2024 Chrysler Pacifica Road Tripper PHEV

Minivans! Here at PRN_TestDrive we absolutely love these multi-purpose vehicles. We've been big supporters of them since we featured our first Pacifica in 2018, which is subsequently when we filmed our first Showdown against the Kia Sedona. The Chrysler Pacifica minivan got a facelift for the 2021 model year when we featured it last, but it's been since 2019 that we last drove the hybrid plug-in model. We grabbed the keys to this 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Road Tripper to see how this vehicle handles the daily tasks of a family.

The big draw to minivans back in the day were the affordability, and seats per thousand dollar. Vans like the Dodge Caravan Canada Value Package were as low as $18,999.00 around a decade ago. Not so much anymore. Our Pacifica Hybrid started at $60,095.00 CAD or $55,925.00 USD and crept up to $70,780.00 CAD or $60,515.00 after adding on the various options this car had. Chrysler has made the Road Tripper package a standalone trim option for this model year, but still brings the same changes for 2023, which include the 18" luster grey rims, 20" if you go with the ICE-only model, blacked-out grille and Chrysler badge, crystal metallic door handles and accents, black roof rails, and the Road Tripper badging.

Competitors like the 2024 Kia Carnival SX we featured alongside this in our most recent episode of TestDrive Showdown come with 360º cameras and adaptive cruise control without the need for an expensive package add-on. The Pacifica's safety sphere add-on only costs $995.00 CAD to get those types of features, but it requires the $3,995.00 rear entertainment package. Aside from the dual Amazon FireTVs located on the front headrests, buyers get extra features like the power sliding doors, 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and more. This is part of the reason why our test model got so expensive. The PHEV option also adds approximately $5,000 to the price over the regular gas Pacifica.

One major selling feature of the Chrysler are the drivetrain options, with three different options available. The base FWD-only model, the FWD PHEV, and AWD. Unfortunately it's still not possible to get a plug-in hybrid with AWD, but perhaps it will be a feature Stellantis adds down the road, as more of their Jeep vehicles get plug-in options while retaining their 4x4 capabilities. Minivans in general also give buyers additional flexibility for cargo and passenger space. Our PHEV allows for the third row to be folded flat, and ICE models can have the second row fold flat also. Cargo capacity on the Pacifica is exemplary, with a deep bin at the bottom of all three rows are engaged.

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Road Tripper has excellent road mannerisms, as we'd expect from a minivan. The ride is smooth and comfortable, with upright seating throughout. Interior road noise is quiet enough without any major complaints. The PHEV allowed us to save quite a bit on gas during our nearly 1,000 week, with a 6.3L/100km efficiency overall. Charging can be done in as quickly as 2 hours on a 240V outlet, and around 13 hours on a 120V. Chrysler advertises around 53 kms of electric range with the Pacifica Hybrid, however we saw closer to 36 kms non-stop in our late fall weather. There are no true hybrid controls such as an e-save mode, the Pacifica decides when it's in electric mode, with the L gear acting as the max regeneration mode.

Overall we enjoyed our time with the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Road Tripper. It's expensive compared with other minivans on the market, but in-line with 3 row SUV pricing today. You can watch our full tour and review of this vehicle on our YouTube Channel below.