It was 40 years ago when Chrysler created the modern minivan and sold it through its Dodge and Plymouth divisions. The first minivan under the Chrysler brand came six years later as the Town and Country. It was renamed the Pacifica with its sixth generation, the model we have today. The model has advanced considerably across the past four decades but remains one of the most efficient and comfortable ways to transport three rows of passengers or massive amounts of cargo either across town or across the country. At a time when there is growing interest in the efficiency and flexibility of plug-in hybrid drivetrains, the Pacifica PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is the only plug-in hybrid minivan in the market.

Performance

All Pacifica models have a 3.6-liter V-6 engine at their heart. The Plug-in Hybrid models use the same engine, tuned for greater efficiency, combined with two electric motors and a 16kWh lithium-ion battery. The combined system power is 260 horsepower, which is controlled by a continuously variable transmission for greater efficiency.

After plugging the Pacifica in for the night, which can be done with a standard household plug, it will be ready to operate for 32 miles on its electric motors alone. This may cover your daily driving, in which case, the Pacifica can operate as an EV until a longer drive is involved. The Pacifica PHEV has an EPA rating of 82 combined MPGe, which is equivalent to mpg in terms of miles per the amount of energy consumed. When the EV miles have run out, the model operates as a hybrid with 30 combined mpg. As is the case with hybrids and EVs, the greater the city driving with

The chassis comprises a four-wheel independent suspension with struts up front and multi-link geometry in the rear. With no real sporting or off-road intentions, the Pacifica is set up for a smooth but controlled highway ride.

Exterior

By definition, minivans will always have large bodies over four wheels. However, the Pacifica adds a sense of panache to the shape with a bold grille up front, a stylish D-pillar with a canted angle, and a wrap-around rear liftgate window section. Below the liftgate is a stylish full-width LED tail lamp.

Chrysler has carefully kept the exterior dimensions in check so the Pacifica will always fit comfortably in a garage. The overall proportions suggest a vehicle that cuts nicely through the wind on the highway. Exterior trim ranges from satin chrome to dark, depending on your preference.

Interior

A large, spacious interior is the reason most people opt for a minivan, and the Pacifica does not disappoint with 165 cubic feet of passenger volume. All models come with three rows of seats, enabling the vehicle to seat seven or eight, depending on the choice of a bench or bucket seats for the second row. Behind the third row is an impressive 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which grows to 140.5 cubic feet when configured for maximum cargo-carrying ability. When filled with people, Pacifica PHEV offers the largest available sunroof in the segment.

The top-of-the-line Pinnacle model features the most luxurious interior in its class, starting with premium quilted sepia Nappa leather seats that include matching lumbar pillows for the second-row captain’s chairs. The Pinnacle Ultra console is the most functional front console in its class. It features dual-level storage with a deep pass-through storage area underneath the console that accommodates a large purse or even a laptop. Additional Pinnacle premium interior appointments include a Piano Black push-push storage bin, brushed Silver Metal hydro bezels, a suede headliner, high-end Berber construction floor mats, Platinum Chrome exterior/Satin Chrome interior trim, and much more.

Technology

All models have a sizable 10.1-inch center touchscreen backed by the Uconnect 5 system, which is critically acclaimed for its ease of use. All models have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and an effective and intuitive voice command system, which can be particularly useful when trying to locate a specific song on your phone.

The audio system starts with six Alpine speakers and grows to a 506-watt nine-speaker system with a subwoofer on upper models. Above that is an available 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Additional convenience features include the available FamCAM interior camera, which provides a bird's-eye view of rear-facing child-seat occupants, and the available Stow ’n Vac system, which makes it very easy to keep the interior clean. Pacifica is also available with Amazon Fire TV integrated into the Uconnect Theater System. Passengers can view Amazon Fire TV in high definition from the rear seats, and when the vehicle is in Park, the driver can also view Amazon Fire TV on the main Uconnect 5 screen.

Safety and Driver Assistance

All Pacifica PHEV models are fully equipped with safety and driver assistance technologies, including:

• Advance Brake-Assist
• Pedestrian Emergency Braking
• Rain-Brake Support
• Rain-Brake Support
• Ready-Alert Braking
• Blind-Spot and Cross-Path Detection
• Hill start assist
• ParkSense Rear Park-Assist with Stop

Higher-level versions of the assist packages also include additional items such as:

• Surround-view camera system
• Active Lane-Management System
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
• Active driving assist system
• Drowsy driver detection
• Parallel and perpendicular park-assist with stop
• Side distance warning

The Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid earned a 5-Star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with 5-star ratings on all impact tests. It was also designated as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).