Used 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The minivan pond isn’t so large these days, but the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica remains a big fish. It shares its habitat with rivals like the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Kia Sedona.

Like them, the Pacifica is a great choice for sensible families seeking greater space and easier access than that of a crossover/SUV. The Chrysler has room for up to eight occupants (depending on configuration), along with stable and comfortable road manners. Active safety and driver-assistance features are standard. The Pacifica also offers the option of all-wheel drive, another reason not to concentrate solely on crossover/SUV alternatives.

Where the Pacifica carves out its own niche, however, is the availability of a plug-in hybrid variant. The only such vehicle in its segment, the Pacifica Hybrid can travel up to 32 miles on battery power alone.

The 2021 Pacifica delivers a pleasant and generally tranquil driving experience. The standard 287-horsepower V6 isn’t quite as powerful as that of the Toyota Sienna, but it’s gutsier than the Honda Odyssey’s. It propels the Pacifica up to freeway speeds with little effort and is even rated to tow up to 3,600 pounds. That’s 100 pounds more than the Odyssey, Sienna, and Kia Sedona. The 9-speed automatic transmission complements the engine perfectly.

The AWD system provides added stability and traction in foul weather, as well as on unpaved road surfaces. It’s a transparent system, activating when front-wheel slippage is detected and completely deactivating when not needed.

The wonderfully competent continuously variable transmission (CVT) in the 2021 Pacifica Hybrid is even smoother. The whole drivetrain is excellent, providing a linear punch even when the EV range is depleted and almost imperceptible transitions between the gasoline engine and the electric motor.

Anyone who hasn’t been in a minivan for a while, or might just be getting to grips with the realities of transporting a large family, the 2021 Pacifica could seem quite futuristic. For instance, in place of a traditional transmission gear lever, a round dial selects Park, Drive, Reverse, etc. Even the parking brake works by button.

Depending on whether the second row has a pair of captain’s chairs or a 3-person bench, the Pacifica will accommodate seven or eight occupants. The Pacifica Hybrid is a 7-seater since it comes standard with the second-row captain’s chairs. In both versions, the third row is roomy enough for adults of average size.

Up front are comfortable seats, excellent visibility, and a “conversation mirror” that (among other things) allows parents to see when the kids are rolling their eyes. The standard infotainment system has a new 10.1-inch touchscreen plus Amazon Alexa compatibility. The touchscreen is easy to use for major functions.

Cargo space for both the regular and hybrid models is plentiful, ranging from 32.3 to 140.5 cubic feet. Even so, that’s still not quite as voluminous as the Honda Odyssey. The low step-in height and standard power-operated side doors make access easy for virtually every family member, including those with wagging tails and wet noses.

Even among minivans, the soft-edged exterior of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is distinctive. The styling update for this year brings a smoother look, a new grille, LED headlights/taillights/fog lights, plus new designs for the alloy wheels, while Fathom Blue joins the list of paint choices.

The base Touring trim runs on 17-inch alloy wheels. Limited has 18-inch alloys, and the new-for-2021 Pinnacle trim includes 20-inchers.

Discerning the Pacifica Hybrid from its regular counterpart takes some observation skills. Aside from the “hybrid” badging, the biggest hint is what looks like a fuel door on the left front. It’s where the AC cord plugs in to charge the battery pack.

STOW ’N GO
Where other minivans require their owners to manually remove and store second-row seats, an often frustrating and tiring task, the Pacifica’s fold right into the floor. The third row does the same thing.

PLUG-IN HYBRID VERSION
In addition to its comfort and refinement, the 2021 Pacifica plug-in hybrid brings two other major perks. It’s eligible for a $7,500 federal tax rebate and, in states like California, single-occupant use in carpool lanes.

UCONNECT 5
The Pacifica is the first Chrysler vehicle to get the new, updated infotainment system, Uconnect 5. It brings a 10.1-inch touchscreen as standard. Amazon Alexa compatibility, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation by TomTom, and USB-C ports are all available. It also gets SiriusXM 360L a new streaming/satellite radio experience. In addition to the usual satellite radio channels, users can also access back catalog material as well as thousands of hours of recorded on-demand SiriusXM exclusive shows, interviews, and events, plus an improved user experience that allows for better access to sports programming.

As mentioned, Touring is the entry-level trim. But it still comes with a generous amount of standard equipment. As well as an array of advanced safety features, it includes a powered tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, power-sliding side doors, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, tri-zone automatic climate control and a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration.

The hybrid version of Touring trim adds the second-row captain’s chairs and acoustic glass for the first seating row, plus a digital instrument cluster.

Some of the extra features in the range-topping Pinnacle trim — such as the self-parking system with a 360-degree camera array, rear-seat entertainment setup, vacuum cleaner, and a 115-volt outlet — can be ordered as options in the lower trims.

For this reason, it’s worth considering at least the next trim up from base: Touring L. As well as extra standard features (like sunshades for the second and third rows, perforated leather upholstery, and heated front seats) it’s eligible for more options.

The Red S Appearance Package for Pacifica Limited models adds plush red leather upholstery.

The regular 2021 Pacifica has a 3.6-liter V6 linked to a 9-speed automatic transmission. At up to 28 mpg on the highway, it is among the most fuel-efficient minivans, matching that of the newer Honda Odyssey. Like many other new vehicles, the Pacifica minivan uses a stop/start feature that cuts engine power at red lights and other idling situations to save fuel. If anyone finds the restarts a tad irritating, the system can be deactivated easily.

A more fuel-efficient choice would be the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, at present, the only plug-in hybrid minivan on sale. This drivetrain is available in every 2021 Pacifica trim, but only with front-wheel drive. It also has a V6 engine, connected here to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with extra muscle coming from two electric motors powered by a lithium-ion battery.

It can travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, while the gasoline engine enables a total range of 520 miles. Battery recharging takes a few hours with a 240-volt charger or the included 120-volt charging cable.

3.6-liter V6
287 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
262 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy (estimated): 19/28 mpg (FWD), 17/25 mpg (AWD)

3.6-liter V6/dual electric motors, 16 kWh battery
260 total system horsepower
EPA city/highway combined fuel economy (estimated): 30 mpg/82 MPGe
Battery-only range on a full charge: 32 miles