2018 Chrysler Pacifica Minivan

Chrysler Pacifica is equipped with a 3.6 L V-6 powerhouse that pumps out 287 horses and 262 lb.-ft. of torque. The minivan is pretty zippy around the corners and offers best-in-class mpg figures. There are no engine or transmission options, all the cars come equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission and are only available with a Front Wheel Drive (FWD) powertrain.

A hybrid version is also available which offers excellent mileage (~84 MPGe) but is a little pricey. Both the versions are well built from the ground up. The gas variant starts at $28,995 while the hybrid is available from $41,995.

For the 2018 model, Chrysler has introduced more trims to the existing lineup of Pacifica minivans. However, each trim has its own standard features while customers can upgrade with a different package available on the Chrysler website. In case you are someone who needs help with choosing the right trim.

“A solid compromise is the Pacifica Touring L. It has a reasonable starting price and comes with plenty of features. It also offers a fair number of infotainment and driver assistance features.” Agrees Cody Trotter from Cars.USNews.com

LX	Touring	Touring Plus	Touring L	Touring L Plus	Limited
$28,995	$30,495	$32,360	$34,495	$37,895	$42,495
Base Trim	+All features on LX	+All features on Touring	+All features on Touring Plus	+All features on Touring L	+All features on Touring L Plus
7-Passenger/ 8-Passenger Seating Option	Automatic Headlamps	Premium Exterior with Fog Lamps	Leather-Trimmed Seats	Uconnect Theater             13-Speaker Alpine Audio System	Premium Nappa Leather-Trimmed Seats
Stow ’n Go Seating and Storage System	Passive Entry Doors,             Power	3-Zone Auto HVAC	Power Liftgate	Uconnect 8.4 with 8.4-inch Touchscreen	Hands-Free Sliding Door and Liftgate
Active Noise Cancellation	Sliding Side Doors	Power Liftgate	Heated First-Row Seats	7-Inch Driver Information Digital Cluster Display	Stow ’n Vac Integrated Vacuum
Park-View Rear Back-Up Camera	SiriusXM Satellite Radio	Rear Sunshades	Three-Zone Automatic Temperature Control	Heated First- and Second-Row Seats	Tri-Pane Panoramic Sunroof

We’d recommend that you go for the Touring L trim along with the premium audio package which adds a 13-speaker, 506-watt Alpine stereo system, and a third-row USB charge port and upgrades the standard 5.0-inch infotainment touchscreen to a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen. 

 

The Pacifica is powered by a 3.6L V-6 engine mated to a 9-Speed Automatic Transmission. All the cars are driven with the power to the front wheels (FWD). The V-6 generates 287 hp @ 6400 rpm, while delivering a torque of 262 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm. The car comes with no engine options.

This is not the best and most powerful engine available in the segment but offers optimum performance to fit as a perfect daily driver with enough room for a fast paced run on the freeway. All the cars in the category come equipped with pretty much the same engine however the Pacifica maintains a good lead with the engine performance with the smooth transmission and a better fuel economy.

Cars	Engine	Transmission	Power	Torque
2018 Chrysler Pacifica	3.6 L, V-6	9 – Speed Automatic, FWD	287 hp	262 lb.-ft.
2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid	3.6 L, V-6 Plus 2 Permanent-Magnet Synchronous AC Motors	CVT, FWD	260 hp	230 lb.-ft.
Honda Odyssey	3.5 L, V-6	10 – Speed Automatic, FWD	280 hp	262 lb.-ft.
Toyota Sienna	3.5 L, V-6	8 – Speed Automatic, FWD	296 hp	263 lb.-ft.
Dodge Grand Caravan	3.6 L, V-6	6 – Speed Automatic, FWD	283 hp	260 lb.-ft.
Kia Sedona	3.3 L, V-6	6 – Speed Automatic, FWD	276 hp	248 lb.-ft.

 

“We’ve found both of the Pacifica’s powertrains to be pleasantly energetic, with enough spunk for comfortable merging and passing. The Pacifica hybrid lagged behind its gas-only cohort on our test track, but out on the road we found it lively enough and noted the smooth operation of its continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).” – caranddriver.com

Acceleration

Chrysler Pacifica can get you to paces with no problems, however, a little bit of heavy footedness is required to get the engine running. Owing to a slow and somewhat laggy 9-speed auto, the car manages a 0-60 mph timing of 7.3 secs which is not terrible considering you are driving a minivan, afterall.

