Minivans have seen declining sales since their ’90s heyday, but Chrysler continues to dominate the segment with the Pacifica. With innovative features and abundant interior space, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica is what Good Housekeeping calls the “Swiss Army knife of vehicles.” In its “Best New Family Cars” roundup, GH lists the 2023 Pacifica as the best minivan.

Why does Good Housekeeping call the Chrysler Pacifica the ‘Swiss Army knife of vehicles’?

Good Housekeeping calls the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica the “Swiss Army knife of vehicles” thanks to its multitasking capabilities. Chief among them is its “people-carrying capacity of a school bus.” The Pacifica can seat eight passengers comfortably while offering a maximum cargo space of 140.5 cubic feet. GH notes that the model is more spacious than nearly all SUVs, making it a preferred family hauler.

In addition, the 2023 Pacifica drives like a car rather than a truck despite measuring 204.3 inches long. Drivers can easily maneuver through traffic, making it a safe option for families.

And the Chrysler Pacifica boasts one crucial feature that no SUV can: the convenience of dual power-sliding doors. They provide effortless access to the minivan’s rear seats, making it easier for children to climb in and out without help. The doors also offer parents greater convenience in loading and unloading items like groceries, strollers, and sporting equipment.

More about the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica: Price, specs, and features

The Chrysler Pacifica might not get the credit it deserves for being a family-friendly minivan in the SUV era. Its standard 287 hp 3.6-liter V6 engine pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Car and Driver testers pushed the front-wheel-drive model from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds.

The Pacifica is also available in all-wheel drive, allowing buyers to choose the option that best suits their needs. In addition, the Pacifica plug-in hybrid model delivers an electricity-only driving range of 32 miles and a combined driving range of over 500 miles.

Like most minivans, the Pacifica seats seven or eight passengers, and not a single rider will be left wanting more legroom. Aside from generous passenger space, the Pacifica has 32.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet with that row folded, and 140.5 cubic feet with both rear rows down. At a starting MSRP of $37,270, this minivan competes with the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Kia Carnival.

Other models in Good Housekeeping’s ‘Best New Family Cars’ roundup

Besides the Chrysler Pacifica, numerous other models appear on the Good Housekeeping list of the best new family cars. Among SUVs, the Mazda CX-30 won for best subcompact SUV, the Honda CR-V took the top spot for best compact SUV, and the Volvo XC40 is the best luxury SUV for families.

Sedans and hatchbacks in the roundup include the Honda Civic, winning best compact car; the Audi S3, the best luxury compact car; and the Honda Accord, the best sedan.

Chrysler calls the 2023 Pacifica a multipurpose vehicle, and it lives up to that label. It offers a compelling overall package for families, with impressive options found in luxury vehicles. Besides the dual sliding doors, its roomy third row, sleek design, and tech features keep the Pacifica competitive.