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2018 Chrysler Pacifica HybridAt its launch, Chrysler’s Pacifica Hybrid immediately raised the bar for minivans by offering the highest fuel economy ever for this class of family-friendly vehicles, along with 33 miles of all-electric driving on battery power and an overall range of 570 miles. At the time its 3.6-liter Pentastar eHybrid made the 2017 Wards 10 Best Engines list. Now this plug-in hybrid powerplant has earned the distinction again as one of Ward’s 2018 10 Best Engines.

Apparently, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid owners are also pretty impressed with this vehicle. In a group of 100 customers participating in a series of monthly ownership experience surveys, 90 percent said they would recommend the Pacifica Hybrid to others. Some 47 percent reported more all-electric driving range than expected with 22 percent saying they’re getting ‘much more’ range. Fully 97 percent of these owners shared they had decided on their Pacifica Hybrid purchase before visiting a dealership.

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

“Receiving this award, especially for the second time, validates our early conviction – as do reports from our customers," said Bob Lee, head of Engine Powertrain and Electrified Propulsion Systems Engineering at FCA  North America. "We knew this was a special project when we were asked to develop the most fuel-efficient minivan ever."

Altogether, the Chrysler Pacifica lineup has earned an impressive of 72 industry awards related to quality, styling performance, and safety. Plus, the model has earned the EPA's best possible environmental rating 0f 10, which quantifies a vehicle's greenhouse gas emissions and impact on climate change. And here's more perspective: Compared to the Chrysler Town & Country minivan it replaced, FCA says that over its lifetime a Pacifica Hybrid will result in lessening emissions equivalent to driving an average U.S. passenger vehicle more than 50,000 miles.

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The Pacifica Hybrid is powered by an electric motor coupled to an eFlite electrically variable transmission. Power is supplied by a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack positioned beneath the minivan's second-row floor, which means interior volume is not impacted. Charging the battery pack requires about two hours with an optional 240-volt charger, although charging via a standard 120 volt outlet is also possible over a longer duration. The Pacifica Hybrid operates in efficient gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle mode once battery power is depleted. With its 33 mile all-electric capability, typical families running daily errands may find they rarely need the minivan's conventional hybrid power except on long drives.

Those seeking the functionality of a minivan that also delivers exceptional environmental performance will find the Pacifica Hybrid a pretty big deal. It is, in fact, a game-changer. At the time of its launch, all Monroneys (window stickers) on minivans identified the range of competitors in this class achieving 19-28 mpg. The emergence of the Pacifica Hybrid and its efficient Pentastar eHybrid engine prompted a change, with that statement now reading 19-52 MPGe, a nod to the Pacifica Hybrid's impressive efficiency.

2017-chrysler-pacifica-frontChrysler, the company that literally created the minivan with its Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager models introduced more than three decades ago, now seeks to redefine the segment with its all-new Chrysler Pacifica. So unique is the Pacifica that it merits new terminology from the marketing department to underscore its versatility.

Classified as ‘Multipurpose’ by EPA, Pacifica transcends the traditional role of the venerable minivan with more on its plate than merely taking the kids to school or handling family errands. The Pacifica is now ready to play starring roles previously cast only for trucks, SUVs, or luxury cars.

2017-chrysler-pacifica-interiorIn part, that’s because the Pacifica brings something to the segment not seen before: style. The model‘s sleek and sculpted exterior is not only wind-cheating but also pleasing to the eye, cutting a sharp image while offering a remarkable drag coefficient of 0.30, a figure low enough to typically be reserved for sports cars.

Image-conscious dads need no longer take a hit on their psyche while driving a minivan to the hardware store. Not that you’d necessarily want to, this amazingly versatile vehicle can carry 64 quarter-inch, four-by-eight foot sheets of plywood in the rear. For a double date night on the town, clear out the construction materials and fold down the Pacifica’s Stow ’n Go seats to provide limo-like spaciousness. In fact, make it a triple date night with the neighbors since the model’s choice of 2/2/3 or 2/3/3 front/mid/rear seating configurations handle the need with little effort.

2017-chrysler-pacifica-removable-seatsNotably, while third row passengers typically get squeezed, not so in this vehicle. Third row legroom is 36.5 inches with 38.7 inches of headroom. That compares favorably with the typically roomier mid-row seat that offers legroom of 38 inches and 39.6 inches of headroom.

When it arrives later this year, the Pacifica Hybrid will be the industry’s first plug in hybrid minivan. That’s a pretty big deal since families have been waiting for a hybrid minivan for years with no options in sight. The Pacifica PHEV will feature a 30 mile range solely from its 16-kWh LG lithium-ion battery, with total gas-electric range an exceptional 530 miles. The Pacifica Hybrid is EPA rated at 80 MPGe (miles-per-gallon equivalent) while operating on electricity. The conventionally-powered Pacifica is rated by EPA at 18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway while driving on its 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. There are five versions of the standard Pacifica with the Hybrid coming in Touring and Limited trim levels.

2017-chrysler-pacifica-cabin-aThere’s more than exterior beauty and functionality to the Pacifica. These themes are also carried through in the interior, with the posh look highlighted in the Limited model’s perforated leather seats, a look that’s right out of a European luxury sedan. The same is true with the rest of the materials selected for the Pacifica with the vehicle offering an upscale look and feel. Cloth seats are standard with leather and premium leather as options. Four interior color choices are offered to accent the 10 exterior colors available, from Jazz Blue Pearl Coat to Molten Silver Metallic.

