2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid S Limited Test Drive

“2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited”
A Shining Star Among Minivans

OVERVIEW

The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in Hybrid is a minivan that seats 7, and is engineered to deliver class-leading ride quality and handling characteristics along with reduced noise, vibration and harshness. New for 2020 is a new Red S Appearance package offered on limited trim versions and a tri-pane panoramic sunroof.

ECONOMICAL PROPULSION

Power for the Pacifica Hybrid is courtesy of a transversely front mounted 3.6-liter eHybrid, DOHC, 24-valve V6 engine with ESS with and two electric motors, that delivers a combined 260 horsepower along with 262 pound feet of torque. Motive force reaches the front wheels via an eFlite Si-EVVT single-speed automatic transmission. The plug-in hybrid delivers an EPA-estimated electric range of up to 32 miles from a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery, with a total gas and electric range of 520 miles. All-wheel drive will be offered on a limited number of 2020 models but will be more widely available on the next year’s re-vamped Pacifica.

SVELTE STYLING

The Pacifica Hybrid visually, 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. Only minor cosmetic interior changes will be made for the 2020 model year.

The frontal view features Chrysler’s contemporary face, with a graceful, flowing upper and lower grille. The slim upper grille flows smoothly into the headlamps, while the Chrysler winged 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.

Aft, 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.

COMFORTABLE FUNCTIONAL INTERIOR

Entering the cabin, which is horizontally drawn, the vehicle’s
Spaciousness is emphasized, while mixing high-tech elements with a sculpted flair. Outlets appear more formal, highlighted by a simple thinner chrome ring for a precise feel 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.

The spacious interior delivers outstanding front-row and third-row legroom. An available tri-pane panoramic sunroof 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 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

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.

AS TESTED

My test Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came in Limited trim with a blacked-out S appearance package and wore an exterior finish of Ceramic Grey clear coat and with a premium Nappa leather Black and gray interior featuring alloy and piano black trim highlights. The base price was set at $45,845. While the final tally came to $51,025 after factoring in options and the destination charge.

PERFORMANCE

The 2020 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 excellent torsional rigidity for heightened stability. The transmission isi velvety smooth and the handling characteristics bordered on sporty.

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

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

OUR CONCLUSION

In our final analysis, the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited represents the cream of the crop in hybrid minivans, amid a host of other competitive examples. The Pacifica Hybrid allows for gas-free shorter trips while still being up to longer road trips, eliminating range anxiety. Recharging may be done in as little as two hours with the appropriate charging station. The Pacifica Hybrid Limited outshines the competition.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2020 Chrysler Pacifica S Hybrid Limited

Base Price: $45,845.
Price as Tested: $51,025.

Engine Type and Size: 3.6-liter eHybrid V-6, DOHC, 24-valve V6 with ESS.
Two electric motors 240V – w/16-kWh lithium-ion battery.

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

Transmission: eFlite Si-EVVT sisngle-speed automatic.

Drive Train: Transversely mounted front engine and two electric motors / 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 NPREZ RH 7a – 235/60 R18 mounted on 7- spoke Black painted alloy wheels.

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: 82 MPGe combined gas and electric / 30 MPG gas only – Electric only range – 32 miles / total range
Drag Coefficient: 0.30
0 – 60 mph: 7.8 seconds

# # #

More from Our Auto Expert

OAE TV