Over the past year, we have had the luxury of experiencing the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica and everything it offers. One of our writers, Allison Barfield, recently tested out the Pacifica Hybrid and came away impressed with that version’s fuel efficiency, spacious cabin, and luxurious amenities. In the past week, I got to test out the less-tech-savvy Pacifica Limited AWD. And while it’s special in its own way, I think that the hybrid version might be the better way to go.
2022 Chrysler Pacifica | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit
The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica’s base engine is a V6
2022 Chrysler Pacifica | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit
The 2022 Chrysler Pacific comes in two different flavors: non-hybrid and hybrid. If you opt for the hybrid model, you will be treated to a plug-in hybrid powertrain, a $7,500 federal tax credit, 32 miles of all-electric range, and over 30 mpg on average. That’s pretty amazing for a minivan. However, the gas version is a different story.
With the base Chrysler Pacifica, you’ll get the brand’s tried-and-true 3.6-liter V6 engine under the hood. This engine pumps out 287 hp, which is more than the hybrid model’s 260 rating, but it’s far less fuel efficient. How much less? During the week, I tested the Pacifica, and the average that I got was 20 mpg. That’s still not bad for a small V6 engine that’s carrying a lot of weight and putting all of its power through all four wheels. But it’s not competitive compared to vans like the Toyota Sienna and even the Honda Odyssey, which is also powered by a V6 engine.
According to EPA, the 2022 Honda Odyssey is rated to get up to 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while my Pacifica tester can achieve up to 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Despite the fuel Chrysler Pacifica’s decent gas mileage, it was loaded with features
2022 Chrysler Pacifica | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit
Although fuel efficiency isn’t the gas-powered Chrysler Pacifica’s strong suit, it excels in other areas. My test car was the Limited model, which is one step below the top-tier Pinnacle, but it had a bevy of packages included to spruce things up a bit.
The first was the “S Appearance” package, which included appearance add-ons like a gloss-black grille, a premium front and rear fascia with black accents, 20-inch black wheels, piano-black accents, and Nappa leather bucket seats.
The Pacifica was also outfitted with the “Uconnect Theater Family Group” package, which included features like seatback video screens, a Blu-Ray DVD player, and a FamCam interior camera so the driver can spy on the kids in the back seat.
Overall, the Pacifica’s cabin is a comfortable place to spend time in. As an added bonus, the Stow-n-Go seating gives you the ability to fold the second and third rows into the floor to reveal a cavernous cargo-van-like space.
2022 Chrysler Pacifica | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit
How does the Chrysler Pacifica drive?
2022 Chrysler Pacifica | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit
The V6 engine in the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica operates smoothly and gets the van up to highway speeds easily. Passing on the freeway isn’t too much of a chore either, thanks to semi-quick downshifts from the 9-speed automatic transmission. My only gripe is that the van accelerated slower than I would like from a stop. I’d imagine that the hybrid powertrain could assist with that.
Ultimately, the Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD presents a great value proposition with its $51,545 starting price ($57,552 as tested), especially if you get the optional packages. However, for a little more money, the hybrid model could be a better choice, considering the potential rebates included with it.