Stellantis unveiled its refreshed 2027 Chrysler Pacifica at the New York International Auto Show, and it’s worth taking a closer look. This family‑friendly model has an interesting story rooted in a minivan lineage that spans six generations, beginning with the original 1984 Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager models that set a new course for family transportation.
We were there to experience those first-generation Chrysler-family minivans when they arrived, witnessing firsthand how this new approach to mobility reshaped the market and created a segment that would become indispensable to millions. Today, Chrysler operates under the Stellantis umbrella, but the brand’s minivan legacy remains firmly tied to those early Chrysler Corporation innovations.
At the time, family transportation was emerging from the long era of station wagons, those capable and familiar family haulers that were often found at vacation spots, sports fields, and really anywhere kids and gear converged. Not all families opted for wagons, of course, since there were plenty of other choices on the market and passenger cars remained the most common sight on our highways. But if the ultimate in hauling capability was high on the list, a station wagon certainly fit the bill.
Although wagons continued well into the late 1980s and 1990s, none offered the interior versatility of minivans. A minivan delivered the flexibility of moving between rows with little effort and offered easy entry through a sliding side door, conveniences that wagons simply couldn't match. For families by the millions it changed everything almost overnight.
There was another compelling reason to opt for a minivan. Full-size vans and a handful of utility vehicles like the Jeep Wagoneer were also on the road and could meet the needs of families, particularly those requiring maximum seating or towing capability. But these were truck‑based, body‑on‑frame machines that rode and handled like the pickups they were built from. Minivans took a different path with unibody construction, the same approach used in passenger cars. This delivered car‑like dynamics and a smoother, more comfortable ride that resonated with families looking for something easier to live with every day.
The ability to move about from the front passenger seat to the middle row, and even to the third row, without stopping the vehicle was a revelation for parents with young children. It meant tending to kids, snacks, toys, and the inevitable needs of travel with a new level of ease and flexibility. That accessibility, combined with upright seating and the space efficiency of a boxy, purpose-built design, made the early Chrysler minivans an immediate hit.
Each successive generation of Chrysler’s minivans, beginning with the original Caravan and Voyager plus the Chrysler Town and Country that followed, brought meaningful advances in design, utility, and technology. These included dual sliding doors and Stow ’n Go seating, which allows the second and third row seats to fold into floor bins to create a flat cargo area. Chrysler also explored electrification at various points, adding a brief but notable chapter to the minivan’s development. The Pacifica represents the latest evolution of this family, carrying forward Chrysler’s focus on practicality and innovation while adapting the minivan formula to modern expectations for efficiency, safety, and connectivity.
As Chrysler refined the minivan formula through successive generations, the company also explored technologies that could influence the segment’s future. Electrification was one of those areas, with Chrysler developing electric minivan concepts in the 1990s and later testing plug‑in hybrid prototypes in fleet trials during the 2000s and early 2010s.
These early efforts set the stage for the Pacifica Hybrid, which became the first mass‑market plug‑in minivan in the United States. Its discontinuation for 2027 reflects Stellantis priorities as the company reassesses the timing and direction of future electrified family vehicles, just as other automakers are reassessing their electrification plans. Pacifica Hybrid is important in that it introduced many families to electric driving without range concerns and demonstrated how plug‑in technology could fit naturally into a family vehicle. Even though it has been retired for now, we imagine that an electrified Pacifica could return to the Stellantis portfolio in the future as market conditions evolve and costs, technology, and consumer expectations align.
This long evolution has set the stage for the latest chapter. The refreshed 2027 Pacifica has emerged with updated styling, new technology, and refinements aimed at keeping Chrysler’s minivan relevant in a shifting family vehicle landscape. The debut underscored Chrysler’s intent to keep the Pacifica competitive as family needs evolve and as the broader market continues its shift toward crossovers and SUVs.
To understand how these updates build on the current model, several Green Car Journal editors recently spent time behind the wheel of the 2026 Pacifica. One staffer’s family made a several-hundred-mile trip to Disneyland with a teenager and a six-year-old, offering a real-world look at how the Pacifica supports the daily demands of family travel. These experiences provided a clear baseline for evaluating the changes coming for 2027.
On that Southern California road trip, the 2026 Pacifica proved exceptionally comfortable and family friendly. Seating remained supportive over long stretches, visibility was excellent, and charge points for devices were plentiful. Cargo capacity was right for stashing away four suitcases and an array of miscellaneous gear. An expansive dual-pane sunroof added to the experience with a feeling of openness and an absence of wind buffeting at speed.
Driving the 2026 model underscored how well Chrysler has refined this platform. The 2027 update builds on that foundation with a sharper, more technical look. Select, Limited, and Pinnacle trims receive a redesigned front fascia with vertical LED headlamps and an illuminated grille with signature "piano key" lighting. Further distinction is lent with a new Chrysler wing logo. Fresh exterior colors and new wheel designs broaden personalization options.
