A Complete Review of the Chrysler Pacifica

What You Need to Know About the Most Recent Models (2017–Current)

With the crossover SUV’s rise in popularity, minivans have become a rarer sight on the road in recent years. However, if you’re looking for a family vehicle that offers the most possible interior space; is a good value for the money; and has superior road stability, steering, and handling, then a minivan may be a great choice for your next vehicle.

When it comes to minivans, the Chrysler Pacifica is a stylish option with a long list of features that makes it a top contender in its class. Here, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about the Pacifica into one resource — from rankings and model comparisons to pricing information and roundups of interior, performance, and safety features — so you can feel confident you’re making the right decision.

• Chrysler Pacifica Scorecard
• Pros & Cons of a Chrysler Pacifica
• Chrysler Pacifica Interior Features
• Chrysler Pacifica Performance Features
• Chrysler Pacifica Safety Features
• How Does the Chrysler Pacifica Rank?
• Chrysler Pacifica Model Comparison
• Is the Chrysler Pacifica a Good Vehicle?
• Should I Buy a Chrysler Pacifica?
• Cost of a Chrysler Pacifica
• Chrysler Pacifica Insurance
• Chrysler Pacifica vs. the Competition
• Find Your Next Chrysler Pacifica With Merchants Auto

Chrysler Pacifica Scorecard

Rated by our team of vehicle experts, this scorecard reflects the Pacifica’s performance when compared to other minivans.

The Pacifica earned high marks across the board, with top scores in the safety, interior, and value categories.

Interior – 9/10
Performance – 8/10
Safety – 10/10
Reliability – 8/10
Fuel economy – 7/10
Value – 9/10
Overall rating – 8.5/10

Pros & Cons of a Chrysler Pacifica

The following chart provides a detailed look at the pros and cons of the Pacifica by model year. It’s important to note that model years 2017–2020 shared many of the same characteristics. Similarly, after the Pacifica was redesigned for 2021, Chrysler has not made any significant design updates to subsequent models.

Chrysler Pacifica Interior Features

Much like other vehicles, the Chrysler Pacifica’s list of interior features varies based on model year and trim level. The features noted in the following chart are a representation of what could be included.

Keeping the 2021 redesign in mind, the list of interior features for 2021–2023 Pacifica models will largely be the same. This is also the case for 2017–2020 models. Additionally, unless otherwise noted, this list of features is inclusive of previous years. For example, all features from the 2017–2020 model years are included in 2021–2023 models as well.

Chrysler Pacifica Performance Features

Engines

All Pacifica models (both before and after 2021) come standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine is capable of producing 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.

If fuel efficiency is a main consideration for you, the Pacifica is also available in a hybrid model.

Gas Mileage

Fuel efficiency holds steady across Chrysler Pacifica models, with the front-wheel-drive version of the minivan averaging 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. These numbers decrease slightly when opting for an all-wheel-drive model (available for 2017 and beyond), as these vehicles typically top out at 17 mpg and 25 mpg for city and highway driving, respectively.

Riding, Handling & Braking

With its low center of gravity, the Chrysler Pacifica gets high marks for handling performance and delivers a smooth, gentle ride. Combined with its responsive braking, the word that comes to mind when describing the Pacifica’s on-road performance: controlled.

Towing Capacity

No matter which model year you choose, your Chrysler Pacifica can tow up to 3,600 pounds when properly equipped.

Chrysler Pacifica Safety Features

When you’re looking for your next vehicle, safety is always a main concern. And when it comes to safety, the Pacifica gets top marks. For every year since 2017, it has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and in 2017, 2021, 2022, and 2023 earned the top designation of Safety Pick+. What’s more, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Pacifica a perfect 5/5 safety rating for all seven years (2017–2023).

Chrysler’s dedication to keeping drivers and passengers safe is also evident through the robust lineup of safety features included in Pacifica models. On newer models, these consist of:

• Rearview camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Adaptive cruise control
• Rear-seat alert
• Forward collision warning
• Pedestrian detection
• Forward automatic emergency braking
• Lane-departure warning
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Automatic high beams

How Does the Chrysler Pacifica Rank?

