When my test drive across town in a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited with a friend and her two pre-teen sons was over, I pulled up to their house with great expectations.
I expected the usual final adult chit chat about everything and nothing, and the immediate exit of the teens from the side doors. Minutes passed. No movement in the rear.
Both of them, already taller than 5’5, where slouched in a trance-like state in the second-row captain’s chairs with ear phones on and their eyes studying the latest attraction displayed on the flip-up touch screen monitor, but with remote controls in their hands. The super loaded UConnect Theater features an 8.4 inch touch screen up front and in the rear dual-screen entertainment system packed with built-in games and apps as well as the capability to project a compatible smartphone or tablet right to the rear touchscreens with wireless streaming.
Who knows what specifically had their attention.
Upfront, we too were comfy in our sport-style seats with cushions big enough for any butt size. We turned around a few times, eyeing them. Finally, I reminded them that their house was a few feet away, and that they were free to go. I heard a faint, “No. We’re good.” Their response speaks to the true value of this hybrid Pacifica.
This traveling living room and den takes its job seriously when it comes to making you feel at home. It includes air control, side sunshades, hands-free power sliding doors in addition to the hands-free power liftgate, and available tri-pane sunroof. Storage runs the gamut from bins and cubbies and lots of cup holders.
This seven-seat minivan is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 eHybrid engine with an eFlite Si-EVT transmission. It’s hybrid quiet and offers a smooth ride. I enjoyed playing “What color is it?” with friends and family. The Dark Cordovan Pearl Coat Exterior turned out to be quite an attention getter, particularly with the chrome exterior mirrors, available 18-inch polished aluminum wheels and the LED signature daytime running headlamps.
Standard safety and security features range from your host of strategically placed air bags to the available 360-degree surround view camera, forward collision warning and LaneSense lane departure warning with lane keep assist.
During this test drive, I jumped at the chance to utilize the 140 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seat, by hauling a patio bench to be refurbished. With the popular Stow ‘n Go in mind, I started in the back by folding the third-row 60-40 bench into the floor.
Progress came to a full stop when I approached the second-row captain’s chairs and quickly learned that this feature is unique to the gas-only model. The hybrid battery pack has dibs on that space below the floor, and rightly so. It holds a lot of value. Owners may qualify for up to $7,500 in tax credits along with some state or city credits. And charging only takes two hours with the available 240-Volt Level II charger or a typical wall outlet with standard 120-Volt charger. Long story short, I re-learned how to remove the captain’s chairs from the minivan the old-fashion way. I asked for help.
Colorful indicators in the fuel gauge area monitor the coming and going of energy, but the engine automatically switches between electric and hybrid power on its own. No extra tasks for the driver. Spoiled. Yes. I am.
The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited: $44,995; Combined City/Highway MPGe: 84; Electric Only: 33; Total Drive Range: 566+ miles.
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