The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently conducted a more challenging moderate overlap front crash test on several minivans, including the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, and Toyota Sienna. Unfortunately, the results were far from impressive.
The IIHS ranks vehicles based on their performance, using categories such as Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor. Let’s take a look at how these minivans fared:
Model
Overall Rating
2023 Chrysler Pacifica
Marginal
2023 Kia Carnival
Marginal
2023 Toyota Sienna
Marginal
2023 Honda Odyssey
Poor
In this updated moderate overlap front crash test, the IIHS now evaluates the safety of second-row passengers. While all these minivan models scored well in terms of protecting the driver, the concern lies in ensuring the safety of rear occupants. The IIHS uses a crash test dummy representing either a small woman or a 12-year-old child in the back seat.
Chrysler’s 2024 Pacifica marks a significant milestone as it enters production – the 40th anniversary of the minivan, a segment created by the original Chrysler Corporation.
The very first minivans hit the market on November 2, 1983, with the Plymouth Voyager being built at the Windsor Assembly plant in Ontario, Canada. This paved the way for the sale of over 15 million Chrysler and Stellantis minivans to date. Alongside introducing the first minivan, Chrysler has continuously led the segment by incorporating new and innovative features.
The Pacifica is a minivan produced by the Chrysler division of the Stellantis group. The name has been used earlier on many different vehicles from the brand, but since 2017, it has been used on the flagship minivan. It replaced the famous Chrysler Town & Country. The Pacifica also comes in a Plug-in Hybrid form called the Pacifica PHEV. However, this variant has been underrated since its launch despite being very capable as a minivan.
Despite being in the market for many years and having a good reputation as far as the vehicle is concerned, it still hasn’t achieved the success that it should have. Chrysler has tried many different ways to showcase its ability, but despite that, the Pacifica hasn’t reached the success it is capable of. There are many reasons for this, and Chrysler has addressed some of them over the years. However, some of them still remain. Let’s look at some of the reasons why it is so criminally underrated.
Updated on July 14, 2023: The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is an excellent minivan that deserves as much recognition as possible. So, instead of letting this article get buried in the multitudes of other dead articles online, we have decided to refresh and update it with more data to keep you informed with the most up-to-date information.
1The Chrysler Pacifica Is Spacious And Well-Appointed
Chrysler
Rear view of the interior of a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
The Pacifica is very well-appointed, especially in the top-of-the-line Pinnacle variant. It gets nice Nappa leather-wrapped seats along with many other luxurious appointments in the cabin. All the common touchpoints feature very nice materials that make it feel extremely upmarket. Moreover, the ample amount of legroom in all three rows makes it very comfortable for long-distance journeys without making the passengers feel claustrophobic. High-quality materials instantly lift the cabin ambiance and make it inviting for the passengers.
Chrysler Pacifica Legroom Dimensions
Front-row legroom
41.1 inches
Second-row legroom
39 inches
Third-row legroom
36.5 inches
2It Features A Multi-Zone Climate Control
Stellantis
Rear view of interior of 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Chrysler has loaded the Pacifica with many good-to-have and essential features that make it the default choice when choosing a family minivan. The Pacifica has full Amazon Alexa integration that helps the driver control all functions, from navigation to climate control. The automatic climate control system also keeps the cabin at the perfect temperature, which adds to creating that perfect environment. Also, the multi-zone climate control system allows various passengers to maintain temperature as per their liking and comfort.
3The Pacifica Hybrid Is Very Fuel Efficient
Chrysler
Front-end action shot of the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Being a hybrid, the Pacifica offers very high levels of fuel efficiency despite being large and heavy. The PHEV system is designed to cover the maximum possible miles of electric power, thereby aiding the overall fuel efficiency. The Pacifica is rated at 82 MPG and has a combined gas and electric range of 520 miles. When driven with a light foot, the system allows the Pacifica to run on electric power even on expressways at higher speeds. The engine kicks in only when the batteries start to run out of juice. This helps in extracting the maximum possible efficiency out of the system.
Drivers side view of the dashboard of a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Chrysler has equipped the Pacifica with a very modern and functional infotainment system. This system controls most of the vehicle’s functions and allows the driver and the passengers to toggle any setting from a single control point. The sizeable 10.1-inch touchscreen has a crisp and clear display and houses many of the car’s controls. It is also linked to the rear infotainment screens and allows the front-seat passengers to enjoy content from Amazon Fire TV when the vehicle is stationary. This makes the system enjoyable for all Pacifica passengers, including the ones in the front seat.
5The Chrysler Pacifica Is Loaded With Safety Features
Stellantis
A white Chrysler Pacifica PHEV Minivan parked on the road
One of the most essential features today is safety, and not just ones that appear to be good. When you own a minivan, you want the best of the best because your family will be relying on it. Chrysler has gone through the newest innovative safety technology on the shelf. If it was at all relevant to the Pacifica, it was added to the minivan.
Forward collision warning
Forward collision braking
Adaptive cruise control
Pedestrian braking controls
LED headlights
LED taillights
Lane departure warning
Lane keep assist
Blind-spot monitoring
Rear park assist
Rear cross-path detection
Plus, inside, you have the standard addition of having a filtration system installed to keep the cabin air fresh and 85 percent clear of harmful particles. Now, that is not to say that accidents will not happen, but if it does, the eight standard airbags and 97 safety features will help ensure that injuries are kept to the minimum.
6It Is Very Silent And Refined
Chrysler
Front end close up of a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica
Although initially, the Pacifica was known to be a bit noisy, Chrysler has worked on this aspect proactively over the years. Now, the Pacifica is one of the most refined minivans on the market. Thanks to the improved door and glass seals, the Pacifica is very silent and refined now, and this lifts the entire cabin ambiance at least two notches up. The NVH levels on the Pacifica are now right up there with the segment’s best.
