2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Road Tripper Video, Review, And Pricing

By: Muneeb Khan
December 26, 2023

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid stands out as the sole minivan in its segment to offer buyers the convenience of plugging it into an outlet, enjoying the advantages of a typical electric vehicle while mitigating the challenges often linked with electric vehicle ownership. For 2023, the Pacifica Hybrid sees no fundamental changes and continues to be the only vehicle in its class to offer such a setup, and thanks to Stellantis Canada, we had the opportunity to experience this firsthand with the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Road Tripper.

Powering the Pacifica Hybrid is the brand’s familiar 3.6-litre V-6, which, for the most part, is mechanically identical to its non-hybrid counterpart. It works in conjunction with two motors, serving as the primary method of propulsion when using electric power alone. A 16.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack rests between the first and second rows of seats and powers the motors, which produce a combined 260 horsepower (approx.) At the same time, Stellantis’ eFlite Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT) replaces the standard 9-speed automatic transmission in the regular Pacifica. This engine and transmission pairing work flawlessly, whether cruising around town or gobbling up highway miles.

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Road Tripper - Driveman.ca

Similarly, the Pacifica Hybrid exudes benign road manners with its ability to soak up road imperfections and provide a smooth and quiet ride while being sufficient in the corners and easily manoeuvrable around dense parking lots. With an estimated 51 kilometres of electric-only range, the Pacifica Hybrid makes good use of its electric motors, making it appealing in stop-and-go traffic and everyday city driving scenarios where there’s less need to engage the engine frequently.

While the Pacifica hybrid’s drivetrain generally performs well, concerns arose regarding the abrupt transition between gas and electric power, especially noticeable when you’re stationary, resulting in an unrefined response. We also found the hybrid’s lack of all-wheel drive and null towing figure to be an unfortunate oversight.

The exterior of the Pacifica Hybrid is pretty standard, apart from the subtle “Hybrid” badging and the addition of a charge port door on the left fender. Additionally, the “Road Tripper Package,” which includes 18-inch “Lustre Grey” wheels, “Road Tripper” lettering by the front doors, and distinctive granite crystal, orange, and black accents on the exterior, is fitted to our tester. The exterior graphics may not be for everyone, but we think they give the Pacifica hybrid a unique look. Furthermore, this particular example is finished in “Bright White” and equipped with a multitude of exterior features, such as front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, LED headlights and foglights, a remote start system, hands-free power sliding doors, a hands-free tailgate, and more.

Stepping inside the Pacifica hybrid greets you with a cabin boasting ample space and continuity. Large windows allow virtually no blind spots, and upright seating makes your view out the front sublime. With 12-way power adjustment for the driver and passenger, four-way lumbar support, and a handy two-person memory function, the heated front seats offer outstanding comfort.

Fit and finish are adequate, with premium materials lining most of the cabin. The controls are easy to comprehend, with the majority of the centre stack rife with buttons and knobs. The seven-inch gauge cluster offers little personalization but makes up for it with a touch of analogue resplendence. The primary display is a 10.1-inch unit moulded into the dashboard. It’s a marvel that exerts rapid inputs and exceptional graphics that elevate the cabin experience and aid in rearward visibility when utilizing the backup camera.

A ceiling-mounted camera keeps a watchful eye over the cabin, keeping your occupants’ activities in check. As with most new vehicles, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, along with 10 USB ports (six USB-C and four USB-A).

Passengers in the second row enjoy ample head and legroom, along with a duo of 10-inch touchscreen front seat back-mounted displays that can play separate content, making those oh-so-long car journeys less treacherous; part of a $3,795 “Uconnect Theatre Family Group.” Additional features like a 13-speaker Alpine audio system, GPS navigation, an interior camera known as the “Famcam,” a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and more are included in the costly and optional add-on. Bucket seats line the centre row, while the third row has bench seating and USB ports. Storage is plentiful and comes in many forms, with small cubbies and deep passages.

Unfortunately, the hybrid variant of the Pacifica does lose its clever second-row Stow ‘n Go seating, forcing you to remove them if necessary. The cargo volume behind the third row is 915 litres, while folding the third row provides you with 3797 litres of space.

Safety is a top priority for families shopping in this segment. As such, the Pacifica Hybrid has many active safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and forward collision warning with active braking.

Natural Resources Canada rates the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid to consume 8.0L/100km in the city and 7.9L/100km on the highway, resulting in a combined rating of 8.0L/100km. Relying on electricity alone yields far better results, earning the PHEV minivan a rating of 2.9L/100km. Plugged into a Level 1 charger, it will require approximately 14 hours to replenish the pack, while Level 2 offers a more compelling option, requiring around two hours to complete the same task.

For 2023, three models line the Pacifica hybrid’s trim guide: the Touring-L comes in at $57,765, the Limited at $62,765, and the Pinnacle at $67,765. Our Touring-L, equipped with the Road Tripper package ($1,995) and Uconnect Theatre Family Group ($3,795), came in at $68,975—though province-specific incentives should alter that figure.

It’s evident, then, that the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid presents a compelling argument for itself. Housed within a minivan structure, arguably representing the most pragmatic vehicle design, it comes with a myriad of technological goodies that overcome the everyday hurdles of driving, and perhaps most importantly, its efficient powertrain makes good use of both the gasoline engine and electric motors to deliver the best possible economy. Its segment-exclusive PHEV drivetrain does give it an edge over the competition, but the lack of an all-wheel drive system, hefty price tag, and towing restrictions hold it back from reigning over the former. Still, the 2023 Pacifica Hybrid Road Tripper is an excellent vehicle that we can’t recommend enough.