2024 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle PHEV Review
We’ve got an electric family car on deck today! The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle PHEV is the first plug-in hybrid minivan on the market. While this is a huge step and appealing for a lot of families, I have a lot of thoughts I want to talk about how this car compares to other minivans on the market (including the all-gas Pacifica option).
If you’re new here - welcome! I’m Kelly the Car Mom and as a mom of almost four (if you missed the life update click here), CPST, and a huge car fan, I can’t wait to walk you through all the features of the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV to help see if it’s right for your family.
Before you dive in and start car shopping, make sure you’re fully prepared to tackle today’s market with confidence. To learn everything from dealership prep to a complete negotiations strategy, check out my Car Buying Course!
2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV Exterior
I’ll say it, the Chrysler Pacifica (and just minivans in general) are not known to be the most sleek looking. The exterior of the Pacifica has not changed much in the past few years, so it’s similar to what was seen in my 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Review. I do want to commend Chrysler on giving a TON of safety features (blind spot monitoring, backup camera, cruise control, and automatic braking) on any trim level. Yes, you read that right. You're getting a great car from the standard trim level and beyond with safety features that make your daily drive much easier.
I’m walking through the Pinnacle trim level today and I will say, it’s still not my favorite minivan of the four on the market in terms of exterior appeal. I’m personally still a fan of the Kia Carnival aesthetically, but the size of this vehicle and its interior make it a solid choice.
2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV Fuel Economy
The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica is currently the only minivan on the market that has plug-in hybrid capabilities. It has a pure electric vehicle (EV) range of about 32 miles. This makes it different from the Toyota Sienna for example because it’s an active hybrid, which means there is no pure electric range. Instead, it uses a combination of gas and electricity to power your car.
So, for the first 32 miles you drive the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV it’s going to act exactly like an electric car. I really like PHEV electric cars, like the Pacifica, for someone who has a very short daily commute. If you think you could get your daily commute done in 32 miles, this car would be a great choice as it’s an EV most of the time but uses gas for longer car trips.
2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV vs All-Gas Option
One of the main quirks I wanted to mention when choosing a hybrid / PHEV option over the standard all-gas Pacifica is that you cannot get all-wheel drive (AWD).
Unfortunately, you also cannot get Stow-and-Go seating in the second row because that’s where their electric battery is. This is one of the main selling points of the Pacifica, so this does feel like a major loss you’d have to decide on before choosing the hybrid over the standard option.
2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV First Row
When it comes to the entire interior of the Pacifica, but especially the first row, is very thoughtfully laid out. Both the climate controls and the rotary dial shifter very easy to use and there are wireless charging options right underneath.
One of my favorite features in new vehicles is a pass-through underneath the console which makes storage of your purse, diaper bag, etc really convenient. This is a prime example of a lot of really nice features that make it a comfortable driving experience for the entire family.
Infotainment System
First off, the screen of the infotainment system feels smaller than what I typically see when reviewing cars. That being said, it has really good responsiveness and color clarity. One of my favorite features in the system is the family camera (FamCam), which is one of the best I’ve tried on the market. You get a really good view of your children, regardless of if they’re forward or rear-facing. For a minivan specifically designed for families, I like this feature and think it's really helpful.
2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV Second Row
The second row of this Pacifica (like you probably could have guessed for a minivan) is great for families. You of course have the power doors that open wide which makes it great for your kids and any baby in a car seat to come in and out easily.
When it comes to head and leg clearance, you have a lot of room available. This is great for passenger comfort, but also for car seats, especially when it comes to three across.
My only “complaint” is just disappointment that there are no Stow-and-Go seats in the PHEV Pacifica because of its battery placement in the car. These are patented by Chrysler, so no other minivan on the market has these seats available.
When it comes to the Fire TVs specifically on the back of each first-row seat, it can affect rear-facing car seat installation. Chrysler mitigated this by making the TVs able to fold up and down so there is no damage or issues when trying to put car seats in safely.
Second-row amenities in the Pacifica include:
Ceiling vents
Climate controls on ceiling
Built-in sun shades
Power doors
Leather-back pockets
USB-C ports
Fire TVs on the back of each first-row seat
2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV Latch Diagram:
2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV Third Row
Let’s start by talking about third-row access. If you choose the bench seat option for the second row, you can use a Tilt and Slide option for either of the outboard seats. I don’t hate the Tilt and Slide, but I would much prefer a Car Seat Friendly Tilt. The way you have to pull the lever to get the Tilt and Slide to click can be a bit difficult for a child, especially when you have to push a heavy seat forward.
Now, let’s discuss my biggest complaint and something the Pacifica is infamous for - headrests. These headrests are truly so abysmal in a family vehicle and it shocks me that Chrysler has not changed them yet. In the hybrid, the third-row headrests are NOT removable (even though the second-row headrests are).
What makes this even more frustrating is their headrests are tilted forward, so this can make car seats borderline impossible to install back here. This is very frustrating for families with more than two kids.
Third row amenities include:
Ceiling vents
Sunshades
Cupholders
USB and USB-C ports
2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV Trunk
Who doesn’t love a minivan with a nice, deep trunk? There is so much room back here for a stroller, groceries, or any sports gear you need to haul around. If you want to fold the third row down, it’s really easy and then you have as much space as you could ever need.
2024 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV: Wrap-Up
Overall, I am still undecided on the PHEV option of the Chrysler Pacifica. While I love the 32 miles of all-electric power, losing the Stow-and-Go seats is a huge downside for me. Combined with the abysmal third row and headrests, it makes me consider the other minivans on the market more. That being said, I recommend giving all four minivans a test drive to truly compare everything they have to offer. For a solid place to start, check out my Minivan Showdown here!
Do you have a minivan you just love? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest when it comes to family cars, check out my recent reviews:
