?2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited?
Quite possibly the Ultimate Minivan

Chrysler introduced the very first minivan, creating a brand new automotive segment. FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) reinvented the minivan with the all-new ninth generation 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The Pacifica emerged as an all-new platform replacing the outgoing premium Chrysler Town & Country minivan. It hit showroom floors bowing initially with 5 levels of trim or distinctively different models in terms of content, followed by a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid version, which is now available in three levels of trim: The Hybrid Touring Plus; the Hybrid Touring L; and the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited are on sale now.

Overview

All models initially came in a FWD configuration, with the exception of the Pacifica Hybrid, which is only available in FWD.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has been reengineered to deliver class-leading ride quality and handling characteristics along with reduced noise, vibration and harshness. and is set to revolutionize the minivan market with over three dozen minivan firsts. FCA US lays claim to 115 significant minivan innovations.

Design Appeal

Visually, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid delivers a sophisticated, sculptural exterior, with a bold athletic stance and aerodynamic profile that emphasizes an aggressive wheel to body proportion. Its long wheelbase, widened track and low ground clearance contribute to its sleek and futuristic image.

The Pacifica?s frontal view features the Chrysler brand?s contemporary face, with a graceful, flowing upper and lower grille. The slim upper grille flows smoothly into the headlamps, while the Chrysler wing logo floats within the mesh grille texture. The upper and lower grilles both have ribbon-like chrome accents that flow in tandem displaying a geometric balance and a premium appearance. A Mobius chrome strip cradles the available LED fog lamps and intertwine with the fog lamp housing and the lower grille.

The sculpted hood is robust with distinctive character lines leading the eye to the upper grille, and it shingles over for a clean, seamless appearance. The body-side sections are highlighted by an A-line that arcs gracefully from front to rear, tracing downward into the rear fascia and defining the rear quarter section.

The sculptural nature of the Pacifica?s body section with its lower surface character line, combined with the A-line and rear fascia surfacing, add to the Pacifica?s overall fluid-like surface that dances with layers of light from virtually every angle. A visually stretched daylight opening defines the upper canopy that is accented by a chrome surround, which, as it travels aft, thins and thickens as if drawn with a brush. The sliding door track lines are cleverly hidden beneath the rear-quarter side glass, resulting in virtually invisible tracks.

Power

Propulsion is provided by a transversely mounted front 3.6-liter eHybrid, DOHC, 24-valve V6 engine with ESS and an electric motor that produces 287 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm along with 262 pound feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Energy is geared to the front wheels via an
eFlite Si-EVVT automatic transmission.

From the rear, the Pacifica?s fluid appearance becomes increasingly evident, with a roof that blends into a sculpted, integrated rear spoiler at the rear-most trailing edge. The rear-swept D-pillars accentuate the faster side and roof profile.

The rear liftgate glass is ?tucked? into and offset from the D-pillars, with the liftgate glass integrated seamlessly into the tail lamps for a unified effect. As with the front fascia, the rear fascia projects simplicity and sculpture, with a minimized rear bumper shelf that helps to marry the liftgate and rear fascia. The rear fascia features an integrated black valance panel that includes rear reflex and a bright chrome horizontal detail to visually lighten the rear of the vehicle, enhancing Pacifica?s wide stance. Horizontally oriented tail lamps feature an LED ?halo signature? with an even glow for a modern appearance. The tail lamps are integrated into the rear backlight and are extended outward.

Creature Comforts

Moving to the inside, which is horizontally drawn, emphasizes the
spaciousness of the vehicle, while mixing high-tech elements with a sculpted,flair. Outlets appear more formal, highlighted by a simple thinner chrome ring for a precise feel. Bezels feature a similarly weighted accent. Modern color and material trim combinations are highlighted by unique interior accents in the doors and instrument panel. The tone-on-tone control knobs in the center stack feature a spun finish, reminiscent of high-end audio equipment. The Uconnect touchscreen ? available as either a 5-inch or 8.4-inch ? is set flush with the instrument panel for a clean, technical look. With a glossy screen surface that allows for higher contrast, the touchscreen feels futuristic and in line with other modern devices, like a tablet.

