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We spent a few days with the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid to learn everything we could. The battle between vans is more intense than you think, especially with the Toyota Sienna Hybrid lurking. See how well the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid can compete. 

Is the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica a good family vehicle? 

2022 Chrysler Pacifica review
2022 Chrysler Pacifica | Allison Barfield, MotorBiscuit

Yes, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica is the ultimate family option with plenty of comfort, cargo space, and convenient features. It has wide doors for easy access, and the plush carpet is easy to clean. But it also excels as a daily driver. 

The Pacifica is athletic, fuel-efficient, and nimble. It’s a relaxing option for long commutes and spics things up with an engaging ride. However, there are pros and cons to consider. 

While the Pacifica starts at $37,095, it includes plenty of value. We tested the Cyrlser Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Limited trim, which rings in at $54,000. It adds upgraded leather upholstery, a wireless phone charging pad, hands-free sliding doors, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. 

1. PRO: The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica is fun 

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has enough power and the right suspension to pull off things that the average minivan shouldn’t be able to do. It has a peppy acceleration and responsive handling around tight mountain curves. 

With the plug-in hybrid, you get a 3.6-liter V6 engine that’s paired with two electric motors to generate 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.3 seconds, making it fast for a minivan. 

Thanks to the peppy acceleration, you’ll have no trouble passing others on the highway or merging into traffic. Plus, it has a great turning radius and is easy to maneuver in tight areas. 

2. PRO: The Chrysler Pacifica PHEV is efficient 

The 2022 Chrylser Pacifica Plug-in hybrid will help you save fuel. It gets an EPA-estimated 32 miles of pure electric range on a single charge. Typically, the electric miles will be used before the system switches to gas. 

But the regenerative braking system charges the battery, too, and quickly gains plenty of power. The van will enter a hybrid mode to combine hybrid power and fuel at times. 

It gets an EPA-estimated 82 MPGe and can travel up to 520 miles on a single tank of gas. This van goes further than expected. 

3. PRO: The 2022 Pacifica is spacious 

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has a spacious interior. People in the front row have tons of space, and the second row is large as well. Occupants in the rear have room to stretch out, but fitting three adults back there could be a challenge. 

You can access up to 32.2 cubic feet of cargo space in the rear with up to 140.5 cubes total. The Toyota Sienna maxes out at 101.3 cubic feet. Plus, there is a deep in-floor trunk behind the third row. 

It’s easy to fold the third-row seats completely flat. They are stored in the cargo floor, so you don’t have to remove them. Also, the front passenger seat slides forward. 

The doors have wide openings, and the rear hatch has a low lift-over height. Kids, passengers, and cargo can enter and exit the vehicle in the blink of an eye. 

4. PRO: The Pacifica is luxurious 

2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid interior
2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid interior | Chrysler

The 2022 Chrylser Pacifica has a high-quality build with upscale materials. Even the base model comes with leather upholstery. However, you can opt for upgraded leather surfaces. The dash, steering wheel, and door panels are wrapped in plush soft-touch materials. 

We found that the ultra-soft carpet was easy to clean with a hand-held vacuum. Plastic around the doors protects the carpet from mud. The massive panoramic sunroof allows natural light and fresh air to fill the cabin. 

The heated and ventilated seats are fast and effective. Plus, the tri-zone climate control system keeps everyone happy. It has a smooth ride and the cabin is peacefully quiet.

1. CON: The Pacifica has a low ground clearance 

A dark 2023 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV parked in a fall scene.
2023 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV | Stellantis

The 2022 Chrylser Pacifica Hybrid has a low ground clearance. It sits 5.1 inches above the ground. Upgrading to all-wheel drive lifts things to 5.4-inches. That provides a limited ground clearance. 

With the Sienna, you can opt for a 1.0-inch suspension lift. It can be raised to 6.96 inches. The Pacifica felt too low for pulling over on the side of the road or for navigating gravel roads. 

Also, we were constantly worried about scraping the pavement while turning into parking lots or driveways. 

2. CON: The Pacifica has soft brakes 

The Crysler Pacifica seems to have squishy brakes. It takes a bit longer to stop than expected. Also, the softness can make it difficult to achieve smooth stops. The system takes a lot of getting used to. 

The brakes may be related to which driving mode you’re in. Typically, hybrid modes make the brakes softer to regenerate more power. However, in other vehicles, you can adjust the driving modes while the Pacifica manages the system for you. 

3. CON: the Pacifica has body roll 

2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid interior
2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid interior | Chrysler

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica has noticeable body roll around sharp mountain curves. It’s very apparent to passengers but not to the driver. Our passengers constantly asked the driver to calm down because 

It’s not as bad at lower speeds and city traffic. But at least the seats have plenty of side bolstering to hold you in place during sporty adventures. 

4. CON: Small item space is limited 

The 2022 Chrylser Pacifica has limited space for smaller, personal items. The center console is surprisingly narrow, and the glove box feels limited. The pockets are the back of the seats are pretty tight too. 

You can access a storage cubby under the center console, but it’s quite small compared to the set up in the Toyota Sienna. There aren’t any bins or cubbies for those in the second row, but there are tons of cup holders. 

Stay tuned for our upcoming 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid review for even more specs. See how comfortable and convenient this van is while considering its potential drawbacks.

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