Chrysler’s new Pacifica minivan has turned the segment on its ear with the introduction of sexy styling and a plethora of smartness. And now to advance that narrative, Chrysler has added the 2017 Pacifica Hybrid – a plug-in with 33 miles of all-electric driving range and an 84MPGe rating clearly making it the most fuel-efficient minivan of all time.
Once the battery’s energy is depleted, the Pacifica morphs from an electric vehicle to a conventional hybrid, alternating between the electric drive system and the V6 gasoline engine eliminating any range anxiety.
The 3.6-liter Pentastar runs on the efficiency-minded Atkinson combustion-cycle and generates an estimated 260 horsepower on regular unleaded. Chrysler developed their own eFlite electrically variable transmission featuring 2 electric motors, both capable of driving the front wheels.
Utilizing a lithium-ion battery pack located under the 2nd row floor, it takes approximately 14 hours to recharge using a standard household outlet however owners can purchase a 240-volt Mopar charger through their dealer which reduces that time to just 2 hours. The battery has a 10-year, up to 150,000 mile limited warranty.
Exclusive features such as the Hybrid Electric Pages on the Uconnect system, a smartphone app, and cluster display make it easy for owners to take full advantage of the hybrid system. Inspired by Juneau, Alaska, the Pacifica Hybrid features an exclusive interior environment combining Black and Alloy with Anodized Ice Cave accents, Ice Blue stitching and black piping.
Pricing starts at $41,995 before an available $7,500 federal tax credit
By TestDriveNow Auto Critic Steve Hammes for SouthFloridaReporter.com, Dec. 6, 2016
Great idea for a Minivan. They should have added a bit more battery reserve to extend the electric range to about 50 miles but this is a good start