What is the AAA Car Guide?
The AAA Car Guide helps consumers navigate the evolving automotive marketplace by ranking and rating the newest vehicles, including EVs. The Guide provides consumers with reviews, based on testing by AAA Engineers, highlighting how many advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are included in the vehicle, along with other criteria and information.
CHRYSLER Pacifica PHEV Pinnacle
Category Ranking : 1
Score : 104.41
Vehicle Type | Base Price | Price As Tested | Minivas PHEV | $59,495 | $61,685 |
|---|
Overall Observations
The Chrysler Pacifica minivan was introduced in 2017 and hasn’t been fully redesigned since—but it retains its original virtues. For example, it’s available in both gasoline-powered and plugin hybrid versions—the only minivan with a plug-in option. We tested the PHEV in its top-shelf Pinnacle trim.
The Pacifica PHEV is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine and dual electric motors, which generate 260 horsepower and provide an estimated 32 miles of electric driving range. As an EV, the Pacifica Hybrid is fuel efficient, getting an estimated 82 MPGe; as a hybrid, it gets a commendable 30 mpg. The PHEV version comes with FWD only.
The Pacifica’s interior is spacious, with plenty of room for cargo and lots of cubbies and bins for small items. The upscale interior is attractive, and the instrument panel and controls are logically laid out and easy to use.
In the Pinnacle trim, the Pacifica comes fully equipped, with standard features that include heated and ventilated front seats, second-row captain’s chairs, a dual-pane sunroof, and a rear-seat entertainment system. A full set of advanced safety features is standard.
Negatives for the Pacifica include somewhat dated exterior styling and an occasionally spongy brake pedal—no big deal for a vehicle with all the Pacifica’s strong points.
VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS
-
Model year tested:
2024 -
Number of passengers (F/R)
2/5 -
Curb weight (lbs):
5,010 -
Exterior L / W / H (in):
204.3/79.6/69.9 -
Wheelbase (in):
121.6 -
Number of airbags:
10 -
Warranty (month/miles) :
36/36,000 -
Tire manufacturer and model :
Nexen Npriz RH7a -
Front and rear tire size :
235/60 R18 -
Max towing capacity (lbs) :
Not recommended -
Headlight type:
LED -
Transmission type:
Hybrid drive -
Drivetrain type:
Front wheel -
Engine/motor:
3.6L V6 PHEV -
Electric motor horsepower:
84 and 114 -
Combined system horsepower:
260
FUEL INFORMATION
PROS
- Fuel-efficient PHEV drivetrain
- Useful all-electric range (32 miles)
- Spacious cabin with lots of storage
- Attractive interior with good fit and finish
CONS
- Dated exterior styling
- Spongy brake pedal
AAA’s Recommendation: Whether you own an electric vehicle or a gas-powered car is up to you – and you should consider lots of factors in making that choice. No matter what type of vehicle you’re choosing, we recommend visiting a dealership, test driving one, and asking as many questions as possible to make an informed decision.
