Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid
Latest update: 1 Aug 2018
Chrysler unveiled the all-new 2017 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid at the 2016 Detroit auto show. It is Chrysler’s first plug-in car—and the industry’s first plug-in hybrid minivan. With the rise of crossover SUVs, and the stodgy image of bloated family-haulers, the minivan market has shrunk in the past decade or so. Perhaps Chrysler’s plug-in hybrid, offering 30 miles of all-electric range, will lure families back into the segment. The Pacifica Hybrid combines a 3.6-liter V6 with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) plus two electric motors—one basically with the engine and another one at the wheels—to generate 260-horsepower performance The hybrid Pacifica gets up to 80 MPGe, according to Chrysler. The Pacifica uses a 16 kilowatt-hour battery pack to provide 33 miles of all-electric range. Combined electric-plus-gas range is 560 miles, the automaker claims.
Way too expensive IMO. Also, there’s only 7 seats, instead of 8, and the foldaway second row is missing. Doesn’t make sense.
Happy to finally see a plug-in hybrid minivan on sale. Since this is the only one there’s not much to compare it to, but overall I’m really impressed with the Chrysler Pacifica. Great electric range, nice safety features (which is definitely important in a minivan), and generally nice design.