Plug-in hybrids like the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid are marketed as ideal solutions for families who aren’t quite ready to make the leap to a fully electric vehicle for road trips but still want to keep their local driving—and potentially their commutes—free of tailpipe emissions.
However, most plug-in hybrids on the market today don’t quite live up to that promise. Many of these models require gentle (and slow) driving to keep the gasoline engine off, and they often lack enough battery capacity to cover a typical commute distance while using climate control. Additionally, some of them give up on electric-only driving altogether if you want to use the heat or feature a weak onboard charger that takes hours to recharge—even with 240V (Level 2) charging.
The Pacifica Hybrid, on the other hand, feels completely committed to the goal. As we confirm through real-world testing, the Pacifica Hybrid lives up to expectations in a way few other plug-in hybrids do, allowing families to use it as a fully electric vehicle around town or as a traditional (hybrid) gas-powered minivan for long trips.
We recently took the Pacifica Hybrid on a 1,640-mile journey from Jackson, Wyoming, to Minneapolis, Minnesota. The hybrid version performed without compromise—perhaps even better at higher altitudes—and despite the added weight of the battery pack, it achieved better fuel efficiency than the standard Pacifica, even when loaded up with a full family and tackling high-speed cruising on the rugged mountain roads of the American West.
Just as that journey ended, we tested a different Pacifica Hybrid in Portland, Oregon, over four full charges. We went about daily activities, evaluating the van as a commuting vehicle and recording trip-computer-indicated distances on each charge: 30.1, 31.9, 28.4, and 35.7 miles.
The only time we didn’t start and finish on battery power was when we made a quick suburban trip, getting 31.9 miles on the charge and finishing the last mile or so with the gasoline engine.
The test took place in mild summer weather, with temperatures ranging from 73 to 82 degrees. We kept the climate control set to Auto and maintained temperatures between 72 to 74 degrees, as keeping kids comfortable is key in family vehicles.
The first two loops, which recorded 30.1 and 31.9 miles, were a relaxed mix of typical driving, including some slow speeds, larger boulevards, and short freeway trips. The 28.4-mile loop involved congested, low-speed driving, which is often more efficient for EVs. The longest loop of 35.7 miles was mostly on urban freeways at speeds between 52 and 65 mph. In other words, the Pacifica Hybrid excels at maximizing electric range on real suburban commutes, not just urban streets.
One standout feature of the Pacifica Hybrid is its ability to cruise at 65-70 mph without engaging the gasoline engine, a rarity for plug-in hybrids. In a previous test, we noticed that the gasoline engine would only kick in as speeds approached 80 mph.
We tracked the power gauge during this test and noted that the V-6 engine would activate when the battery charge fell below 50 percent. The V-6 provides extra power, but the electric-only operation remains smooth and zippy, allowing for enjoyable driving without constantly feathering the accelerator to stay in EV mode.
The Pacifica Hybrid is impressively quiet inside, offering a smooth, composed ride. Handling is responsive for a vehicle of its size, and regenerative braking is generally well-coordinated with the traditional braking system, although it can be tricky to judge the last few feet of a stop during light braking.
The minivan is equipped with excellent captain’s chairs in both the first and second rows, and officially offers seating for seven, including the smaller bench at the rear.
One pleasant surprise was how quickly the Pacifica Hybrid recharged. Using a Clipper Creek 240V charging station, the 6.6-kW onboard charger never took more than 2 hours to recharge the battery to 100%. This means that with a Level 2 charger, you can get most or all of a full charge back during a long lunch, dinner, or shopping trip. While the battery is rated at 16.2 kWh, its usable capacity is closer to 13 kWh.
The test Pacifica Hybrid came with a total price of $50,375, including a panoramic sunroof, 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a $775 S Appearance Package, and a $995 package with active-safety features, an entertainment system, and a 120V AC outlet.
Non-hybrid Pacificas—along with other popular minivans like the Honda Odyssey—can reach similar prices when fully equipped. However, the Pacifica Hybrid qualifies for the federal $7,500 EV tax credit, along with other incentives and carpool-lane benefits, which non-hybrid models do not.
The Pacifica Hybrid effectively eliminates tailpipe emissions during most city driving, feels luxurious, and offers three rows of family-friendly seating. Until larger, more affordable, and fully electric vans or crossovers arrive (sans Falcon doors), or widespread road-trip chargers become available, it’s hard to imagine a better option for meeting both family needs and environmental goals.