Inside, the Pacifica gains new materials and accents. The Pinnacle trim introduces an exclusive Blue Agave Nappa leather interior with Copper Alloy accents and a new Parquet perforation pattern. Across the lineup, updated trim finishes and a Satin Chrome wing badge on the steering wheel elevate the cabin.
For 2027, the Uconnect Theater Package is offered separately from the Family Tech Group, giving buyers more flexibility in how they equip their Pacifica. The Family Tech Group adds Uconnect 5 NAV, additional power outlets, upgraded audio, and the FamCAM interior camera. The Theater Group focuses on rear-seat entertainment with Amazon Fire TV and seatback screens.
Pacifica continues with the brand's proven 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and nine-speed automatic transmission, a combination appreciated for its smooth power delivery and confident performance in everyday driving. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available on upper trims.
The 2027 lineup begins with the new LX trim, formerly the Voyager, which offers a budget-friendly entry point with standard power sliding doors and heated front seats and steering wheel. Pricing starts at $41,495.
The experiences gathered during our evaluations highlight how effectively the Pacifica serves families in everyday use. The 2027 refresh builds on that capability with thoughtful updates in design, technology, and safety that enhance its appeal without altering the qualities that have long defined it.
Pacifica continues a minivan heritage more than four decades in the making. As the Chrysler brand enters its second century, the 2027 model advances that long‑running story with updates and style that help this familiar family vehicle feel even more in step with today’s drivers. That matters at a time when minivans are seeing renewed interest from buyers drawn to their user‑friendliness, growing comfort, and increasingly tech‑forward features.
The Chrysler Pacifica comes across as a confident, well‑executed choice that carries this enduring family‑vehicle tradition forward with the kind of ease and everyday practicality families value. During our time behind the wheel, it also revealed a familiar, reassuring character that simply feels good on the road.
There was a time when environmental leadership in the auto industry was a scarce commodity. Seventeen years ago, when Green Car Journal announced its first Green Car of the Year® in Los Angeles, it was difficult to identify more than a few dozen truly worthy vehicles to be considered for the honor. Today it is a formidable challenge in a different way. Now, analyzing the expansive field of green cars that champion greater environmental performance can be downright mind numbing, along with the process of honing the list down to a manageable number of candidates for each of our Green Car Awards™.
Still, this is a great problem to have and we’re up to the challenge. In fact, we celebrate the difficult and time-consuming process. This sheer number of greener models means that all of us benefit from the ability to buy and drive an increasing number of vehicles that champion a lighter impact on the environment.
As finalists are evaluated during the judging process, Green Car Journal weighs an array of important criteria such as environmental achievement, cost, value, safety, performance, functionality, and availability. These may vary from one award category to another. For instance, cost is less of a factor in Luxury Green Car of the Year™; greater driving range may not be as critical in Urban Green Car of the Year™; and immediate availability is less of an issue for Commercial Green Car of the Year™, since commercial fleets tend to plan well ahead and are used to scheduled batch builds of specialized vehicles. Some criteria take on more importance, such as electric driving range in most categories where EVs are considered; family friendliness in awards where passenger needs or capacity are important; and tow ratings and realistic long-distance towing and hauling capabilities in the case of Green Truck of the Year™.
There are more complex issues at play today. We’ve seen order banks for some new or popular pickups like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Ford Maverick suddenly close for the model year, which means consumers are no longer able to order one, at least at this time. Since price is an important consideration for most award categories, when we see sudden price hikes in the thousands of dollars, we also take notice. Then there’s the issue of supply chain disruptions and materials shortages that can delay a model’s expected availability. We take all of this into account and dive deep to ensure we’re as up to speed as possible to avoid potential surprises.
Green Car Journal’s Green Car Awards™ program has evolved over the years, most notably with the addition of more award categories to reflect the ever changing and expanding world of environmentally positive vehicles. Plus, along with the ‘greenest’ vehicles honored by the 2023 Green Car Awards™ program, Green Car Journal now recognizes the crucial roles that infrastructure and technology play in enabling a more sustainable driving future.
Let's get to it. Here are the winners of Green Car Journal’s prestigious 2023 Green Car Awards™:
TOYOTA CROWN – The Crown is Toyota's sophisticated new flagship that champions high fuel economy, lower carbon emissions, and appealing style. The five-passenger sedan features a stylish and high tech cabin designed to offer a premium feel. It’s powered by a 2.5-liter THS hybrid estimated to deliver 38 combined mpg, or a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged HYBRID MAX powerplant with 340 horsepower. On-demand all-wheel drive is standard.
Finalists for Green Car Journal’s legacy award included the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Nissan Ariya, Toyota bZ4X, Toyota Crown, and Volkswagen ID.4.
CADILLAC LYRIQ – Featuring upscale styling and a premium theme, the Lyriq is Cadillac’s first all-electric vehicle that’s offered in single or dual motor versions with rear- or all-wheel drive. At a base price of $62,990, the Lyriq features an impressive 312 mile driving range. Satisfying performance is delivered by 340 horsepower in the single motor variant and 500 horsepower in the dual motor version.
