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The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is a recent installment in a long minivan legacy. Starting with the original Plymouth Voyager, Chrysler (now known as part of Stellantis) created a new family icon in the automotive industry. Today, minivans are more advanced than ever.

charging the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid at a public charging station.
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan | FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

Manufacturers equip minivan models with full entertainment systems. Furthermore, you can have WiFi, tons of cupholders (duh), and even hybrid or all-wheel-drive models. In fact, many buyers are leaning toward the new Toyota Sienna and the Pacifica Hybrid for this very reason.

However, as with other models like the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, or the Toyota RAV4, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica gas model costs less than the hybrid version. The gas version starts at $35,495 while the plug-in hybrid starts at $40,295, according to Chrysler’s website. Plus, U.S. News notes that the all-wheel-drive powertrain isn’t available with the hybrid version. Is the Pacifica Hybrid worth the price?

2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

For those looking for a hybrid minivan, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offers the first-ever plug-in hybrid minivan model. A close friend of mine recently bought a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and shared her experience with me in an interview. First off, she is a mother of three.

This is the ultimate van for families. The interior feels nice and open, and there’s even a camera system that allows the driver to view the back seats. One of her favorite features of the camera system is that she can see her new baby in his rear-facing car seat. This is a new feature that came with the 2021 redesign of the popular van.

At first, she said that they weren’t sure if the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was worth it. While its price is nowhere near a full-size family SUV like the GMC Yukon or Toyota Sequoia, the Hybrid Pacifica model isn’t cheap. However, after seeing the fantastic fuel mileage they got in their new Pacifica, it became obvious that they made the right choice.

“I find charging stations all over the place”

The mother and minivan owner said in our interview, “I find charging stations all over the place,” when I asked her about charging the plug-in hybrid minivan. The family installed a charging unit in their garage. But also charge the PHEV Chrysler Pacifica on the fly while shopping or at the gym.

Furthermore, when I asked the new minivan owner about the cost of charging she replied, “Most of the time the public charging I find is free.” This is certainly encouraging to hear.

Is this plug-in hybrid minivan worth it?

a new Chrysler Pacifica displaying its charging function
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is on display | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid gets a total driving range of up to 520 miles with the gas and electric hybrid powertrain. The gas-only range is 488 miles, and the all-electric range is up to 32 miles. Frequent fuel stops won’t slow you down in this minivan.

“Our system detects when it’s best to use electric or gas and seamlessly switches between two driving ranges. You don’t have to worry because the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offers an efficient and impressive 52-mile total range.”

Chrysler | EPA Estimates
two 2021 Chrysler Pacifica models parked in the dirt in front of mountains
2021 Chrysler Pacifica | Chrysler/Stellantis

After calculating the possible $7,500 tax credit, the price feels significantly lower. In addition, there’s a current shift in the auto industry. More and more automakers are releasing hybrids in their lineups.

Once you haul the fam around in a well-equipped minivan, there’s really no turning back. To me, minivans are always worth it. And the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid shows us what modern minivans are made of.

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Section Editor - Pickup Trucks

Jordan Almond

Jordan Almond grew up Texan, hauling goosenecks and bumper pulls with her family’s dually. A former competitive equestrian, her experience driving trucks and towing horse trailers has provided a foundation for her pickup coverage and former weekly Toyota Tacoma installation. Jordan now serves as our Trucks, SUVs, & Crossovers Section Editor.

Jordan has a Bachelor’s in Rhetoric and Writing from the University of North Texas, and she wrote short fiction and poetry until joining MotorBiscuit in 2020. A lifelong adventurer, she can be found crafting pieces on RVs, camper vans, and overland conversions, although her library of automotive media covers a wide range of topics. Jordan credits motherhood and family life (chasing two boys) for providing her with more personal insights on new car reviews and informative pieces on consumer favorites.