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Price Range: Less Than
$29,070
$194,645
mpg/MPGe Range: More Than
0
134
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Introduction:

To help members understand the latest automotive technology so they can purchase vehicles that best suit their needs, the Automobile Club of Southern California's Automotive Research Center (ARC) began testing and reviewing vehicles over a decade ago

For the 2025 edition, we include testing and ranking cars and light trucks with the latest technology, including having at least one advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) feature. In addition to vehicle evaluation, the guide covers a number of pertinent automotive topics in detail—for example, the latest advanced safety features, how to properly maintain your vehicle, and new vehicles coming to market in the next few years.

Car Guide Winner: 1st Place Minivan

2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV Pinnacle

Vehicle Type: Minivan Plug-In Hybrid
104
 overall score
Category Ranking: 1

Vehicle Price

Base Price: $59,495
Price as Tested: $61,685

Fuel Information

Fuel Type: Electricity/regular
Fuel Capacity (gal): 16.5
120V Charge Time: 3.5 miles per hour
240V Charge Time: 16 miles per hour
EPA City mpg29
EPA Highway mpg30
EPA Combined mpg: 30
EPA Combined MPGe: 82
EPA-Est. Electric Range (mi): 32

Advanced Safety Features

  • Adaptive Cruise Control [S]
  • Advanced Headlights [S]
  • Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
  • Blind-Spot Warning [S]
  • Forward-Collision Warning [S]
  • Lane-Departure Warning [S]
  • Lane-Keeping Assistance [S]
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Warning [S]
  • Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
  • [S] Standard, [O] Optional
NHTSA Rating:

Overall Observations

The Chrysler Pacifica minivan was introduced in 2017 and hasn’t been fully redesigned since. It’s available in both gasoline-powered and plug-in hybrid versions—the only minivan with a plug-in option. We tested the PHEV in its top-shelf Pinnacle trim. The Pacifica PHEV is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine and dual electric motors that generate 260 horsepower; the estimated electric range is 32 miles. As an EV, the Pacifica Hybrid is fuel efficient, getting an estimated 82 MPGe; as a hybrid, it gets a commendable 30 mpg. The plug-in hybrid version of the Pacifica comes with FWD only. The Pacifica’s interior is spacious, with plenty of room for cargo and lots of cubbies and bins for small items. The upscale interior is attractive—especially, in the case of our test vehicle, its tan quilted leather seats. The instrument panel and controls are logically laid out and easy to use. In Pinnacle trim, the Pacifica comes fully equipped, with standard features that include 20-inch alloy wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, second-row captain’s chairs (which, unfortunately, can’t be folded down), an onboard vacuum cleaner, a dual-pane sunroof, a 20-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system. A full set of advanced safety features is standard.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Fuel-efficient PHEV drivetrain
  • Useful all-electric range (32 miles)
  • Spacious cabin with lots of storage
  • Attractive interior with good fit and finish

Cons

  • Dated exterior styling
  • Spongy brake pedal

Vehicle Specifications

Model year tested: 2024
Number of passengers (F/R): 2/5
Curb weight (lbs): 5010.0
Exterior L / W / H (in): 204.3 / 79.6 / 69.9
Wheelbase (in): 121.6
Number of air bags: 10
Warranty (months/miles): 36/36,000
Tire manufacturer and model: Nexen Npriz RH7a
Front and rear tire size: 235/60 R18
Max towing capacity (lbs): Not recommended
Headlight type: LED
Transmission type: Hybrid drive
Drivetrain type: Front wheel
Engine/motor: 3.6L V6 PHEV
Electric motor horsepower: 84 & 114
Combined system horsepower: 260

Test Data

Test Vehicle Scores

Advanced Safety Features:

9.00

Fuel Efficiency:

7.60

EPA Emissions Score:

7.00

Acceleration:

4.61

Braking:

3.29
Performance Handling: 5.75
Everyday Drivability: 7.34
Infotainment Usability: 7.25
Quality and Drivability: 7.12

Ride Quality:

7.32

Interior Size:

6.62

Easy of Entry and Exit:

8.23

Visibility:

8.28

Interior Noise:

4.99

Cargo Capacity:

10.00
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