2022 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid

Even though the SUV market is the strongest-selling one, there’s still a demand for a flexible, comfortable minivan. No other company has crushed the minivan segment like Chrysler – the company responsible for the first minivan — the 1983 Plymouth Voyager. That and its cousin, the Dodge Caravan, changed the way families moved around. Not to mention, it saved the company from a pending financial collapse. Fast forward to the 2022 model year, and we have the Chrysler Pacifica plug-in Hybrid. A PHEV that gives owners the flexibility of using it as a standard hybrid or they can charge it for up to 32 miles of full-electric power. 

Under the hood, there’s a 3.6-liter V6 engine that generates 260 horsepower that’s augmented by twin electric motors, powered by a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. Power is sent to the front wheels by a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is also available. The EPA provides a fuel economy rating of 84 MPGe combined. Around town, look for an average of 33 miles per gallon – something we easily achieved during our week of testing this vehicle.

On the road, this 2022 Pacific Hybrid handles exceptionally well for its class. Yes, there is some body roll and that’s to be expected in a minivan. However, it’s tamed by a solid suspension that instills driver confidence and helps keep the van under control. Zero to sixty time is around 7.9 seconds so it’s no speed demon but also kind of quick for a minivan. The ride quality is exceptional and the road noise is mostly muted. It’d make for a great road-trip vehicle. 

Inside, you’ll find one of the best interiors in any minivan. Chrysler did a great job of making things feel very upscale. It’s very roomy inside and there are plenty of nooks and crannies to store things. Chrysler did an excellent job of using good materials throughout the interior that helped it feel a bit more upscale. Getting into the Pinnacle trim gets you quilted leather and lumbar pillows for the second row of captain’s chairs. Moving the second-row seats for more storage is very easy with Pacifica’s stow n’ go feature that lets you quickly fold them down. There’s even an optional, built-in vacuum cleaner — no, we’re not making that up.

The infotainment system has a 10.1-inch screen and uses the latest Uconnect interface and seamlessly connects to both Android Auto or Apple CarPlay – wirelessly, if you prefer. There’s AM/FM/Satellite radio, Bluetooth audio, and optional rear seat entertainment that provides two touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV for streaming movies and TV. There are more USB ports inside than you can shake a stick at – 12 in all. 

Chrysler offers a 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty on the entire van and up to a 5-year / 60,000-mile warranty for the powertrain. There is no complimentary service included. Hybrid components are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Look for the price to be close to $55,000 for this all-wheel-drive model, however, base models start at below $39,000. 

It’s easy to see why Chrysler has kept the minivan still going. There’s a good demand from families out there who want comfort, cargo room, and people room for their families. To that end, the 2022 Pacifica doesn’t disappoint, it’s a solid effort that anyone in the market for a people mover, should check out.