Not the fastest minivan you can drive around, but the utilitarian is enough to get you in the grooves of highway speeds in under 16 secs. However, there are cars like the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey that can do it faster, but faster isn’t necessarily better.

Cars	Engine and Transmission	Time for 0-60 mph(seconds)	Quarter Mile(@90 mph)
2018 Chrysler Pacifica	3.6 L, V-6, 9-Speed Auto	7.3	15.8
2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid	3.6 L, V-6 Plus 2 Permanent-Magnet Synchronous AC Motors, CVT	7.8	16.1
Honda Odyssey	3.5 L, V-6, 10-Speed Auto	6.6	15.2
Toyota Sienna	3.5 L, V-6, 8-Speed Auto	6.9	15.2
Dodge Grand Caravan	3.6 L, V-6, 6-Speed Auto	7.8	16.1
Kia Sedona	3.3 L, V-6, 6-Speed Auto	7.4	15.8

Handling and Steering

Driving a Pacifica almost makes you forget that you are handling a family sized minivan, the car feels in supreme control at all times. Making smooth turns and maneuver is not a task at hand that might make anyone thoughtful while driving.

Independent MacPherson strut in the front and Rear Independent twist-blade with coil springs combine to make sure that you stay relaxed even on the roughest of roads. The car weighs almost half a ton (~4600 lbs.) but still, the body roll is limited and acing the trickiest of corner won’t feel like a task either.

“The Pacifica actually is pretty fun to drive. Sure, it's tall and bulky, and somewhat heavy, but it feels more agile and sprightly than you'd guess!” – jalopnik.com

Braking

A good car is one that stops when required, and Yes, Pacifica is a good one at it. With ABS and Brake Assist as standard features, the Pacifica comes to complete halt within 177 ft of braking from the more desirable highway speed of 70 mph.

Fitted with 13 inch vented and solid rotors in the front and the rear respectively, braking in case of emergency situations might not be very difficult keeping in mind that car already has some passive safety features as standard.

Ride	Engine	Kerb Weight	70-0 Braking Distance
2018 Chrysler Pacifica	3.6 L, V-6, 9-Speed Auto	4600	177
2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid	3.6 L, V-6 Plus 2 Permanent-Magnet Synchronous AC Motors, CVT	4987	178
Honda Odyssey	3.5 L, V-6, 10-Speed Auto	4581	184
Toyota Sienna	3.5 L, V-6, 8-Speed Auto	4590	181
Dodge Grand Caravan	3.6 L, V-6, 6-Speed Auto	4510	180
Kia Sedona	3.3 L, V-6, 6-Speed Auto	4443	167

Pacifica can be revered to as the class leader when it comes to the real world gas mileage figures. However, cars like Odyssey and Sienna travel similar miles for each gallon. What takes the crown away from every car in the segment is the Pacifica Hybrid with a combined gas mpg of 32.

If fuel economy is the deal breaker for you, It’s better that you go for the Hybrid or even the gas-fueled Pacifica which delivers a combined gas mileage of 28.

Ride (Engine and Transmission)	Fuel Economy – City (mpg)	Fuel Economy – Highway (mpg)	Fuel Economy – Combined (mpg)
2018 Chrysler Pacifica (3.6 L, V-6, 9-Speed Auto)	18	22	28
2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid (3.6 L, V-6 Plus 2 Permanent-Magnet Synchronous AC Motors, CVT)	32	33	32
Honda Odyssey (3.5 L, V-6, 10-Speed Auto)	19	22	28
Toyota Sienna (3.5 L, V-6, 8-Speed Auto)	19	22	27
Dodge Grand Caravan (3.6 L, V-6, 6-Speed Auto)	17	25	20
Kia Sedona (3.3 L, V-6, 6-Speed Auto)	17	22	19

“The Pacifica has it all covered. Its front seats are the most comfortable here, and we found them the most supportive over a long drive.” – Caranddriver.com

Interior Dimensions

The Pacifica is not just designed keeping families in mind but is directed towards all kinds of customers. The car offers a plush and spacious seating experience. The car offers comfort for people of all heights and sizes except some of the taller NBA center forwards.

Compared to the competition, the Pacifica offers more comfort with bucket seats and more space, even if only by a few centimeters. Chrysler has also made sure that no compromises are made with the seating, even after the tri-pane panoramic sunroof fitted. As you move from the front to the back, space consistently drops, with an exception of the second-row seats in the 7-Passenger seat being some of the most comfortable seats in the car with reclining function.

