2018 Chrysler Pacifica Van

Driving Impression

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Chrysler’s V6 engine delivers plenty of power to send the Pacifica energetically forward, at a fully appropriate pace.

Crisp performance is complemented by spirited handling and a supple ride. Road behavior ranks at or near the top of the minivan class. In fact, a Pacifica handles far better than most minivan drivers are likely to expect.

A tight body structure helps yield a smooth, controlled, well-damped ride. Comparatively firm springs and dampers yield a composed feel over almost any surface, including harsh, flawed pavement.

Electric power steering has a little heft, and helps the Pacifica track nicely on the highway. Winding roads aren’t a problem, and the steering feels natural as it winds and unwinds. Brakes could stand some improvements, as the pedal feels somewhat stiff, lacking a progressive feel.

A rotary dial controls the transmission, which responds predictably, without the jerkiness or stumbling behavior suffered by some 9-speed units.

Pacificas top the minivan class in fuel economy, though not by much. The 2018 Pacifica is EPA-rated at 18/28 mpg City/Highway, or 22 mpg Combined. The Plug-in Hybrid is EPA-rated at 84 MPGe (equivalent) City, 32 mpg Combined.

Walk Around

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Suave compared with traditional minivans, Pacifica nevertheless retains that body style’s practical credentials. Topped by a glassy cabin, the sizable Pacifica starts with a slim, sleek nose, ending with a kickup at the rear pillars. Side glass is surrounded by bright metal trim pieces.

Windshield pillars angle slightly inward at the base, helping to make the Pacific appear smaller and narrower, when viewed from the interior. In reality, it’s no smaller than its top rivals: the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.

Interior Overview

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Pacifica’s interior features organic shapes and matte finishes. Lighthearted elements are carefully executed.

Ready to carry up to eight occupants and their gear, the Pacifica shines in flexibility. Unlike the upright rear seats in Odyssey and Sienna, most Pacificas are fitted with foldaway seats, besting the competition in both comfort and utility. The sculpted, stitched dashboard wraps neatly around front passengers.

Front-seat passengers get a panoramic view ahead, with reasonably supportive seats flanking a console with a deep storage bin.

Second-row seats promise sufficient padding and adjustments. In eight-passenger versions, the removable second-row center seat serves as an armrest. We find seven-passenger versions easier to live with. Second-row seats fold easily into the floor; except Hybrid models hold batteries in those spaces, so second-row seats don’t fold away.

Adults fit nicely in the third-row seat, even enjoying ample headroom. Under-leg support is satisfying, too. Rear-seat video entertainment is available.

Cargo volume behind the front seats totals 140.5 cubic feet, dropping to 87.5 cubic feet behind row two, and 32.3 behind the third row.

Outward vision excels, especially in rear-quarter views. Sliding side doors have abundant glass and a relatively low door line.

Summary

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Indisputably modern, unlike some members of the minivan class, Chrysler’s latest entrant delivers just about every benefit that’s needed. Prices are comparatively high, but the Pacifica ranks as the most flexible minivan on the market. Honda’s recently reworked Odyssey is the only serious contender.

Driving impressions by Marty Padgett, The Car Connection. James M. Flammang contributed to this report.

Model Lineup

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The new 2018 Chrysler Pacifica L ($26,995) comes with cloth seats, third-row Stow ‘n Go seating, rearview camera, 17-inch steel wheels, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross path detection, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, 7-inch touchscreen audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. (Prices are MSRP and do not include $1,095 destination charge.)

Pacifica LX ($29,795) upgrades with 17-inch alloy wheels, foldaway second-row seats, steering-wheel audio controls, three-zone air conditioning, and a power driver’s seat. Pacifica Touring Plus ($32,595) gets power sliding side doors, a power driver’s seat, three-zone automatic climate control, garage-door opener, alarm, automatic headlights, and remote start.

Pacifica Touring L ($35,495) includes perforated leather seats, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a chrome roof rack. Touring L Plus ($38,695) adds a heated steering wheel and second-row seats, 13-speaker Alpine audio, and wireless streaming.

Pacifica Limited ($43,695) gets hands-free sliding side doors, a hands-free power liftgate, panoramic sunroof, 18-inch wheels, in-car vacuum, power-folding third-row seat, navigation, and real-time-traffic.

Pacifica Hybrid Touring Plus ($39,995) is equipped similar to gas-engine Touring Plus, with power sliding doors, a 7-inch digital display, remote start and a security alarm. Hybrid Touring L ($41,995) gets bright bodyside moldings, perforated leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. Hybrid Limited ($44,995) includes hands-free power sliding doors and liftgate, 20-speaker Harman Kardon audio, an upgraded console, and auto-dimming inside mirror.