2023 Chrysler Pacifica

Chrysler invented the American minivan four decades ago, and even with the popularity of this segment dwindling over the years, Chrysler still makes one of the best MPVs in the field. The Chrysler Pacifica MPV turns seven years old in 2023, but a thorough facelift for 2021 updated its appearance, brought the in-car tech up to date, and added an AWD option for gas-powered variants. The well-known Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque does duty in gas variants, while a hybrid Chrysler Pacifica, which we review separately, offers 260 hp.

The 2023 Pacifica shines in the areas that matter for its class: practicality and versatility. The Pacifica is extremely family-friendly, with a long list of standard safety features, flexible seating arrangements, and available entertainment options for the rear seating area. The minivan market segment has shrunk to the point where there are currently only four contenders, which narrows down the list of Chrysler Pacifica competitors to the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Kia Carnival. While they all have their own appealing characteristics, the Pacifica still has enough appeal of its own to warrant a closer look.

One of the most appealing factors about the Chrysler Pacifica is its affordable purchase price, especially in base form. The Touring model starts off with an MSRP of only $37,095, which is not a lot of money for such a large amount of car. Progressing through the range, the Touring L will cost $41,098 in FWD or $44,093 with AWD. The Limited goes for $49,172 or $51,967 in FWD and AWD, respectively. The Pinnacle tops the range at $54,167 for FWD and $56,962.

Hybrid models cost $48,478 in base Touring L, or $54,422 for the Limited, and finally $58,172 for the Pinnacle Hybrid Pacifica. These prices exclude a destination fee of $1,595.

If you're used to the way other minivans drive, getting behind the wheel of a Chrysler Pacifica MPV will surprise you. It is arguably the most car-like to drive in its segment, with direct and relatively communicative steering, more road grip than you'd expect, and with well-contained body roll. Grip levels are high, and the Pacifica stays predictable and composed even at the limits. It's not sporty in any way, but it comes closer to a sedan's driving dynamics than its tall stature would suggest. Overall, the Pacifica's handling is more agreeable than that of a Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna.

It's not slow, either, even if it's not the outright class leader in a straight-line drag. The 3.6-liter V6 engine gets the gas-powered Pacifica to 60 mph in the low-7-second range (with hybrids needing around half a second more), and the engine's wide torque distribution and the multitude of available gear ratios allow for confident overtaking acceleration. One point of criticism is the transmission's programming, which is sometimes confused by slight gradients, leading to too much shuffling through the ratios instead of simply riding the torque curve. It's nowhere as bad a CVT in this regard, but the unexpected surges in engine speed disturb the calm in an otherwise refined cabin ambiance.

MPVs appeal to a small subset of buyers, but for those customers, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica must rank as one of the best options in its segment. It does nothing wrong, and it outshines its opponents in many respects. If any real criticism must be leveled at the Pacifica, it's that its rear two seating rows don't have quite as much space as the Toyota Sienna or Kia Carnival, but that may not be a problem for typical buyers. It also becomes quite expensive in its higher trim levels, but the second-cheapest trim is probably the one you'd really want for family duty, so that becomes less of an issue. The Pacifica is a great example of what Chrysler does best, and it's by far the best product currently on offer from the brand.

The range of models gives potential buyers the freedom to pick a car that perfectly suits their wants and needs, and the range of options and configurations is so big that it will boil down to each specific buyer's requirements. The base model with no added options is perfect for an upscale airport transporter and will do equally well as a premium kiddie conveyance. If you're looking for a more serious family minivan for an older household, the Limited AWD could be a good choice. It gets upmarket features such as Nappa leather seats with a heated and ventilated front row, heated second row, a 19-speaker audio system, wireless phone charging, and hands-free sliding doors. It's probably the best model in the range because it replaces the Touring trims' slightly weedy audio system and adds the panoramic sunroof as well. However, if audio quality is not your first priority and you don't need the AWD, the Touring L becomes the sweet spot, especially because it comes standard with leather trim, a safety and driver-assistance suite that contains even more standard tech this year, and the fully-featured Uconnect 5 infotainment system, at a substantial cost saving of nearly $10,000 over the Limited.

Naturally, the biggest decision you need to make is whether you want the gas-only model or the hybrid, with improved fas mileage figures, but slightly less power.