In daylight, the interior is all about beauty and sculpture, with the instrument panel?s defined, fluid surface at the center of it all. On upper trim levels, a stitched instrument panel adds an even higher touch of adornment. At night, the interior evokes a different emotion with a more high-tech look, with white lighting on buttons and the cluster display glowing with ?Chrysler blue.? Other control elements also use blue lighting, versus the traditionally used amber, for a more cohesive and technical look.

The spacious interior delivers best-in-class front-row and third-row legroom, and an available tri-pane panoramic sunroof that adds to the feeling of openness, with a dual-pane panoramic sunroof over the front- and second-row seats and fixed glass pane over the third row. The HVAC controls are consolidated in the headliner, running cleanly along the rails. In the rear, the HVAC controls are on the passenger side headline ? a thoughtful consideration.

The Hands-free liftgate and side doors open and close by passing a foot beneath for added convenience.

The Uconnect Theater option Includes: 115-volt auxiliary power outlet, Active Noise Control System, 13 amplified speakers, three-channel wireless headphones, Blu-ray/DVD player/USB port, 506-watt amplifier, three-channel video remote control, high definition multimedia interface, 10-in. seatback video screens, third-row USB charge port and video USB port.

Safety and security abound in the new Pacifica Hybrid, with available helpful features such as: 360-degree Surround view camera with Bird?s eye perspective, ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning Plus, LaneSense Departure Warning and an all-new KeySense programmable key fob.

My test 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came in Limited trim and wore an exterior finish of Billet Silver Metallic clear coat and featured a Black and gray interior featuring neon Blue trim highlights. The base price was set at $44,995. While the final tally came to $49,575 after factoring in the Customer Preferred Package 2EC with the UConnect Theatre with wireless streaming seatback video screens, tri panel sunroof and 18-inch wheels and tires.

Performance

The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited minivan delivers a luxury sedan-like ride, with comfortable and supportive seating, along with responsive damping. Acceleration is more than adequate with a broad torque range. The Pacifica delivers twice the torsional rigidity of the outgoing Town & Country for heightened stability. The transmission shifted smoothly and the handling characteristics bordered on sporty.

With so many creature comfort features included as standard fare in the new Pacifica Hybrid Limited that it is a virtual marvel in family transportation, delivering what may well be the ultimate in functionality and versatility.

OurAutoExpert?s Take

The Pacifica Hybrid is definitely not your ?Soccer Mom? minivan of old, but is rather a fully equipped adventure craft for the entire family and all their gear. The Pacifica Hybrid features a host of content and features to offer at affordable prices, and it qualifies for a $7,500 Federal tax credit and more in some states and regions.

In the final analysis, the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited represents the cream of the crop in hybrid minivans, amid a host of stellar competitive examples.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited

Base Price: $44,995.
Price as Tested: $49,575.
Engine Type and Size: 3.6-liter eHybrid V-6, DOHC, 24-valve V6 with ESS

Horsepower (bhp): 287 @ 6,400 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 262 @ 4,000 rpm

Transmission: eFlite Si-EVVT automatic

Drive Train: Transversely mounted front engine and electric motor / Front-wheel drive.

Suspension: Front – Independent MacPherson strut, coil over gas-charged shock absorbers, stabilizer bar with hydroformed steel perimeter cradle.
Rear – Independent twist-blade with coil springs, twin-tube shock absorbers with integrated rebound springs

Brakes: Power assisted four-wheel discs (vented front) with ABS, ESC, Traction Control and Brake Assist.

Tires: Nexen N Priz RH78- 235/60 R18 mounted on silver painted 7-spoke Machine face alloy wheels with Graphite painted inners.

Wheelbase: 121.6 inches
Length Overall: 203.8 inches
Width: 79.6 inches
Height: 69.9 inches
Curb Weight: 4,330 lbs.
Turning Circle: 39.7 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 16.5 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 84 MPGe combined gas and electric / 32 MPG gas only ? Electric only range ? 33 miles / total range
Drag Coefficient: 0.30
0 – 60 mph: Not tested.

Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.