Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid 2019 Review

Overall rating

The Chrysler Pacifica has a lot going for it. It has more style than the typical minivan. Its Stow 'n Go seats make for easy transport of large items. The infotainment system is easy to use. There are abundant safety and tech features to choose from. And almost all of this appeal transfers over to the 2019 Pacifica Hybrid.

Sure, the hybrid doesn't get the second-row Stow 'n Go seats (the hybrid battery fits in their storage compartment), but the fixed captain's chairs in their place are actually more comfortable. Plus, that hybrid powertrain significantly improves fuel economy since its plug-in capability allows for about 33 miles of electric range on a full charge. For some drivers, that's enough to avoid using gasoline for weeks or even longer. Once you do run out of electricity, the EPA estimates that it will return 32 mpg combined, which is 10 mpg higher than the standard van.

By some minivan standards, the Pacifica Hybrid also has some drawbacks. The 2019 Honda Odyssey, for example, is better to drive, is more spacious, and has a more versatile seating setup. It's also worth noting that the Pacifica Hybrid is significantly more expensive than the gas-only Pacifica van, especially at base trim levels. There are potential fuel savings and tax rebates to consider, but those aren't realized at the time of purchase.

In the end, if you're looking for a minivan with plug-in power, the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is the only option out there. It isn't our favorite van, but it certainly has several virtues that make it worth considering.

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid models

The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is a three-row minivan that seats seven passengers. It's available in three well-equipped trim levels: Touring Plus, Touring L and Limited.

Every Pacifica Hybrid has a 3.6-liter V6 engine augmented with two electric motors (260 horsepower total). It can travel about 33 miles on electric power alone. After that, the V6 and normal hybrid operation take over. A 240-volt power supply can fully recharge the 16-kWh battery pack in about two hours.

Standard exterior features on the Touring Plus include 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, power-sliding doors, heated mirrors and keyless entry and ignition. Inside, you'll find an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat (with four-way power lumbar), a driver information display, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, cloth upholstery, second-row power windows and a 60/40-split folding third-row seat.

Technology features include an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, voice commands, and a six-speaker audio system with HD and satellite radio, a USB port and an auxiliary jack. Standard driver aids include a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Cold Weather Group adds heated front seats and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. A power liftgate is available as a stand-alone option.

The Touring L adds the power liftgate, roof rails, remote ignition, an upgraded center console, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, the Cold Weather Group, leather upholstery, and second- and third-row window shades. The Premium Audio Group adds an eight-way power passenger seat, second- and third-row USB ports, active noise control and a 13-speaker Alpine sound system.

Both Touring models can be ordered with a navigation system, which also adds 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity, and a rear-seat entertainment system that includes a DVD player and a single overhead display screen.

Upgrades to the top-level Limited are numerous. On the outside, the Limited adds automatic high-beam control, power-folding mirrors (with driver-side auto-dimming), automatic wipers, chrome trim, and hands-free operation for the sliding doors and liftgate. Inside, you'll find adaptive cruise control, upgraded leather, an upgraded steering wheel, driver-seat memory settings, ventilated front seats, the navigation system, and the Premium Audio Group contents. A 20-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is available for the Limited as well.

Optional on the Limited is the Uconnect Theater w/ Streaming package that includes a Blu-ray player, two seatback video screens, a household-style power outlet, wireless headphones and wireless streaming from connected Android devices. The Limited's optional Advanced SafetyTec Group adds front parking sensors, lane departure warning, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, parallel and perpendicular parking assist, and a 360-degree parking camera. A panoramic sunroof and 18-inch wheels are also optional.

Standard on the Limited and optional on the other models is a secondary driver key that Chrysler calls KeySense. Intended for younger drivers and valets, this key starts the car in a mode that limits top speed and volume, keeps all driver aids activated and restricts user-defined satellite radio channels.

Trim tested