Parameter	2017 Chrysler Pacifica	2017 Honda Odyssey	2017 Toyota Sienna	Kia Sedona	2017 Dodge Grand Caravan
Front Head Room (in)	40.1	40.7	41	39.8	39.8
Second Head Room (in)	39.6	39.5	39.7	39.4	39.3
Third Head Room (in)	38.7	38.3	38.3	38.9	37.9
Front Hip Room (in)	59	58.6	58.6	59.3	58.4
Second Hip Room (in)	64.8	64.8	66.1	66.1	65
Third Hip Room (in)	49.5	48.4	50.3	50	48.7
Front Leg Room (in)	41.1	40.9	40.5	40.9	40.7
Second Leg Room (in)	40.9	40.9	37.6	41.1	36.5
Third Leg Room (in)	36.5	38.1	36.3	34.8	32.7
Front Shoulder Room (in)	63.8	63.1	65	63.9	63.7
Second Shoulder Room (in)	63	61.1	64.6	63.1	64.1
Third Shoulder Room (in)	61.2	60	61.1	59.4	62
Passenger Capacity	7	7	8	8/7	7
Passenger Volume (ft3)	165	160.1	164.4	172.3	156.1

Seating and Comfort

If cars were named after their qualities, the Pacifica can be rechristened as ‘Seating and Comfort’, as it is just that you are in for. With spacious wide bucked seats and enough legroom even for the taller members of your family, the Pacifica makes for an excellent road tripping vehicle. You get clothed bucket seats on the lower trims, however, when you move up with the trims, the seats transform into perforated leather and then to Nappa leather seats in the top trim i.e. Limited.

The car can comfortably fit 7 passengers, however, one can opt for the 8-Passenger arrangement as well. The seats in the second row have multiple functions, you can bend the seat over for an easy access to the third row or you can fold the seats and stow them into the floor. The Stow-n-go is one unique feature that is exclusive only to the gas-fueled Pacifica. However the space in the rear might make it difficult for 3 adults to fit and feel comfortable.

“The Pacifica gets active noise cancellation as standard, so it’s insanely quiet on the road. It’s also smooth like butter. All seats are thick, plush, leather chairs (for the Limited), perfect for your spoiled little brats. We’re far from the flimsy vinyl surfaces your babysitter had in her Aerostar.” – jalopnik.com

Interior Features

Chrysler Pacifica is simply loaded with features in the interior of the car. Starting from standard features such as 12-Way Power Driver Seat with Power Recline, Height Adjustment, Fore/Aft Movement, Cushion Tilt and Power 4-Way Lumbar Support, Manual Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column and Power Rear Windows and Fixed 3rd Row Windows, Chrysler's Uconnect infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker stereo, voice command recognition, Bluetooth, a USB port, Uconnect Access, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

While some of these features are deal makers for some, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Chrysler has totally changed the game with Pacifica being a front-runner in the minivan segment. Some of the most interesting features are also unique to Pacifica, while there’s no other car that offers similar features in the same budget.

“While its Stow ’n Go seats may not be the Barcaloungers of the Sienna, the Chrysler’s second row is no longer two thin pads strapped to an Erector set. When it comes to interior storage, the big in-floor bins that swallow the Pacifica’s second-row captain’s chairs give it an exponential advantage.” – Caranddriver.com

 

Infotainment

The Chrysler Pacifica is a complete car, which becomes more evident when you look at the whole infotainment system in the car. The Pacifica comes packed with technology that is bound to make all your drives interesting. A Chrysler's Uconnect infotainment system with a 5-inch touchscreen, six-speaker stereo are among the standard features. While Bluetooth, USB port (Front and Rear Seats), Uconnect Access, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are also a part of the standard package.

However, you can upgrade to different optional infotainment systems on the Pacifica. We recommend you to choose the 8.4 inch screen with capacitive touch, the screen changes the whole experience in the car. The trims upwards of Touring L also get two 10 inch touch screens for the second-row passenger which can also be controlled from the entertainment console in the front seat.

“FCA’s UConnect interface is quick to respond and easy to use—it’s actually one of the best in the industry.” – jalopnik.com

Cargo Capacity

The Pacifica falls short when you talk about cargo capacity, the cars seem to be slacker in the segment with just 32 ft³ of space with all the seats up. However, Chrysler has cleverly taken care of the issue with a stow-n-go feature that is only exclusive to the gas-fueled Pacifica.

