2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Last year, Chrysler gave us the revised Pacifica minivan. This was an extensive update on the exterior and interior, that included an upgrade in technology with the UConnect 5 infotainment system. Chrysler also brought back a level of luxury missed by its loyal brand customers in the form of the Pinnacle trim.

When we received our revised 2021 Pacifica, we received the one with the regular gas-fueled Pentastar 3.6-liter V6. As much as think it’s a perfect engine for this minivan, we are also reminded that the Pacifica also came in a plug-in hybrid driveline.

What if we told you that you can have your Pacifica Hybrid in the Pinnacle trim.

2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Just so happened that we received a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Pinnacle to evaluate for you. Let us tell you whether this is the right combination of sustainability and luxury in one proven package.

The exterior wears a large grille and LED headlamp units to greet you and your family. Wide taillights adorn the rear liftgate area. Overall, the Pacifica is a very distinctive looking minivan. The glass profile remains with its front quarter glass for better front corner vision, and a reverse slant for the C-pillar side glass.

Our Pinnacle tester came in a glossy flat gray color. A set of chrome 18-inch alloy wheels finish up this luxury minivan’s overall look.

2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

What we love about the Pacifica’s cabin is how the driver is engaged around a very advanced design. Our tester came with a seven-seat configuration, with the second-row captain’s chairs, and the third-row bench that folds into the floor through the Stow’n Go system. Since the hybrid system’s battery sits underneath the second row of seat, the Stow’n go system is not available for those captain’s chairs.

All three rows offer adult-size accommodations. Access to the third row is very easy with a quick release of each second-row seat and two power sliding doors for ease of entry and exit. Front row occupants are treated to comfortable and supportive bucket seats. The Pinnacle’s luxurious leather upholstery offers a quilted look, along with a pair of pillows for the second row occupants.

2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The Pacifica has the best instrument panel in the minivan segment, anchored with excellent and concentrated controls. The transmission is controlled by a knob, while the electronic parking brake is a push button, all on the center stack. Capping the center stack is the UConnect 5 touchscreen, offering access to UConnect Apps and a multitude of audio playback and connectivity options. Instrumentation includes a customizable information screen in-between the speedometer and tachometer.

As far as cargo is concerned, you can pack up to 140 cubic feet of items all the way to front seats. There is a hugely generous space of 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row that has a deep space underneath the bumper line.

2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The Pacifica’s plug-in hybrid system starts with a Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 with two additional electric motors driven by the under-cabin battery pack. This driveline is rated with a net of 260 horsepower. This driveline is connected to a continuously variable transmission, sending power to the front wheels. The plug-in hybrid electric battery can be recharge for around two hours to full through a Level 2 connection. Chrysler states that the Pacifica Hybrid has an all-electric range of “more than 30 miles.”

No one should be surprised that the hybrid driveline felt really good everywhere we drove this Pacifica. As for fuel economy, we averaged 29.0 MPG on the gas engine alone. Mixed in with the plug-in hybrid battery, we only got as much as 31.9 MPG.

2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Our tester delivered with superior ride quality with absorbent suspension all around to ensure that it drives along without any negative feedback from the vehicle. Although handling is quite decent, some roll and lean is evident, we found that cornering was near flat below the limit.

The turning radius was just fine. Steering action offered a strong on-center with great response from its thick-rimmed wheel. Brakes are good with a solid feel at the pedal. Our Pacifica Hybrid yielded solid stops in both normal and panic situations.

The 2022 Pacifica lineup starts with a base price of $37,095. Our Hybrid Pinnacle tester came with a sticker price of $60,067.

There are only a few competitors among minivans these days: that includes the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Kia Carnival. Only the Toyota is offered with an electrified driveline.

Where the Pacifica stands out is not because you can plug it into a Level 2 charger. Rather, this Pinnacle trim offers a luxury that has been missed by generations of Chrysler owners. Combined, this is the kind of experience that combines both luxury and sustainability in one family-friendly package.

Story Credits: CarSoup Editors

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