2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Quick Impression!
I Know Minivans Aren't Very Popular, Bear With Me Though.
“Eugh! Minivan!” Calm yourself. I know there is a less than favorable stereotype surrounding minivans but don’t discount it before I’ve even said a single word about it! Right, back on topic. On both days of the RMDE18 event, I got to ride in the Pacifica (considering I can’t and didn’t drive, I could ride anything I wanted for any number of runs). During both days, I was taken aback by just how nice the Pacifica was. “OK, just how nice was it?” Let me tell you!
The Handling is Unbelievable.
Credit: FCA
It’s excellent. For a vehicle of its size, the handling mimics that of just a really big hatchback. It’s sure-footed, capable and comfortable. It doesn’t wallow around like it’s on stilts made from soggy bread loaves. Here’s some food for thought: While the Pacifica is bigger than all the vehicles (except for maybe the 1500 and Titan) that were at the RMDE18 event, it didn’t handle much worse (comparatively speaking) than any of them. It’s not going to compete with the sports cars for spirited driving, but your normal commute? The Pacifica isn’t punishing nor is it a punishment. It’s big, but it’s not cumbersome. Far from it in fact. It’s less of a minivan and more of a really long (and tall) hatchback in terms of driving dynamics. Oh, and the ride was excellent. This minivan (or “ManVan” as Ralph Gilles likes to call it) has exceptional road manners. It was smooth darn well everywhere. Even on some unpleasant roads in the area.
The Interior Is Fairly Luxurious.
Full Disclosure: We were riding in the Limited with the S Appearance package. Which means it’s the top-of-the-line Pacifica. Naturally, it was going to be nicer than your lower-end Pacificas. Although, the design of the dash itself I must say is nice (regardless of the material it’s made out of). It’s open, wide, and has a ton of storage compartments for all your things… and then some. The interior is also very very airy. By that I mean it’s incredibly open. Even in the front, where you don’t have a traditional lower console to put your stuff in. In the Pacifica, where the rotary dial is (that area of the dash) is split. Similar to how trucks with bench seating in the front are. Except the Pacifica doesn’t have bench seating (unsurprisingly). The interior is also reasonably quiet. The Ram 1500 is quieter, but the Pacifica isn’t a 90’s Suzuki Vitara inside (trust me, my mom had one. No modern car is like that Vitara).
The Engine Has Some Serious Pep.
Credit: FCA
I know what you’re saying. “Really? A Minivan being quick? Give me a break.” It’s true though, skeptical one. The 3.6 Liter Pentastar V6 coupled with its hybrid system makes for a delightfully quick machine. We didn’t get on it much, but the one moment when we did gave me quite the shock. I wasn’t expecting it to pull as hard as it did. It has a nice and powerful surge to it. Perhaps not like a performance car, but still enough to make merging relatively easy. 2 Years ago I rode in a Chrysler 300 C with the same engine (back when the C had the 3.6 liter Pentastar) and I have to say the Pacifica doesn’t feel that much slower than the 300. I suspect a part of that might’ve been the aid of having the hybrid system. I feel one could safely call that a testament to how well the system works. I’m pretty sure the 300 would beat the Pacifica in a race from 0-60. However, the Pacifica isn’t going to hold anyone up (if you choose not to hold anyone up that is, haha).
The verdict? Chrysler has crafted (or “produced” to put it more accurately) an exceptional minivan that doesn’t really feel like one. It is a minivan, but with it’s handling dynamics, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say it’s a hatchback on steroids. Thanks for reading! See you soon.
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