Minivans are necessities for many families. So, even in a market segment that has shrunk in recent years, the minivan manufacturers are still trying to outdo each other with one more slick thing or another. Also, families often still decide on a minivan in their search for family-friendly vehicles that deliver safety and efficiency. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is a minivan that caters to those needs and has now been awarded for it.

The award

This morning, Parents magazine released the listing of automotive vehicles it has picked to be recipients of various awards. The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came in on their list of, 2020 Best Family Cars. Specifically, it came in as the “Best Eco Pick.”

The criteria for the award

From Parents Magazine, the list of the criterion used to select their winners are,

“Crash Tests – We considered models that received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which conducts crash tests on new vehicles; a few picks hadn’t received their rating at press time. You can look up results from any year at nhtsa.gov.

Car-Seat Checks – Certified child-passenger safety technician Abbie Patterson, owner of the consulting company Super Car Seat Geek, installed an average-size infant seat, convertible seat, harnessed booster, and backless booster in more than 50 contenders.

Behind the Wheel – Auto reporter Rob Stumpf took the cars that passed the seat check for a spin—sometimes with his 9-year-old in the back—to evaluate braking, steering, acceleration, tech, and more.”

Pacifica comes available as a hybrid

The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is the only hybrid minivan available. According to the FCA Press Release this morning, the Pacifica Hybrid, 

“…delivers more than 80 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in electric-only mode, an all-electric range of more than 30 miles and a total range of more than 500 miles.”

It can be seen why the 2020 Pacifica Hybrid is an award-winning family vehicle. The hybrid capability of the vehicle means it can go longer between fill-ups. So, there would be fewer disruptions on a family road trip. It’s also better for the environment.

Roominess

The roominess of minivans also rivals many SUVs. The Pacifica’s Stow’N Go seating is the largest contributor to that. The cabin roominess expands to accommodate cargo in addition to people. Family members can collapse a seat and suddenly have room for suitcases or pets to stretch their legs. 

Onboard vacuum cleaner

An onboard Stow’N Vac cleaner certainly adds to Pacifica’s attractiveness as well. Messes happen. It does not matter if children or pets are involved in making the mess, or if its the adult driver that accidentally left something open that crumbled over. Pacifica’s vacuum makes cleanup a tool any family will be grateful for. 

All-wheel drive

The 2020 Pacifica is also available with all-wheel drive. This adds to the platform’s stability during inclement weather conditions. Drivers in winter-weather states will like this option. Being able to take their families anywhere in most any weather all year long is definitely an advantage. All-wheel drive certainly speaks to that. 

In a market segment that is very competitive, the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica managed to pull out a surprise by being the first minivan available with hybrid technology. For that, some praise due. The Parents Magazine, Best Eco Pick award is well deserved. Don’t expect the other minivans manufacturers to sit still, though.