2026 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle AWD Overview & Take a look at Drive : Automotive Addicts

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The Chrysler Pacifica minivan continues to be a drive to reckon with on the subject of an inexpensive transportation equipment that may tote round as many as eight individuals with forward-thinking trendy conveniences and facilities. Relating to minivans, the Pacifica, the one unlucky lone soldier moreover its Voyager counterpart left within the Chrysler model lineup, the Pacifica led the gross sales race in 2025 – and for good cause.

Regardless of being a bit aged in the meanwhile, the Chrysler Pacific retains on trucking – or is it “minivanning” – with an assortment of trim variations to supply to appease a bigger crowd, the biggest ever contemplating the supply of a plug-in hybrid mannequin. Other than the hybrid scale, the Pacific is obtainable in three trim ranges, beginning with the bottom Choose trim at a worth of $43,945 earlier than any charges, after which to a $49,600 Restricted trim, and my check automobile is the highest Pinnacle trim in All-wheel-drive (AWD) type. Thoughts you, every trim may be had in AWD, which continues to be a pretty a part of the versatile formulation that the Pacifica affords.

Born out of the model that began the entire minivan sport, Chrysler should delight itself on such a automobile as it’s one among its two solely standing choices that continues to make us surprise if the Chrysler identify will ever increase or be absorbed by the opposite Stellantis makes, equivalent to Dodge. Both means, regardless of the mannequin’s shortcomings, the Pacifica continues to carry up the model fairly properly and gracefully ages right into a time the place we anticipate some main adjustments to happen very quickly.

Powered by the trusted 3.6-liter V6 engine good for 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 9-speed automated transmission, the Chrysler Pacifica does properly out on the street for being predictable. The predictable powertrain within the AWD type evokes confidence within the driver for a well-sorted chassis that rides properly and doesn’t upset with sudden surprises. Positive, 0-60 mph could take about 8.3 seconds within the AWD setup, however there’s quite a bit to understand in such a level-playing-field automobile, which contributes to its good gross sales figures. Apparently sufficient, the front-wheel-drive model does the deal in about 1 second faster, hitting 60 mph in 7.3 seconds should you curtail the entrance wheel spin. The plug-in hybrid model of the Pacifica is available in for acceleration at 7.5 seconds to 60 mph, however is ready to save a bit extra gasoline in the long run, as chances are you’ll anticipate.

The Pacific, essentially, hasn’t acquired an enormous replace since its 2021 facelift. Nevertheless, the design, up to date infotainment tools, and seating preparations stay standing parts that buyers nonetheless need, which incorporates its distinctive Stow n’ Go seating permitting the third row to basically disappear for a flat storage and loading ground. Furthermore, the Pinnacle trim of the Pacifica elevates issues deep into the luxurious realm with quilted Nappa leather-based seats, heated/ventilated entrance seats, heated second-row seats with lumbar pillows, distinction stitching, simulated suede headliner, and satin chrome trim.

The flexibility of the Pacifica stays properly in place with its power-sliding doorways that may be opened and closed by a myriad of strategies, and its giant energy home windows within the sliding doorways to enrich the opposite huge home windows which have guide sunshades. Chrysler didn’t go away any stones unturned within the top-selling minivan in America for this previous yr. There’s even the anticipated security blanket of energetic security options and the newest 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen that integrates wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto normal all through the Pacifica lineup. The out there Uconnect Theater Package deal on my check automobile bundles up seat-back video screens together with a number of streaming apps and the upgraded 20-speaker Harmon/Kardon audio system.

Minivans in America proceed to be a revered different to spending the additional cash on comparable SUVs, which seemingly nonetheless can’t be the cost-cutting possibility towards the worth of present minivan choices when you think about the dimensions, versatility, and seating potential. With such, the Chrysler Pacifica beginning at $43,945 ($58,025 as-tested) continues as a revered providing with confirmed driving attributes, which make the minivan a remarkably aggressive phase even with just some different choices on the market.

Malcolm Hogan is the founder and editor of Automotive Addicts, a trusted voice within the automotive media world for over twenty years. With 20+ years of hands-on expertise overlaying the trade, Malcolm has constructed a repute for delivering sincere opinions, sharp insights, and in-depth protection of the whole lot from new automotive debuts to high-performance check drives. Passionate in regards to the evolving automotive tradition and staying forward of the curve, Malcolm continues to steer Automotive Addicts as a go-to vacation spot for fans and trade insiders alike.