Rankings vary from year to year, but here’s how the Pacifica has stood out over the years:

• 2017 Driver’s Choice Award “Best Minivan” (MotorWeek)
• “Best of 2017” (Cars.com)
• 2018 “Family Car of the Year” (Cars.com)
• 2018 “Best Minivan” (New York Daily News)
• 2019 “Best New Car” in the minivan category (Good Housekeeping)
• 2019 “Family Car of the Year” (Cars.com)
• Ranked second, “Best 2020 Minivans” (U.S. News & World Report)
• Finalist, “2020 Best Minivan for the Money” (U.S. News & World Report)
• 2021 “Best Family Cars” award (Parents.com)
• 2021 “Automotive Best Buy” in the minivan category (Consumer Guide)
• 2022 “Best Family Cars” award (Parents.com)
• 2023 “Automotive Best Buy” in the minivan category (Consumer Guide)

Chrysler Pacifica Model Comparison

Is the Chrysler Pacifica a Good Vehicle?

The Pacifica has earned a reputation as one of the stand-out vehicles in its class, thanks to its upscale design and finishes, robust list of standard safety features, and roomy interior. As far as minivans go, the Pacifica is a model that’s hard to beat.

Should I Buy a Chrysler Pacifica?

With its stellar reputation as a reliable vehicle and a long list of features and accolades, the Chrysler Pacifica is an option that’s worthy of consideration if you’re in the market for a pre-owned minivan.

However, as a higher-end minivan, the Pacifica comes with the price tag to match and may be a stretch if you’re a budget-conscious shopper. If this model is too much of an investment, the Kia Carnival, Chrysler Voyager, and Honda Odyssey are all great alternatives to add to your list.

Cost of a Chrysler Pacifica

What you’ll pay for your used Pacifica depends on several factors. Model year, mileage, trim level, and condition will all impact the purchase price.

For a pre-owned Pacifica, prices can range from $10,000 at the lowest to upwards of $80,000 for a model with custom upfits.

The MSRP for a 2023 Pacifica ranges from $39,615 for the base Touring trim up to $56,180 for the top-tier Pinnacle trim.

Chrysler Pacifica Insurance

Car insurance premiums vary based on a number of different factors. What you’ll pay to insure a Pacifica is ultimately determined by:

• Driver’s age, gender, and marital status
• Driving record
• Make, model, and year of the vehicle
• Annual mileage
• State requirements
• Credit history
• Where the vehicle is regularly parked
• Vehicle’s safety features
• Type of insurance coverage
• Deductible

The good news? Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to save with popular auto discounts. These can include:

• Safe driving records
• Good student
• New customer
• Automatic payment
• Anti-lock brakes and other safety features

According to CarEdge, it will cost you an average of $1,468 per year to insure a Chrysler Pacifica, compared to an average of $1,548 for all car models.

Chrysler Pacifica vs. the Competition

When compared to its main competitors — the Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, and Toyota Sienna — the Pacifica has a slight edge over all three. While the Odyssey can accommodate more passengers than the Pacifica, Honda’s offering has a subpar rear-seat entertainment system, doesn’t come in an all-wheel drive option, and requires complete seat removal if you want extra cargo space.

While the Carnival has the Pacifica beat with its superior warranty, Kia’s entry doesn’t come in a hybrid model, and similarly to the Odyssey, the second-row seats need to be removed for extra rear storage.

As for the Sienna, there’s no denying its excellent fuel efficiency (36 mpg, city and highway), but its comparatively sluggish acceleration, limited cargo space, and difficult-to-remove second row potentially outweigh this benefit.

Find Your Next Chrysler Pacifica With Merchants Auto

Think a new-to-you Pacifica (or any type of minivan) could be the next car you drive home? We can help you find it! Merchants Auto is the largest pre-owned dealership in New Hampshire and has been in operation for more than 60 years.

The inventory on our 26-acre lot is always changing. We have hundreds of vehicles to choose from with more than 30 different makes — including hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, pickups, sports cars, fuel-efficient models, compact cars, and work vans.

We strive to save our customers time and money, and our ultimate goal is to provide an enjoyable and hassle-free car buying experience.

Ready to get started? View our available inventory today!