BEHIND THE WHEEL: Safety, roominess, and long-range hybrid performance makes the Chrysler Pacifica the perfect option

Minivan anyone?

What comes to mind is what you get with the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.

The technology on this one is packed with goodies, but it is the hybrid part of this vehicle that is worth it to drive – even if it is a mommy van.

That said, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is a powerfully good looking vehicle with distinct touches inside that really gives this one its touch of class.

The plug-in hybrid powertrain is stellar in the all-electric range versus burning gasoline, when you use the electric feature you get a lot of miles out of it before needing the fuel option.

Another standout is on this year’s version there is also an Amazon Fire TV for Auto as part of the available Uconnect Theater system option. Otherwise, updates are minimal this year since the 2021 saw many new features including styling updates, technology and standard driver additions.

COMPETITION

The competition in the this mini-van lineup includes the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey and the Kia Carnival, all with the merits expected in this category. There are a few extras on the Pacifica that are stand out – for safety the Pacifica is touted as the only mini-van with the standard Park Sense Rear Park Assist System.

TRIM LEVEL

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid comes in three trims; Touring L, Limited and Pinnacle.

The Touring L comes with LED exterior lighting, power liftgate, power-sliding side doors, heated outside mirrors, power-adjustable driver’s seat with heated front seats and steering wheel, leather upholstery and expect Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, six speakers, and second-row USB charge ports.

The Limited has an upgraded 13-speaker audio system, auto-dimming driver’s side mirror, power-folding mirrors, power-adjustable front passenger seat, navigation system, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and a wireless charging pad

The top ended Pinnacle trim offers top-range technology and an entertainment system with a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, an interior camera system and a simulated suede headliner.

UNDER THE HOOD

No matter the trim on the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid there is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain on all. It uses a 3.6-liter V6 electric motor being charged by the 16-kWh battery. The hybrid version comes front-wheel drive only, and overall it is a combined output of 260 horsepower. All-wheel drive is also an option on the regular Pacifica.

SAFETY FIRST

All Pacifica Hybrids come equipped with adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view camera system, automated parking system and parking sensors with automatic braking.

INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR HIGHLIGHTS

Comfort in the Pacifica Hybrid is good for the long haul.  The padding is firm enough to keep the joints from starting to ache during road trips. Both the second and third rows have the necessary room for passengers.  As for navigating the knobs and buttons and touch screens this one is intuitive just like it should be. Easy to reach there is also the even easier option for the radio and that is the volume and tuning controls on the back of the steering wheel so everything is at your fingertips.

There is plenty of legroom and few blind spots with an optional 360-degree camera system just in case.

ALONG FOR THE RIDE

The 2022 Pacifica Hybrid is a rechargeable plug-in hybrid so in some cases when driving this vehicle you can be using battery exclusively for about 30 miles before kicking back into the V6 engine to take over. The hybrid Pacifica does mean making a few allowances for the electric feature. With the battery taking up space the Stow ‘n Go seats are not an option because the battery is taking up extra floor space not needed on the non-hybrid.

Even when in 100% battery mode, this van can still take off with no problem.  Also in battery only mode, instant speed and push means a shorter battery life. Braking action on this one is easy to feel and control.

And if you are off on a trip with lots of gear the third row folds into the floor for hauling. The second-row seats move forward or can be taken out for serious hauling too. The max cargo space is 140.5 cubic feet. I appreciated on the 2022 Pacifica Hybrid – the cupholders and cubby holes, you know, for the things you need in the car, but you don’t want to store all the way in the glove box.

Should You Need to Know: Look into the available tax credits or incentives offered on this one.

Miles: This plug-in hybrid can go 32 miles of range with no gasoline. When gasoline is needed it comes in at around 30 miles per gallon for combined driving. For hybrid junkies, fully recharging a depleted battery will take about two hours if using the Level 2-style 220-volt power source.

Cost: The cost range on the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is marked from $49,000 to $59,000.

Rita Cook is a member of Women’s World Car of the Year and Texas Motor Press. She writes books, and covers the lifestyle, car, travel, crime, and politic beat. You can follow her at @ritatheroguewarrior on instagram and @ritacook13 on twitter.