprint and features as its regular counterpart. That means you're getting the same crisp lines and elegant interior design, infusing the normally dowdy family taxi with much-needed style. But it does ask some sacrifices. Primarily, you give up Chrysler's popular Stow 'n Go seating feature, which normally allows you to sink the second-row seats into the floor flat and out of sight. In the Hybrid, the batteries take up that space. And yes, you do pay a lot more for the Hybrid compared to a regular minivan (though the offsetting tax credit does help a lot). But if you like the idea of a fuel-sipping minivan, this is the one to get.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
With the 2017 Pacifica Hybrid, Chrysler brings innovation to the minivan class it helped create. The Hybrid shares the same elegant design as the regular Pacifica, but with plug-in EV efficiency and reduced gasoline dependence. For a green-cred family hauler, it doesn't get any better.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our initial drive of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid (3.6L V6 | plug-in hybrid | E-CVT automatic | FWD).
Scorecard
| Overall | |
| Comfort | 3.5 |
| Interior | 4.5 |
| Utility | 4.0 |
| Technology | 4.0 |
Driving
Whether you want to evaluate using minivan or hybrid standards, the Pacifica Hybrid performs well. It's considerably heavier because of its hybrid componentry, but you won't notice it much in everyday driving. Acceleration is decent, and it's easy to drive.
Comfort
3.5There's a lot of room in the Pacifica, but the seating position in the second row can be a little tight. Seat bolsters that are overly firm compromise comfort, too. The ride quality, however, is smooth and calm.
Interior
4.5Whether you're making the daily commute or spending a long weekend on the highway, the Pacifica Hybrid's cabin is a pleasant place to be. Judged strictly by the numbers, the Pacifica Hybrid is marginally smaller than rivals, but it feels just as spacious as class leaders.
Utility
4.0The Pacifica Hybrid isn't the largest in class, but it only falls behind leaders such as the Honda Odyssey by a few cubic feet. The Hybrid doesn't offer Stow 'n Go seating in the second row since the battery pack is right below. The seats can be removed, though. The third-row seat still folds into the floor when not in use.
Technology
4.0Pacifica Hybrid's Uconnect is one of the easiest infotainment systems to use, thanks to a large (8.4-inch) touchscreen display, clear graphics and controls. Lack of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is disappointing.
Which Pacifica Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?
It's tempting to view fully loaded models as excessive, but in the Pacifica Hybrid's case, it's a good deal. The base Premium trim comes with features that would satisfy most buyers, and it's a fine package if you absolutely must stick to the base price. But we think it's worth paying a bit more to get the loaded Platinum, which offers a rear-seat entertainment system, automatic cruise control, a 360-degree camera, navigation, upgraded leather, more safety features and driver aids, and hands-free sliding doors and liftgate. The daily-use value of these last two items is high.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid models
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is a three-row minivan that seats seven passengers. It's available in Premium and Platinum trim levels. The Premium comes well-stocked for a "base" model with standard leather upholstery, heated front seats, a rearview camera, self-parking and a large touchscreen infotainment display. The Platinum ratchets up desire with hands-free sliding doors and liftgate, upgraded leather and a navigation system. For a classy family shuttle, it's hard to go wrong with either.