In 2017, Chrysler introduced the Pacifica Hybrid as the Canadian marketplace’s first-ever electrified minivan, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the brand’s then-new upscale van offering.
The Pacifica Hybrid’s only major difference from its gas-powered sibling was its powertrain. It matched Chrysler’s 3.6L Pentastar V6 with an electric motor and continuously variable transmission, which generated a total of 260 hp.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Energy consumption estimates
Chrysler’s electric driving range estimate was 53 km for 2017 and 2018 versions of the Pacifica Hybrid, and 51 km for 2019 and newer vans. Natural Resources Canada rated the 2017/2018 Pacifica Hybrid’s electricity consumption at 2.8 Le/100 km, and adjusted it to 2.9 Le/100 km in 2019. Fuel consumption in gas-electric hybrid mode was 7.3/7.2 L/100 km (city/highway) for 2017 and 2018 models, and 8.0/7.9 L/100 km in 2019 and newer versions.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Trim levels and features
Early Pacifica Hybrid models came in Touring Plus, Touring-L, and Limited trim levels. Touring Plus’s highlights include three-zone A/C, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio, a power driver’s seat, 17-inch alloy wheels, power sliding doors, and passive keyless entry. Touring-L added leather upholstery, heated front seats, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, a power tailgate, and rear side sunshades. Limited gained an auto-dimming mirror, hands-free sliding doors/tailgate, a heated steering wheel, power front-passenger seat, Nappa leather, second- and third-row USB charging ports, navigation, ventilated front seats, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Pinnacle
In 2019, Chrysler moved the auto-dimming mirror down to Touring Plus and Touring-L models, and Touring-L also got a heated steering wheel. Limited models added power-folding side mirrors. For 2020, the Pacifica’s base model added second-row sunshades.
In 2021, Chrysler refreshed the Pacifica Hybrid’s styling and added a new top Pinnacle trim with automatic high beams, suede headliner, three-panel sunroof, 20-speaker audio, active park assist, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist.
In 2022 Chrysler added Amazon Fire TV functionality to the infotainment system.
2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Used pricing
Carfax Canada’s used value estimates start at an average of $32,599 for a 2017 Pacifica Hybrid. For a 2020 model – the newest year for which Carfax has values for used versions – the average price is just under $48,000.
When it was new, the Pacifica Hybrid was positioned as an upscale vehicle that started at $51,000 in 2017, while the 2021 Pinnacle trim carried a $60,000 MSRP.
2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Dead 12-volt batteries and a risk of fire
Chrysler recalled the Pacifica Hybrid in 2020 to fix a faulty 12-volt battery connection that could cause a fire even when the van is parked. You’ll find details of this repair campaign below in the Recalls section; here, Pacifica Hybrid owners discuss the recall and their experiences having the work done on their vans.
High-voltage battery heater failures
2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid cutaway
The Pacifica Hybrid’s high-voltage battery (the one that drives the van) has a temperature control system that warms it up in cold weather and cools it in hot conditions. Some Pacifica Hybrid owners have had to replace the system’s heater due to corrosion on its electric connector. Here’s another owner’s complaint about the same issue.
A battery that won’t charge is another sign that the heater might be out of order.
Listen for suspension noise
During your test drive, listen to the suspension as you drive over rough pavement. Any popping, knocking, or metal-on-metal sounds could be caused by worn suspension or steering components. If you do hear anything odd, mention it to the mechanic doing your pre-purchase inspection so they can identify the source of the noise.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Check the charging equipment
At some point during your test drive, try to find a place to plug the van in using the 120-volt charging cable that came with it. Connect and disconnect it several times, making sure the battery begins charging automatically and no error messages come up. Also, inspect the charging cable itself for any damage. If you can find a 240-volt (level 2) charger to connect to, try that as well.
Test all power-operated equipment and folding seats
The final check we recommend is to operate all of the Pacifica Hybrid’s electronic and power-operated features. This includes the sliding doors and tailgate, front seats (power adjustments, heat, and ventilation), windows, door locks, side mirrors, and the infotainment system and HVAC systems. Work the adjustment and stowage mechanisms for the rear seats, whether they’re powered or not, to ensure they move as they should. If anything doesn’t work properly, flag it with the seller to see if they’ll either fix any faults before you buy the van or knock a bit off the selling price.
2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Safety ratings
The Pacifica Hybrid got a Top Safety Pick+ endorsement from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2017. The organization found that the Pacifica’s front-end structure didn’t hold up as well as it should have in the small-overlap frontal crash test, but noted little risk of injury as a result. Vans built for the 2020 model year and later corrected that deficiency.
The IIHS was unimpressed with the headlights in models built through 2021: An available HID setup earned an “acceptable” rating, but only when an optional automatic high beam feature was factored in. Those HIDs were otherwise only rated “marginal.” The van’s standard halogen lights were rated “poor” due to inadequate down-road illumination. Pacifica Hybrid models built from April 2021 onward got standard LED headlights that the IIHS rated “acceptable.”
2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
In 2017, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash-tested the gas-powered Pacifica and gave the van its top five-star scores for frontal and side crash protection and four stars for rollover protection, which was good enough for an overall five-star rating.
The NHTSA crash tested a 2020 Pacifica Hybrid, which also earned a five-star overall rating despite only scoring four out of five for frontal crash protection.
Recalls
In some 2017 Pacifica Hybrid models, a faulty power inverter module could cause the van to lose power suddenly.
Here’s another Pacifica Hybrid-specific recall, this time to fix an engine problem that could overheat the exhaust system’s catalytic converter.
In 2017-2020 Pacifica Hybrid models, a poor 12-battery connection could cause a fire, even when the van is parked.
And in some 2017, 2018, and 2019 vans, a loose connection at the 12-volt battery could cause the power steering to fail suddenly.
In 2017 and 2018 models with eight-passenger seating, one of the second-row seatbelt buckles could release unexpectedly.
Chrysler recalled 2018, 2019, and 2020 models to fix an infotainment glitch that can cause the backup camera image to be displayed even after the van is shifted out of reverse. This is covered in two separate recall notices – one specific to the 2018-2019 Pacifica and another for 2019 and 2020 models that also included a number of other Fiat Chrysler models.
The Pacifica was part of a huge Fiat Chrysler Automobiles recall campaign to fix a fault that could prevent the driver from deactivating the cruise control system.
Chrysler recalled some 2017 and 2018 Pacifica vans to address a shifter design flaw that could allow the vehicle to roll away.
Finally, some 2018 Pacifica models left the factory with faulty ball joints that could fail and cause a loss of steering control.
