The first automaker to electrify a minivan is the minivan’s originator. As a plug-in hybrid, the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid provides up to 33 miles of all-electric driving range. Once the battery power is depleted to a certain level, the Pacifica Hybrid assumes the role of a traditional hybrid. During a week-long test drive, the Pacifica Hybrid proved that an electrified minivan can be enchanting. The minivan was easy-to-handle and its utility hasn’t been eroded. Stow ‘N Go seating is via the third row. With the battery packaged under the second row floor, that row doesn’t have Stow ‘n Go storage. But Second row seats can fold down or be removed from the vehicle.

Pacifica Hybrid has a modified version of the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. The engine mates to a dual-motor eFlite electrically variable transmission (EVT). The 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack can be re-charged in about 2 hours with a 240-volt plug-in system. Front wheel drive Pacifica Hybrid has aluminum-skinned left and right sliding side doors and a magnesium structure/aluminum skinned rear liftgate. The 121.6 inch wheelbase Pacifica Hybrid has electric rack and pinion steering to assist a 39.7-foot curb-to-curb turning diameter. MSRP of the test driven Pacifica Hybrid Platinum is $44,995, and its estimated mpg-e is 566 miles of total range.