What was then the Chrysler Corporation invented the modern minivan in 1984, when it unveiled the Dodge Caravan and the Plymouth Voyager. Things have changed a lot since then—Plymouth no longer exists and, while Dodge is still around and owned by Stellantis, the Caravan nameplate is not—but Chrysler remains a leader in the segment due to the popularity of its Pacifica minivan.
When the Chrysler Pacifica was introduced for the 2017 model year, it replaced the Town & Country minivan that was produced from 1990-2016. Although the Town & Country was initially marketed as the most luxurious version of the automaker’s lineup of vans, by the time the last one rolled off the assembly line in 2016, it was out of date and uncompetitive with challengers such as the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna. The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica reinvigorated the automaker’s minivan line as a modern and stylish entry into the family hauling segment.
The Chrysler Pacifica is offered with two powertrain options. The gasoline-fueled Pacifica is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, while the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain that pairs a more efficient version of the V6 engine with two electric motors and produces a combined 260 horsepower. The Pacifica PHEV can travel up to 32 miles on electricity with a fully charged battery, and with its combined rating of 30 mpg, can cover up to 520 miles between fill ups.
The 2025 Chrysler Pacifica carries an MSRP of $44,445 (including $1,995 for destination). Adding AWD costs $2,995. The 2025 Pacifica Hybrid starts at $53,050 but buyers may be entitled to incentives or tax credits due to the minivan’s plug-in powertrain.
Chrysler Pacifica Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Chrysler Pacifica Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Chrysler Pacifica Pros and Cons
- Chrysler Pacifica Generations
- First Generation (2017-Present)
- Chrysler Pacifica (crossover) (2004-2008)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Chrysler Pacifica years are the best?
While most people haven’t historically associated products from Chrysler with top reliability scores, Repairpal.com (via Edmunds.com) rates the 2017-2023 Pacifica as its number-one minivan for reliability, with a score of 4.5 (out of a total of five stars). CarComplaints.com data suggests the 2019 and newer Pacifica, in both standard and Hybrid forms, is the best bet for reliability.
If you need a minivan for your family and want the most luxurious accommodations possible, the Pacifica Pinnacle—introduced for the 2024 model year—with its lovely Sepia quilted Nappa leather interior, may be exactly what you’re looking for.
If you’re checking out the original Chrysler Pacifica, which was sold in crossover form from 2004 through 2008 before being reborn as a minivan, the last two model years from 2007 and 2008 are the best. Look for one powered by the optional 4.0-liter V8 and six-speed automatic instead of the base 3.8-liter engine and its older four-speed transmission.
What are the worst Chrysler Pacifica years?
The old axiom that the first model year of a newly designed vehicle should be avoided holds true with the Chrysler Pacifica. According to CarComplaints.com, the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is the most troublesome model year, with no other coming close. The most common complaints reported by gasoline-fueled 2017 Chrysler Pacifica owners relate to transmission issues, followed by problems with the body and paint, interior accessories, and the engine, so keep an eye out for all the above during a test drive. Pacifica models built from 2018 haven’t received nearly the number of complaints as the 2017 model, and, as you would expect, the number of complaints has since dropped.
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, on the other hand, has the most complaints levied at the 2018 edition, which again makes sense, because the plug-in hybrid powertrain sold in limited numbers in 2017 before becoming more available for the 2018 model year.
If you’re shopping for a used Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, be aware that the large 16-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack can be very expensive in the admittedly unlikely event that it goes bad and needs to be replaced in its entirety.
There aren’t many Pacifica crossovers from 2004-2008 model years on the used market, but if that’s what you’re looking for, we’d avoid the 2004-2006 model years in their entirety, and only consider 2007 and 2008 models with the optional 4.0-liter V6 engine.
Is a used Chrysler Pacifica a good deal?
Considering the fact that the Chrysler Pacifica is generally a reliable vehicle and that its prices trail those of also-reliable rivals, such as the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna, a used Chrysler Pacifica is indeed a good deal. Pricing for a lightly used 2024 Chrysler Pacifica with low miles should start around $35,000. A well-equipped Pacifica Pinnacle should still be thousands less than a new model on a dealership lot and will carry the remainder of its factory warranty, or longer if it’s from Chrysler’s certified pre-owned fleet.
Although the Pacifica Hybrid carries a higher MSRP than the standard model when new, prices on the used market aren’t all that different between the two versions.
A 2018-2020 Pacifica with a reasonable number of miles and a solid service history should command around $20,000 on the used market. Pricing for a similar Honda Odyssey is likely to start at least $5,000 more than that, and a Toyota Sienna may be an additional $10,000 pricier than a Pacifica.
Chrysler Pacifica Pros and Cons
Pros
- Multiple powertrain options
- Stylish design
- Impressive electric range from hybrid
Cons
- All-wheel drive not available with hybrid
- Hybrid has fewer storage options
- Interior materials feel cheap
Chrysler Pacifica Generations
First Generation (2017-Present)
There is only one generation of the Chrysler Pacifica minivan. There was a crossover from Chrysler that was, confusingly, also called Pacifica that we’ll briefly discuss below, but the current Pacifica van was initially released for the 2017 model year. While that makes the Chrysler Pacifica one of the oldest current minivan designs, the American minivan remains competitive with its rivals from Korea and Japan, and it’s been a strong seller for Chrysler throughout its production run.
