For those who fear that the green revolution may not happen, there’s still hope. Many owners who aren’t eager to embrace electric vehicles are over the moon at the notion of a hybrid. There are also many used hybrid family vehicles on the market now, which can help you make the transition without having to commit fully to no gasoline. The 2017 and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid are both great minivans to start with.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

U.S. News recently released the “Best Used Hybrid SUVs under $30K for 2023.” There are 64 vehicles to make the list, and the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid comes in 12th place despite technically being a minivan. It received a score of 8.6 out of 10.

The current average price paid is $24,046-$26,181. U.S. News was pleased with the fuel economy, tech, ride, and acceleration. What the site wasn’t as enthusiastic about was the third row which can leave you feeling numb after a long ride and the fact that it isn’t rated to tow much of anything.

Of course, this is technically a van and not an SUV, so most people probably aren’t interested in towing boats or campers with it.

The Pacifica Hybrid is equipped with a V6 cylinder and gets 260 hp, as well as an EV battery. It has an EPA rating of 32 mpg and an EPA combined MPGe of 84. 

J.D. Power gave it a 3.5 out of five stars, which makes it slightly above average. There is also one recall on the 2017 Pacifica Hybrid. It has to do with the power inverter module. It could potentially overheat and stall the van. If you are interested in a 2017 Pacifica Hybrid, make sure that the necessary repairs have been made.

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid comes in next on the list, sliding in at 13th place. It has a score of 8.5 out of 10 and has a lot in common with the 2017 model. 

There are a few notable changes, however, such as the Tour Plus entry-level model, and the HD Radio and smartphone integration, which is now standard. The trim levels have been renamed, but it’s pretty much the same as those for the 2017 model.

The average price paid is slightly more expensive, and costs anywhere from $26,879-$29,869. It gets a reported 84 electric miles and 32 gas. 

For this model year, U.S. News was impressed with the fuel economy, interior, and ride quality. The only con was the lack of Stow ‘n Go second-row seats. 

J.D. Powers ranks it at 3.5 out of five, and there are two recalls. One is for the control arm, which can separate from the steering knuckle. The other is the chance of fire thanks to an improper engine restart.

Other hybrids that made the list

If you aren’t interested in a van or find the Pacifica Hybrid just isn’t for you, there are plenty of other hybrids on the list. It should come as no surprise that Toyota and Lexus absolutely dominate it.

The 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes in first place, with a score of 9.1. The average price paid by consumers is $10,823-$15,598. The EPA rating is 27 City / 25 Hwy.

In second, third, and fourth place are the 2012, 2011, and 2010 Lexus RX Hybrid. The 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid takes fifth place. Each has a score of 9.0, so one could make the argument that they technically tie.

If you are interested in a used vehicle, then hybrids are the best of both worlds. You save money on gas, get the electric motor, and also don’t have to worry about what happens if you can’t reach a charging station while on a road trip.