A Hybrid for the Family!
By Charles Donaldson
Chrysler, under the ownership of Fiat, is continuing to enhance its 35 years of minivan leadership with the 2019 Pacifica Hybrid minivan. The 2019 Pacifica Hybrid is more than just a hybrid of gas and electric but also a hybrid of minivan and SUV. The Pacifica Hybrid is the first electrified vehicle in the minivan segment to achieve more than 80 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in electric-only mode, which delivers a total range of more than 500 miles. Chryslers claims that they have reinvented the minivan with its re-engineered Pacifica on an all-new platform and an unprecedented level of functionality and technology. The 2019 Pacifica also is available in a non-hybrid version.
Pricing and Trims
The 2019 Pacifica Hybrid is available in three trim levels: Touring Plus ($39,995), Touring L ($42,195), and Limited ($45,595).
What’s new for 2019?
Being that this is Chryslers 35th anniversary of creating the minivan, the 2019 Pacifica offers a 35th Anniversary special badging and features. A new “S” Appearance package includes black accents elements inside and out, 18-inch wheels with a Black Noise finish and other all-black interior touches.
Interior Highpoints
The Pacifica Hybrid doesn’t sacrifice any interior space or volume due to the battery pack cleverly stored under the floor in the middle of the van. The only thing forfeited is the loss of the Stow ‘N Go seating for the second-row seats as that space is now occupied by the batteries. The interior is very comfortable and beautifully designed. The transmission shifter is located in the center dash, which took a little to get used to. The center seats were captain chairs providing easy access to the third row sitting area. The rear cargo area (32.3 cubic feet behind the third-row seats) provided decent opportunities to store your transferable supplies! The optional Uconnect theater rear-seat entertainment system, available with 4G Wi-Fi was the main attraction of my 11-year old son.
Exterior Highlights
The exterior of the Pacifica leans more towards a minivan profile. From the front view it delivers a stylish impression that could be mistaken as an SUV. The front hood, grille, headlights and bumper are beautifully sculptured with a bold presence. The wheels come as standard 17-inch with optional 18-inch available. The power side doors are what make minivans so convenient. Two new paint colors are available: Luxury White and Maximum Steel.
Performance Specs
The 2019 front wheel drive Pacifica Hybrid is equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 EHybrid that generates 260 horsepower; about 26 horses less than the all gas engine available in the non-hybrid Pacifica. A benefit of electric motors is their ability to provide torque on demand and making acceleration on the Pacifica hybrid an non-issue. The 3.6-V-6 engine is paired with an electrically variable transmission that combines the power of two electric motors for EV-only driving and dual mode hybrid operation.
Cool Features:
·
It’s a hybrid Minivan that generates around 80 MPGe!
·
32-miles of all-electric driving range
·
Loaded with technology and connectivity features operated off an
8.4-inch touchscreen
Safety & Integrity
The 2019 Pacifica Hybrid is loaded with safety features including blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert systems with automatic braking. Every model gets a standard reversing camera and front-, side-, side-curtain, and driver’s-knee airbags. SafetyTec also comes with rain-sensitive windshield wipers and reversing sensors. Buyers can add a 360-degree camera system, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automated parking, and adaptive cruise control with traffic crawl.
In Summary – Thirty-five years later, Chrysler is still making innovated advancements in the minivan segment. The 2019 Pacifica Hybrid is a perfect example of providing its customers what they want and helping the environment at the same time. It’s a family vehicle that carries 7-passengers in comfort, with style and economically. Plus, it is eligible for a full $7,500 federal tax credit and other state incentives in certain areas. If you enjoy being green and have a family, then the 2019 Pacifica Hybrid is a new option.
Specifications
2019 Pacifica Hybrid Limited
Base price:
|
$45,595 as
driven: $50,005 (including destination & optional features)
|
Engine:
|
3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 EHybrid
|
Horsepower:
|
260 hp
|
Torque:
|
|
Transmission:
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eFlite Si-EVT
|
Drive:
|
Front Wheel Drive
|
Seating:
|
5-passenger
|
Cargo
space:
|
32.3/140.5 cubic
feet (rear seats up/down)
|
Curb
weight:
|
4,987 pounds
|
Electric-only Range:
|
32 MPG
|
Fuel Capacity:
|
16.5 gallons
|
Turning Circle:
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39.7 ft.
|
Wheelbase:
|
121.6 inches
|
Warranty:
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3 years/36,000-miles
|
Also consider:
|
Honda Odyssey, Kia
Sedona, Toyota Sienna
|