When it debuted in 2017, the Pacifica was available in LX, Touring, Touring-L, Touring-L Plus and Limited trim levels. Even in base LX trim, the Pacifica came standard with desirable items, such as 17-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, a rear-view camera, heated mirrors, remote locks, push-button ignition, an eight-way power driver seat, and three-zone climate control. A five-inch touchscreen display ran Chrysler’s well-regarded Uconnect infotainment system, and Bluetooth was standard, along with USB and an auxiliary input. Seven-passenger seating was also standard in the 2017 Pacifica, and as an added bonus, Chrysler’s second-row Stow 'n Go second-row seats were included, which allow for extra storage or a flat load floor depending on their configuration. The third-row seat folded with a 60/40 split. With all the seats folded into the floor, the cavernous interior could swallow a 4x8 sheet of drywall or plywood, according to Chrysler.
In Touring trim, Chrysler added power sliding doors, keyless entry, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Chrysler Pacifica Touring-L models bumped up the luxury inside with leather seating surfaces, automatic three-zone climate control, and heated front seats. Extra safety technology included rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert. The Touring-L Plus added a heated steering wheel and heated second row seats along with a power front passenger seat. Plus trim also brought an upgraded 8.4-inch touchscreen, an improved audio system, a power liftgate and a second-row rear-seat entertainment system.
In top Pacifica Limited trim, the spacious family van brought along every goody in Chrysler’s minivan stable, including panoramic sunroofs, upgraded ventilated leather seats with memory functions, power folding third row and even a very useful integrated vacuum system called Stow ‘n Vac to help keep it clean inside.
An Advanced SafetyTec Group package was optional on Touring-L Plus and Pacifica Limited models, and included automatic wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, lane departure warning, lane departure intervention, forward collision warning, forward collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree surround-view camera system, and automated park assist for both parallel and perpendicular assist.
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came to the market shortly after the introduction of the gasoline version. Because its battery packs are situated under the floor area, Chrysler’s innovative Stow ‘n Go seats aren’t offered in the Pacifica Hybrid.
A new entry-level L model was added in 2018, and the infotainment system was upgraded that same year to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All-wheel drive became an option with gasoline-fueled Chrysler Pacifica models for the 2020 model year, but it has never been paired with the fuel-saving plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica received refreshed styling inside and out. The new front fascia and grille were made flush with the rest of the exterior for a handsome, upscale look. Amazon Alexa integration was added, as was wireless capability for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto tech. An upgraded 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5 was integrated into the dashboard, and desirable safety technology, including adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, was standardized. A useful camera system called FamCam was also introduced to give parents a glimpse of what was happening with their children in the back.
Chrysler reintroduced the Voyager nameplate (which was originally a Plymouth-branded minivan) in 2020 to replace the lower Pacifica trim levels. The move coincided with the demise of the Dodge Grand Caravan that was produced from 1984 all the way through the 2020 model year. The Chrysler Voyager remains available in 2025, but is primarily sold to fleet operators.
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica got a new top-shelf Pinnacle trim that featured truly luxurious quilted-leather upholstery with matching lumbar pillows for the second-row captain's chairs. In 2022, Chrysler added Amazon Fire TV for Auto to the Pacifica’s Uconnect Theater technology package, while very few changes were made to the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica. The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was offered in Select and Pacifica Pinnacle trim levels.
Choosing between the standard Chrysler Pacifica and the Pacifica Hybrid requires buyers to weigh some pros and cons. If all-wheel drive is a necessity, your only choice is to stick with the standard gasoline engine, and the same goes for the innovative second row that folds flat into the floor. Another superiority of the standard gasoline V6 is that it’s rated to tow up to 3,600 pounds, while Chrysler doesn’t recommend towing with the plug-in hybrid. On the flip side, the PHEV powertrain offers around 30 miles of electric driving on a full charge of the battery pack, and 30 mpg combined. The gasoline Pacifica is EPA rated at 19 mpg city, 28 highway and 22 combined with FWD, or 17 mpg city, 25 highway and 20 combined with AWD.
Chrysler Pacifica (crossover) (2004-2008)
It’s not particularly common for an automaker to revive an old name for a completely new car that isn’t even in the same segment of the market, but that’s exactly what Chrysler did with the Pacifica (and Ford also recently did with the Maverick). From 2004 through 2008, Chrysler sold a somewhat van-like crossover called the Pacifica. At the time, CEO Sergio Marchionne said the Pacifica name had “good market vibes,” adding that “people who drove one liked it. We’re just going back and reaccessing that memory.”
When it launched as a 2004 model, the Chrysler Pacifica crossover was offered in one single trim level and was powered solely by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that sent 250hp and 25 lb-ft of torque through a four-speed automatic transmission to either the front or, optionally, all four wheels. Throughout the years, a 3.8-liter V6 was sometimes available in lower-end Pacifica crossover models with front-wheel drive, and later, an upgraded 4.0-liter V6 replaced the smaller 3.5-liter version and was paired with an improved six-speed automatic transmission.
In crossover form, Chrysler Pacifica trim levels included a base LX, an upgraded Touring and a top-level Limited model. Cloth upholstery was standard, while leatherette upholstery with leather seating surfaces was standard in upper trim levels. Five-passenger seating was the norm, while seating for six in three rows with second-row captain’s chairs was available.
The final 2007 and 2008 Chrysler Pacifica crossovers were the best of their breed. Buyers on the lookout for a Pacifica crossover should expect to pay less than $10,000—and in many cases around half that—for a 2007 or 2008 Pacifica with lower-than-average mileage. Be aware, though, that there aren’t that many low-mileage Chrysler Pacifica crossovers for sale on the used market, especially with the desirable 4.0-liter engine and AWD.