The Stow-n-go lets fold all the seats in the second and third row and fit them into the car’s running board under the mats. The setting makes space for almost 141 ft³ of luggage. However, the Hybrid version doesn’t come with stow-no-go as the engineers need the space for fitting batteries.

Chrysler has also taken care of the family needs. There are enough cubby holes and storage spaces in the car that you never run short on. More than being cubby holes, these can also be called smart storage options.

“The Pacifica is near the bottom of the class for cargo capacity with 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 140 cubic feet with the rear rows folded. However, the Stow 'n Go seats provide serious versatility that make up for the smaller overall volume.” – Edmunds.com

"The Pacifica has ditched the box—and it's no longer a bore, inside or out." -TheCarConnection

Every minivan in the US market feels almost identical which makes the task of choosing one out of the lot, all the more difficult. However, a longer, wider and taller Pacifica makes sure that you make the most out of the interior space with the best exterior shape and dimension.

Where the Pacifica falls down is the Ground clearance (i.e. 5.1 inches) but this isn’t a vehicle that you’d want to take off-road unless you have a cabin in the woods. The premium looking curvaceous character and flared front fascia makes sure that you are spotted with a statement even while driving amongst the more contemporary and cognate minivans in the segment.

Parameter/Ride	2017 Chrysler Pacifica	2017 Honda Odyssey	2017 Toyota Sienna	Kia Sedona	2017 Dodge Grand Caravan
Length, Overall (in)	203.6	203.2	200.2	201.4	203.7
Width, max w/o mirrors (in)	79.6	78.5	78.1	78.1	78.7
Height, Overall (in)	89.9	68.3	68.9	68.5	69.0
Track Width - Front (in)	68.3	68.1	67.7	68.7	65.6
Track Width - Rear (in)	68.3	68.2	67.7	69	64.8
Wheelbase (in)	121.6	118.1	119.3	120.5	121.2
Ground Clearance (in)	5.1	5.8	6.2	6.7	5.8

 

Exterior Features

Chrysler Pacifica is loaded with features, inside and outside. Owning a Pacifica is similar to sporting a pair of Bluetooth headphones, you can move about swiftly without many problems. The car is loaded with enough sensors that can do all the work without even hassling with hands. On both sides a handsfree power sliding doors, and a power tailgate on the rear which can be accessed from the key fob or by simply kicking under either one of the doors (Smartly placed impact sensors).

If that is not enough, the doors get activated with just a push on the knob. While the tri-pane panoramic sunroof makes sure that enough light reaches inside the Pacifica making it feel more ambient and spacious.

However, the car is not just limited to some technological features inside, here’s more about the exterior features on the Pacifica:

• Auto Off Projector Beam Halogen Daytime Running Headlamps w/Delay-Off
• Perimeter/Approach Lights
• Fixed Rear Window w/Fixed Interval Wiper, Heated Wiper Park, and Defroster
• Body-Colored Front Bumper w/Black Bumper Insert
• Black Power Heated Side Mirrors w/Manual Folding
• Variable Intermittent Wipers
• Tailgate/Rear Door Lock Included w/Power Door Locks

Chrysler Pacifica is available with a long list of active and passive safety features, which have helped the car get 5 stars from NHTSA. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also awarded the car with Top Safety Pick+.

Chrysler has made features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors with rear automated emergency braking standard across the lineup. You can also opt for front automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beams, and a lane-keeping assist among other safety features

NHTSA Test Results

Impact	2018 Chrysler Pacifica
Front Barrier Crash	5 stars
Side Crash	5 stars
Side Barrier Crash	5 stars
Rollover	4 stars
Combined Side Barrier and Pole	5 stars
Overall	5 stars

 

“A suite of active safety features available on higher trims of the Pacifica includes lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on all 2018 Pacifica variants.” – motortrend.com

IIHS Test Results

Impact	2018 Chrysler Pacifica
Side	Good
Roof Strength	Good
Small Overlap	Good
Moderate Overlap	Good
Head Restraint and Seats	Good
Overall	Good

 

The Chrysler Pacifica scores well on all grounds. However, there might be few issues that might come across as deal breakers. But on ground and paper, this is one of the best minivans that you score in the price range.

With most safety features being offered as standard on the 2018 edition, the Pacifica has become one serious point of consideration in the minivan space. The only downsides we fell are lack of cargo capacity, ground clearance (comparatively) and low towing capacity. If you can live with these, you have your near-perfect minivan for the year 2018 and beyond.