2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

There aren't many minivans left in the USA, and the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is an example of the even rarer plug-in hybrid minivan - in fact, it's the only one in the States at present. It combines the familiar V6 engine with a pair of electric motors to develop a combined 260 horsepower. This makes the already refined vehicle feel even more potent and capable around town and on the highway, and the all-electric range of 32 miles and 80 mpg-equivalent in electric-only mode is an added bonus, something its main rival, the hybrid Toyota Sienna doesn't have. Even so, the Pacifica Hybrid minivan would be hard to match with its premium interior, long list of safety features, and ample conveniences. It manages all of this while remaining affordable, relatively speaking; it is technically still a premium vehicle. But as crossovers and SUVs continue to dominate the market, does the 2021 Pacifica Hybrid still deserve a spot at the top of your rankings?

Under the hood of the Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid minivan is a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder gas engine mated to a pair of electric motors and a 16-kWh battery to develop a combined output of 260 hp. This is modulated by an electrically variable transmission and sent to a front-wheel drivetrain only. This additional electric power makes the Chrysler feel lively, especially around town where the instantaneous torque from the motors helps it get up to speed quickly. The 32-mile all-electric range is just the cherry on the cake at this point. Since it comes with an onboard 6.6-volt charger, the Pacifica can fully restore its battery in just two hours on a Level 2 outlet. Unlike the standard gasoline model, there is no official towing capacity rating for the plug-in Pacifica.

If you're looking for an efficient hybrid minivan, then the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid is your only option. However, that's not a bad thing. Chrysler has taken what is already an excellent 5-door car and only made it better with the addition of some electric motors that empower it with that tempting 32-mile all-electric range. Inside, it's the same premium and featureful cabin, and there are even more advanced driver assists as standard. The added performance of a hybridized powertrain is best seen in fuel economy returns, but you'll feel it, too, when driving around town.

Both the IIHS and NHTSA review the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid well in terms of crashworthiness, only reinforcing the notion that this is a family-hauling all-star. However, you do have to remember that Chrysler is a premium automaker and plug-in hybrids are more expensive than their standard gasoline counterparts. We still think that it's a high-value purchase, though, especially if you can exploit that electric driving range and recharge before the battery runs out. Even if there were any real competition to the Pacifica Hybrid, we're sure it would still rank first, and it holds its own admirably against the onslaught of PHEV and EV crossovers.

The starting price of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan can be intimidating at $40,620. However, you get quite a lot for your money, including seating for seven passengers, loads of cargo space, and one of the most reassuring safety suites in the business. You do have to pass up on the leather upholstery and standard heated front seats in the base spec, unless you want to fork over another $4,300 for the upgrade to Touring L, but you still get dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10.1-inch touchscreen interface, wireless smartphone integration, and a 6-speaker sound system. There are some nice-to-haves on the Touring L so we'd stretch for it where possible, but the base Touring is more than adequately equipped if you can't.