The Pacifica is as quiet as a luxury car due to its all-new platform that brings class-leading noise and vibration characteristics, something that was also noted by two fellow journalists during our test drives at Chrysler’s Chelsea Proving Grounds. While the Pacifica Hybrid was not available to drive at this time, the standard version tells a lot about the model’s overall performance, exhibiting quite impressive handling for a vehicle of its size and curb weight of 4,330 lbs (the hybrid will weigh in at 4,943 lbs). The Pacifica’s independent front and rear suspensions play a key roles in its cornering and comfortable ride as do the vehicle’s electronic stability and traction controls.

2017-chrysler-pacifica-displayManufactures realize that sales are now driven by tech as much as any of the traditional buying touchstones of the past. Chrysler designers and engineers have delivered big time by offering over 100 standard or available safety and security features. Among the model’s many notable tech features is a 360 degree Surround View camera that includes a bird’s-eye view of a driver’s surroundings. The Pacifica’s UConnect Theater system offers 7- or 8.4- inch displays with accompanying sound systems featuring six to 20 speakers and brands like Alpine to Harman Kardon. Six USB ports are standard.

Perhaps the most beneficial option is Pacifica’s Stow ’n Go seating that allows the rear compartment to be configured entirely flat for optimizing storage and hauling capability. Aluminum sliding doors are hands-free and the liftgate opens by raising your foot at the rear, both will sure to be favorite options as well. The most practical offering is the model’s Stow ’n Vac, a system hidden in the door that allows for quick and efficient cleaning of the massive carpeted interior without requiring a stop at the car wash. For animal owners there’s even an optional tie-down pet kennel. When removed it also doubles as a kennel for hotel or campsite.

2017-chrysler-pacifica-stow-n-go-seatPower comes from a transverse-mounted 3.6-liter V-6 with 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft torque, a combination that delivers more than adequate performance for two-lane road passing. The coming Pacifica Hybrid is expected to provide 260 horsepower, although the addition of an electric motor with its immediate low-end torque will surely up the performance ante. The conventional Pacifica runs on unleaded regular fuel so there’s additional savings to be had at the pump. Both variants are front-wheel drive and well-balanced with a front-to-rear weight distribution of 56.5/43.5 in the Hybrid and 55/45 in the standard model.

A contributing factor to Pacifica’s performance and fuel efficiency is its use of a nine-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission and a torque converter clutch. Gears six through nine are all overdrive ranging from 0.81 to 0.48. Translation: maximum fuel efficiency gained by tall gearing that keeps engine rpms low. The Hybrid will have an electronically variable transmission standard with dual-motor electric drive capability and start-stop technology.

2017-chrysler-pacifica-engineUnlike the standard model, the Pacifica Hybrid is not recommended for towing. The Hybrid comes with a smaller gas tank at 16.5 gallons compared to the standard 19 gallon, although higher fuel efficiency will clearly make up the difference. Expect braking to live up to the model’s performance with standard 13 inch vented rotors front and rear plus ABS braking.

The final question for some will be, “Does it fit in my garage?” But of course. Pacifica features a length of 203.8 inches and a width of 79.6 inches. With the foldaway powered mirrors extended the width increases to 90.4 inches. The Pacifica will also fit in most folks' budgets with prices starting at $28,595 and moving up to the high $40,000s. As is customary, pricing for the Pacifica Hybrid will be announced closer to its debut.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid cutaway

Okay, let’s admit it. We’ve come to depend on electronics in our lives and indispensible devices of all sorts have transitioned from our homes and pockets to our cars. So it’s no surprise that automakers and accessory companies have recognized the importance of making this an easy and convenient transition for us.

Hands-free, Bluetooth, and power ports have become second nature for drivers on the go. Now Chrysler’s Mopar division is stepping up to be the first to offer in-vehicle wireless charging so our devices stay powered and connected without the need to deal with dangling power cords and power ports.

Chrysler’s answer – first appearing in the all-new Dodge Dart – is an 8.27 x 9.5 x 3.25 inch power bin seamlessly integrated at the front of the center console. Charging is easy. Just place a battery-powered device on the bin’s built-in charging grid and charging automatically begins when the vehicle is started.

A specially-designed case for popular smartphones is required and included with the power bin feature, which costs $200 plus installation. While designed exclusively for smartphones at this time, we’re sure this is just the beginning for wireless device charging in our motoring future.

 

What family wouldn’t want a plug-in hybrid minivan? Well, some may opt for more stylish crossover vehicles because they’re generally sportier, but parents who have kids and gear to haul around have often found the sheer functionality of minivans indispensible.

That’s why Chrysler’s news that plug-in hybrid electric Town & Country minivans are now being placed into fleet service with Duke Energy is a bit of interesting news. No, it doesn’t mean plug-in minivans will be at new car showrooms in the short term, but it is signaling positive movement.

The goal of the two-year demonstration program, which involves 25 plug-in minivans with Duke Energy and other partners, is to gather real-world operating data as the vehicles are subjected to a range of driving cycles. This data will help Chrysler engineers assess the viability of the technology for future applications.

The plug-in hybrid minivans are equipped with E85 ethanol-compatible 3.6-liter engines coupled to front-wheel-drive, two-mode hybrid transmissions. Power is also supplied by a liquid-cooled 12.1 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery that brings a total output of 290 horsepower and helps deliver a driving range of 700 miles. Charging at 220 volts requires two to four hours while using a 110 volt charger takes up to 15 hours, depending on a battery’s state of depletion.