Our Opinion - 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Review Chrysler was the first company to make a minivan in the 1980s, and the Pacifica has been a mainstay for a long time. For kids who might fight, there is plenty of space between rows, and it can fit up to eight people. Some of the high-end features include lumbar support, all-wheel drive, a plug-in hybrid engine, and a built-in vacuum. Thanks to Chrysler’s exclusive Stow ‘n Go seating in the second and third rows, which fold flat into the floor, the gasoline-powered vehicle can easily be transformed into a cargo van. Our long-term test of the efficient plug-in system was rough, but the V-6 powertrains—which can be used with or without an electric motor—are pretty strong, and the gas engine drinks a lot of gas. Despite the competition, the Pacifica maintains a loyal customer base and frequently outsells rivals such as the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Kia Carnival. What's New? A 100th Anniversary Edition will be added to the Pacifica line-up in 2026. This version, which is just above the base trim level, has a sticker on the back of the van that commemorates Chrysler’s founding in 1925. The wheels and fascia have also been slightly modified to enhance their appearance. A 360-degree camera system and front parking sensors are also available as optional features. Pros and Cons Pros Taking care with confidence. Brand new, limited time only. A plug-in hybrid version is also available for those who prefer an electrified option. Cons Hybrids don’t come with AWD. Still no EV choice. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The standard Pacifica is powered solely by gasoline, featuring a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces 287 horsepower, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the Pacifica Hybrid combines the same 3.6-liter V-6 engine with two electric motors, all supported by a 16.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, generating a total output of 260 horsepower. However, all-wheel drive is not available on the hybrid model. Safety The Pacifica has almost every driver-assistance tool currently available on the market. Important safety features include: Most automatic emergency braking systems are capable of detecting pedestrians on the roadway. There is adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring with back cross-traffic alert as standard. Internal and External Cargo Capacity The Pacifica includes many of the features that make a minivan appealing: it offers a spacious, open cabin with plenty of storage compartments, cupholders, and underfloor bins. While the overall materials, build quality, and finish are acceptable, there are a few interior elements made of inexpensive plastic. The Limited and Pinnacle trims feature taller center consoles that integrate more seamlessly with the dashboard, creating a driving feel that’s more reminiscent of an SUV. While the ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach S-Class hasn’t been in our garage lately, the Pinnacle trim distinguishes itself with quilted leather seats and matching lumbar pillows for the second-row captain’s chairs. The Pacifica’s standard Stow ‘n Go seats are slimmer than those in many other vehicles, as they need to be compact enough to fold flat into the floor. Since the battery occupies the underfloor storage space in the hybrid version, Chrysler’s engineers made the fixed captain’s chairs in the Pacifica Hybrid more supportive to compensate for the lack of Stow ‘n Go seating. The Pacifica also excels at cargo hauling, managing to fit 53 carry-on bags with the second- and third-row seats stowed. One trade-off is the optional built-in vacuum cleaner, which occupies the space otherwise reserved for an available mini-spare tire. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG A good minivan should offer generous interior space while maintaining fuel efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid definitely does both, with an EPA combined rate of 82 MPGe. Miles per gallon of gas equivalent, or MPGe, is a number used by the EPA to determine the fuel efficiency of PHEV and EV cars. The gasoline-only car, on the other hand, gets about average gas mileage for its class. The EPA hasn’t released the 2026 model’s figures yet, but it seems likely that the minivan’s ratings—up to 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg overall—will be carried over. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, however, the Pacifica Limited did even better than we thought it would, getting a solid 31 mpg. Infotainment and Connectivity Chrysler’s Uconnect 5 infotainment system is prominently featured on the van’s dashboard, presented through a stylish 10.1-inch touchscreen set between two air vents. This system includes Amazon Alexa integration and a customizable home screen. It also comes equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot and supports wireless connections for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Furthermore, Amazon Fire TV is integrated, offering access to streaming apps so passengers can enjoy movies and TV shows on the go. To keep rear-seat passengers, especially children, entertained, there’s an available rear-seat entertainment setup with dual touchscreens. The Pacifica also offers up to 12 USB ports throughout the cabin, including USB-C outlets that enable faster charging for compatible smart devices. Range, Charging, and Battery Life According to the EPA, the 2025 Pacifica Hybrid can travel up to 32 miles using only electric power. While driving in the city, we were able to exceed that estimate by an extra mile. On the highway, the Pacifica Hybrid was able to cover 23 miles on electric power alone before the gasoline engine engaged. Towing and Payload Capacity The Chrysler Pacifica is capable of towing up to 3,600 pounds, though the manufacturer does not recommend using the Pacifica Hybrid for towing. Price and How to Choose The cost of the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica may vary between $44,460 and $61,795, depending on the selected features and configuration. The Select model is the best value for money when it comes to features and price. The car comes with 17-inch wheels, heated front seats, sunshades for the second row, synthetic leather seating, and a heated steering wheel as standard equipment. We know that some people might like the extra peace of mind that this van’s available all-wheel-drive system offers, but for $2.995, we’re happy to stick with front-wheel drive. You should stick with the normal 3.6-liter V-6, though, because our long-term Pacifica Hybrid had some reliability issues during its 40,000-mile trip.
