Twenty years ago, there were over twenty different minivans on sale in the United States. In 2024, that number has dwindled down to just four. Of those, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is the only one to offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain (the Toyota Sienna is a regular hybrid), making it pretty unique in the segment. Despite having just two models in its stable at present, Chrysler has not updated the Pacifica since the 2021 model year, and although we’ve been promised a facelift, there’s no timeline for it just yet.

DrivingOnRoad tested the current Pacifica when it was last refreshed during a first drive event, but we didn’t have a chance to sample the PHEV system. Though a 2024 model was not available for our testing, the 2023 Pacifica Hybrid is identical, with the only changes being reshuffled trims and some interior and exterior color tweaks.

The Pacifica Hybrid uses a 3.6-liter V6 combined with two electric motors, delivering a net output of 260 horsepower. That’s less than the gas-only Pacifica, but the PHEV system does get 30 miles of electric-only range and a 30 mpg combined gas mileage rating. Is the Pacifica Hybrid the right family car for you? Here’s why we think it makes a strong case for itself.

Exterior: Vandsome

It’s hard to make a handsome minivan, considering the focus is on practical proportions, but Chrysler did the best it could. Standard LED headlights make the Pacifica feel premium even at the lower trim levels, and Chrysler even offers some exciting colors like Red Hot (new on the 2024 models) and our tester’s Fathom Blue Pearl Coat. 17-inch wheels come standard on the PHEV Select trim level, but opting for the S Appearance, Road Tripper, or Premium S Appearance packages up those to 18-inch wheels.

The top Pinnacle trim also comes with 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, which are smaller than the 20-inch wheels that the gas model rides on. We assume Chrysler downsized the PHEV’s wheels for fuel economy and weight reasons. It’s a trade-off that seems fine, given the segment.

Interior: Pinnacle Palace

All Pacifica trim levels get a 10.1-inch infotainment system powered by Chrysler’s Uconnect 5 infotainment system. It packs wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and it can connect to two Bluetooth devices at the same time. In the Pinnacle, the infotainment is connected to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon audio system that sounds stellar – it also gets a clear 360-degree camera system and a FamCAM that lets parents zoom in on each rear seat to check up on their kids.

Luxury amenities on the Pinnacle include heated and ventilated quilted Nappa leather seats up front. The seats in our tester came in a bright Caramel leather, but 2024 models get a more muted Sepia with a different stitch pattern. If you thought the Caramel seats were too bold, the Sepia might be worth waiting for.

Captain’s chairs come standard on the Pacifica Hybrid, and the Pinnacle even adds matching leather pillows. These seats are not heated or ventilated, even at the top trim level, which is a slight disappointment at this price. Second-row legroom is less generous than some rivals, and we wish the seats slid back an inch further.

Practicality: Space And Fun

Like most minivans, the Pacifica has plenty of cargo space thanks to a deep trunk that accommodates 32.2 cubic feet with the third row in place. Two straps fold the rear seats into the floor, creating a flat load space with 87.5 cubes. Since the batteries are mounted in the floor, the second-row captain’s chairs do not feature the Stow ‘n Go feature in the PHEV, but they are removable if you need the maximum storage capacity of 140.5 cubic feet. That number bests the hybrid Toyota Sienna by nearly 40 cubes, but the Honda Odyssey and Kia Carnival have around five cubes more.

Passengers in the third row are treated to 36.5 inches of legroom, which is less than the Honda or Toyota but more than the Kia. Kids in the back enjoy USB ports (but only on the right side), and there are climate controls in the second row. We tend not to recommend rear entertainment systems, but the Uconnect Theater system, which is standard on the Pinnacle, is an exception because it includes two Amazon Fire TV systems integrated into the front seats. With a built-in Wifi network or phone tethering, kids can watch content from Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or any other streaming network.

Powertrain: A Simple PHEV

Opting for the Pacifica Hybrid is a simple trade-off between power and efficiency. It may have the same-size 3.6-liter V6 and two electric motors assisting, but the PHEV only delivers a total of 260 hp compared to 287 hp in the gas-only model. A 16 kWh battery enables 30 miles of electric range and 80 MPGe when running only on electric power. Unlike most other PHEVs, Chrysler doesn’t give the Pacifica any modes for EV-only driving, hybrid, or charging using the engine. It decides when to deploy the engine, and you don’t get a say in the matter.

Even with the battery depleted, the Pacifica can shut the engine off while coasting or under light throttle, yielding impressive fuel economy. With a full tank and charge, it will travel over 500 miles.

By comparison, a gas-only Pacifica will only average 22 mpg combined, or 20 mpg with AWD. Based on EPA estimates, the standard Pacifica would cost $2,350 per year to fill up, while the PHEV would only cost $1,250. With these savings, the higher starting price for the PHEV is justified – and that’s not even factoring in available tax credits.

Driving Impressions: A Quiet Space

This is a minivan at the end of the day, so don’t expect to have much fun behind the wheel. That being said, the Pacifica’s road manners are almost SUV-like, with decent steering feel (for a minivan) and controllable body roll. This is among the quietest minivans we’ve ever tested, thanks to excellent door and glass fitment. When using the electric motors, there is virtually no noise from the powertrain, and even when the engine is running, it’s unobtrusive.

Unlike the gas model, which uses a nine-speed automatic transmission, the PHEV uses what Chrysler calls an EVT. It’s a direct drive unit that essentially acts as a CVT, choosing the right rpm for acceleration and keeping it there. Though less than sporty, the EVT enables eager acceleration that makes good use of the available power.

Pricing & Verdict: Treating The Family

Opting for a Pacifica Hybrid means being willing to spend more to treat your family the way they deserve to be treated. The 2024 Plug-In Hybrid Select trim level starts at $53,250, putting it well above the cheapest gas-only Touring trim at $39,090. It’s worth noting that the two are not directly comparable based on features, but value-conscious buyers may not want to pay the up-front costs of the PHEV. Though there are only technically two PHEV trim levels, the Select is available with an S Appearance Package for $55,725, a Road Tripper for $55,925, and a Premium S Appearance for $59,225.

Opting for the top PHEV trim, the Pinnacle, will bring the starting price to $61,960. That’s $6,280 more than the gas-only Pinnacle. However, the Pacifica is the only PHEV on sale that qualifies for a full tax credit of $7,500. For 2024, that credit is now done at the point-of-sale, essentially making the PHEV cheaper than its gas-only equivalent. In other words, it’s now a no-brainer.

A Toyota Sienna achieves better fuel economy at a lower price, but it lacks any usable electric range, and the drivetrain is louder. Both the Honda and Kia minivans don’t offer a hybrid powertrain, making the Chrysler Pacifica PHEV a unique offering in its segment. If you can charge at home and don’t mind potentially paying more, it’s a stellar way to tote your family in style.