We test the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle Hybrid and see why it's the ultimate minivan. Why buy a full-size SUV?

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is one of only two cars that are still in production with the Chrysler name, the other one is the Chrysler 300. Chrysler claims that this minivan will hold up to 60 gallons of milk, a claim that I’m not going to challenge but I am going to test it and see if it is a better option than a full-size SUV.

CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
0:26 Minivan History
0:40 Exterior
1:31 Safety Features
1:54 Under The Hood
2:32 Cargo Space
3:32 Interior
9:08 Driving
14:22 Verdict

What’s under the hood?

The standard powertrain is a 287-hp V-6 that pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Hybrid model has a DOHC 24-valve Atkinson-cycle 3.6-liter V-6 and 2 permanent-magnet AC electric motors making a combined 260 hp, which is less than the gas-only model but it does offer 326 ft-lbs. of torque. All the hybrid power is routed through Chrysler’s eFlite electrically variable transmission which is very good.

With less power, it does prove to be slower if drag races are your thing, Zero to sixty takes 7.8 seconds but fuel economy is the key here since the electric motors allow for up to 32 miles of electric-only range and it gets about 30 mpg on the highway, the 16-kilowatt-hour battery starts using all its electrons right away and when it runs out it reverts to being a normal hybrid even with an almost depleted battery. 

Charging

If you do decide to charge the battery at home on a normal 110-volt outlet, it takes about 14 hours to fill up, while a level two 220-volt outlet takes just two hours.

How Much?

This is the top-of-the-range Pinnacle model and including destination, it costs a shade over $62k, the only option being the Fathom Blue Pearl coat exterior for $495.

In order to get the equivalent cargo capacity out of a full-size SUV, you need to get a Suburban, and a bare-bones basic one starts at $57,000. If you want similar luxuries as the Pinnacle that price will go up considerably once you start checking boxes.

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle Numbers

BASE PRICE: $59,995
PRICE AS TESTED: $62,085
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door minivan
ENGINE: DOHC 24-valve Atkinson-cycle 3.6-liter V-6, 2 permanent-magnet AC electric motors
COMBINED OUTPUT: 260 HP 
TRANSMISSION: eFlite electrically variable transmission (EVT)
CURB WEIGHT: 5,060 lb
0-60 MPH: 7.8 seconds
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB: 35 mpg combined gasoline only | 82 mpge combined electricity + gasoline
OUR OBSERVED FUEL ECONOMY: 30.4 MPGe
CARGO SPACE: 32.3 ft³, 140.5 ft³ with seat area
PROS: Great handling, brisk performance, super-luxury inside, hugely practical, very fuel efficient
CONS: No Stow-n-Go, fiddly gear shifter, No EV only mode, no AWD option