By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com

The only minivan on the road available both as a gasoline engine and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV)? Now that would be the Pacifica from the Chrysler division, founder of the minivan segment with ‘grand’ successes like the Town & Country and the (Dodge) Grand Caravan. After testing the PHEV trim in 2023, we were delighted to check out the gas-only Pacifica recently.

Under the hood of the steel unibody structure sits a 3.5-liter V-6 Pentastar gas engine putting out 287 horsepower @ 6400 rpm and 262 pounds-feet of torque @ 4000 rpm. Getting power to the ground in the all-wheel-drive ride is a seamless 9-speed auto gearbox. The MacPherson strut front and a twist-blade rear suspension work well to absorb unpleasant bumps and rough surfaces on the road. Returning a weighted, linear response to the driver’s input is an electric rack-and-pinion steering.

Up front, bi-functional LED projector head/daytime running lights surround a black grille with platinum chrome-surround. Of course, buyers don’t purchase the Pacifica for its outward appearance but for the vast cabin room and endless amenities. Fold down both the rear rows (thank you, Stow ‘n Go) and make use of 140.5 cubic feet of space or there are always 32.3 cubic feet behind the third row. For easy ingress/egress, especially when hauling kids into the minivan, driver and passenger side power-sliding doors will come in handy. Two 10.1-inch touch screens (plus a nifty FamCam with a bird’s eye view) will keep the tiny tots in the rear seat glued to the TVs. Premium quilted sepia Nappa leather seats with second-row lumbar pillows are plush. Well-placed storage cubbies and crannies are everywhere, plus in the unified/flowing floor console. Eight-way power front heated/cooled seats, tilt/telescopic leather steering column, dual panoramic sun roof, suede headliner, tri-zone auto a/c, power lift gate, 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless phone charger and in-vehicle vacuum cleaner are some of the fine conveniences.

Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag for all three rows, front knee airbags and active head restraints, lane departure/forward collision warnings, electronic stability/traction control with brake assist, four-wheel antilock brakes, blind spot monitor with rear cross detection, 360-degree camera, front/rear and hill start assists, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian emergency brakes, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system.

The Pacifica is an extremely convenient package for families. It offers passenger- and cargo-carrying practicality, sufficient performance and respectable gas mileage (though the hybrid version ensures more fuel savings). Those long summer trips can only be more fun and relaxing in this Chrysler minivan.

PACIFICA (PINNACLE)

Tires: P245/50R20 all-season

Wheelbase: 121.6 inches

Length: 204.3 inches

Width: 79.6 inches

Height: 69.9 inches

Weight: 4,883 pounds

Fuel capacity: 19 gallons

City/hwy/comb: 17/25/20

Base price: $59,440

Price as tested: $62,025

Web site: www.stellantis.com