Among this award’s finalists were the Cadillac Lyriq, Genesis GV60, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz EQB, and Polestar 2.
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV – Last year’s introduction of the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander made waves with its more dynamic styling and upscale features. Now the next-generation Outlander PHEV has joined the lineup. Featuring standard all-wheel drive, the twin motor plug-in hybrid SUV now features significantly greater battery electric range of 38 miles and 420 miles overall, plus the addition of three-row seating that was unavailable in the previous generation Outlander PHEV.
Finalists included the Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, Toyota Sienna, and Volvo XC40.
RAM 1500 –The RAM 1500 is a model of versatility and functionality that provides pickup buyers loads of choices. It’s available in Quad Cab and Crew Cab configurations, offers two pickup box lengths, two- or four-wheel drive, and diverse power options. These include two hybrids – a 3.6-liter eTorque V-6 and 5.7-liter eTorque HEMI V-8 – plus a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel and 6.2-liter supercharged V-8. RAM can carry payloads up to 2300 pounds tow trailers up to 12,750 pounds.
Finalists considered for this award were the Ford F-150 Lightning, Ford Maverick, Hyundai Santa Cruz, RAM 1500, and Toyota Tundra.
FISKER OCEAN – The all-electric Fisker Ocean SUV features an appealing and sporty design enhanced by an attractive and uncluttered high-tech interior. It’s available in three versions with a driving range of 250 to 350 miles. Beyond its zero-emission electric drive, Fisker is committed to making the Ocean a model of sustainability with over 110 pounds of recycled materials used in its construction, including crushed carbon fiber and plastics from bottles and fishing nets.
Finalists for this award were the Audi Q4 e-tron, Fisker Ocean, Honda CR-V, Kia EV6, and Subaru Solterra.
FORD F-150 LIGHTNING PRO – The F-150 Lightning PRO available to fleets offers 240 to 320 miles of all electric range, depending on battery pack, with a payload capacity up to 2235 pounds. Towing capability up to 10,000 pounds is ideal for urban and regional applications where long-distance towing is not required, since towing can significantly reduce electric range. It’s available with Pro Power Onboard outlets for power at job sites. A Special Services Vehicle variant is made for non-pursuit police department applications.
Finalists for the award were the Brightdrop EV600, Ford E-Transit, Ford F-150 Lightning PRO, Rivian Delivery Van, and Via Motors Chassis Cab.
MINI COOPER SE ELECTRIC – The fully electric MINI Cooper SE carries on the tradition of the MINI as a diminutive two-door hardtop with a fun-to-drive nature and go-kart handling, adding the important distinction of zero-emission operation. The Cooper SE Electric is an ideal vehicle for urban environments, offering a small physical footprint, easy maneuverability, and an electric driving range of 114 miles between charges.
Finalists included the BMW X1, Chevrolet Bolt, Kia Niro, MINI Cooper SE Electric, and Nissan Versa.
JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE – The Grand Cherokee 4xe offers all the outstanding features of Jeep’s conventional SUV with the addition of plug-in hybrid capability. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine and two electric motors delivering a total of 375 horsepower. This Trail Rated Jeep features 25 miles of zero-emission on- and off-road driving and a combined 470 miles of range, can tow up to 6,000 pounds, and ford up to 24 inches of water since all high-volt electronics are sealed and waterproof.
Vying for this award were the RAM 1500 eTorque, Ford F-150 Lightning, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, Jeep Wrangler 4xe, and Rivian R1T.
FREEWIRE TECHNOLOGIES BOOST CHARGER – Freewire Technologies’ Boost Charger integrates lithium-ion battery storage to eliminate the need for expensive electrical service upgrades at gas stations adding EV fast charging. Phillips 66 has installed a Boost Charger at a station near its Houston headquarters and plans to leverage its network of 7,000 Phillips 66, Conoco, and 76 branded sites with additional Boost Chargers.
Finalists included Clean Energy Fuels RNG Stations, EVgo Autocharge+, Electrify America Megawatt Energy Storage, Freewire Boost Charger, and SparkCharge Roadie.
LI-CYCLE SPOKE & HUB TECHNOLOGIES – Li-Cycle’s Spoke & Hub system recycles end-of-life lithium-ion battery packs without requiring dismantling. Batteries undergo a submerged shredding process at regional Spoke facilities in the U.S., Canada, and Europe that produces no wastewater, with the output a black mass consisting of critical metals including lithium, cobalt, and nickel. A centralized Hub facility then processes the black mass and creates battery grade materials for reuse.
Finalists considered for this award were BMW eDrive Zones, ConnectDER, Ford Home Integration System, GM Hydrotec Fuel Cell Power Cubes, and Li-Cycle Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling.
Rising above a substantial field of ‘green’ competitors to become a Green Car Awards™ candidate is a noteworthy achievement in itself. To honor these vehicles, all finalists considered in a Green Car Awards™ category are recognized for their commendable environmental achievement with Green Car Journal’s 2023 Green Car Product of Excellence™.