The Chrysler Pacifica, currently celebrating its 35th anniversary, is considered one of the top minivans on the market. It has won plenty of awards, but the folks at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles knew they could not just rest on its laurels. They had to keep improving this minivan to deliver better results for their customers. And this came with the decision to make the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica with the option for hybrid engine technology.
The commitment is further proven by the fact that Chrysler has given the option to add hybrid technology to almost as many trims of the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica as those that are available with a gas engine. In addition, the price differential between the Pacifica minivan with the two different engines is not that large, allowing you to get better fuel efficiency and lower emissions without paying a significant premium. Best of all, whichever engine you choose, the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica will give you performance, roominess, and standard features that are second-to-none in the minivan class of vehicles. Let’s get more into it.
Hybrid Technology to Move the Minivan
The standard 2020 Chrysler Pacifica runs on a 3.6-liter DOHC V6 gas engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This engine uses its six cylinders to efficiently produce 287 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. This allows the Pacifica to get some exceptional fuel economy, 19 MPG in city driving, 28 MPG on the highway, and a combined 22 MPG. Not only is the V6 gas engine on the Pacifica efficient, but it is also strong, giving this minivan the power to tow up to 3,600 pounds of trailer. With this trailering capability, the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica may just be the most versatile minivan on the market today.
If you decide to go for the hybrid engine on your 2020 Chrysler Pacifica, you will get even better fuel economy without sacrificing any of this great capability. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid also has a 3.6-liter V6 gas engine, but it pairs it with dual-electric motors that operate off a 16kWh 360V lithium-ion battery. This combination produces 260 hp. The fuel economy of the Pacifica Hybrid has been rated at 82 MPGe. And operating alone, the battery holds enough charge to run the engine for up to 32 miles on a single charge.
To improve overall efficiency, Chrysler has given the Pacifica Hybrid a continuous variable transmission (CVT). Instead of having specific gear speeds, the CVT continuously adjusts the engine’s timing to fit the driving conditions. As a result, overall engine efficiency and performance is improved. The minivan’s battery is also self-charging using regenerative braking. This is where the energy from usage of the brakes is captured to recharge the battery while you are driving. You can complete the recharging process at home or at your destination. If you opt for the available 240-volt Mopar charger, you can charge your 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid in as little as two hours.
Many hybrids on the road today are a compromise. You get better fuel economy at the expense of performance, roominess, or capability. For example, some hybrids place the battery and electric powertrain in the rear passenger space or the trunk. This cuts into cabin roominess or cargo space. Other hybrids may not have the speed, pickup, or towing capability of the same vehicle with a conventional gas engine. This is not the case with the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Just like the gas engine version, the Pacifica Hybrid can tow up to 3,600 pounds of trailer. In addition, both models are front-wheel drive, giving you exceptional road handling.
Affordable Prices
One of the biggest complaints of people who would like the benefits of an alternative energy vehicle is that they are so expensive. To many, it seems to make little sense to pay extra for an electric or hybrid vehicle since it will take a long time to realize the benefits at the gas pump. This is not the case with the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. While it is true that you have to pay extra for a hybrid, the difference for the Pacifica minivan is not as great as you may imagine.
The base trim of the gas engine 2020 Chrysler Pacifica is the Touring with an MSRP of $34,045. The other trim levels are the Touring L with an MSRP of $37,145, the 35th Anniversary Touring L with an MSRP of $38,735, the Touring L Plus with an MSRP of $40,245, the 35th Anniversary Touring L Plus with an MSRP of $41,440, the Limited with an MSRP of $44,795, the 35th Anniversary Limited with an MSRP of $45,790, and the Red S Edition with an MSRP of $48,990.
Chrysler offers all of these trims on the Pacifica Hybrid except for the Touring L Plus and 35th Anniversary Touring L Plus. The base trim Hybrid Touring Plus has an MSRP of $39,995, just over $5,000 more than the comparable gas model. This price difference continues for the Touring L and 35th Anniversary Touring L. However, once you reach the top trim levels, the Limited, 35th Anniversary Limited, and the Red S, the price differential almost completely vanishes.
For example, the Hybrid Limited has an MSRP of $45,845 and the Hybrid 35th Anniversary Limited, an MSRP of $46,840. This is only $1,050 more than the comparable model with a gas engine. With respect to the Red S special edition, opting for a hybrid powertrain will only cost you an additional $150 based on the MSRP. This makes the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid one of the most affordable alternative energy vehicles on the road based on comparison to a comparable gas engine model.
Lots of Technology
One of the best things about buying a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica is the number of awesome features that come standard on this minivan. Every Pacifica is equipped with Chrysler’s Uconnect 4 infotainment system with an 8.4-inch color touchscreen. This allows you to connect your devices via Bluetooth, access Apple CarPlay and Android Auto depending on your smartphone’s operating system, and utilize the 13-speaker sound system to listen to great music and programming from SiriusXM satellite radio.
If you want to take the entertainment to the next level, Chrysler offers an optional class-exclusive Uconnect Theater with dual 10-inch HD touchscreens. This is integrated with a Blu-ray player, dual HDMI inputs, wireless headphones, and wireless streaming, so your rear passengers can enjoy hours of entertainment while you enjoy the road. Best of all, this will put an end to those seemingly endless choruses of “Are we there yet?” when you’re out on a long family road trip.
The Pacifica is also equipped with a full suite of standard safety features, including 4-wheel ABS brakes, a rear camera, electronic stability control, rear parking sensors, blind-spot warning, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The standard rear cross-path detection will help you avoid objects that might be behind your Pacifica when you are backing up. The standard blind-spot monitoring system will help keep you and your passengers safe when you are on the highway. The system detects other vehicles entering and exiting your Pacifica’s blind spot and alerts you to their presence so you can avoid an accidental collision when you go to change lanes.
Chrysler’s technological advances have also made the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica more convenient. The available Stow-n-Go seats make it easy to shift your Pacifica from cargo van to passenger van without breaking your back. The optional Easy Tilt Seats will help your third-row passengers enter and exit your Pacifica with no difficulty. Chrysler also offers an available hands-free sliding door to make loading cargo and groceries into your Pacifica so much easier, with just the touch of a foot.
A Minivan On the Go
The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan that is on the go. Whether you choose the efficient V6 gas engine or the advanced hybrid powertrain, you are sure to have hours of enjoyment driving your Pacifica. With all the technological features, your passengers are going to enjoy the ride as well.
