Three Reasons One Writer's Group Calls the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid the Top Minivan

The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid has been chosen the ‘Minivan of Texas’ by the Texas Auto Writers Association. The Pacifica was the first minivan to produce a hybrid and the Texas Auto Writers Association has awarded the hybrid as the top minivan eight years in a row.

"Chrysler Pacifica continues its streak of top honors at the TAWA Auto Roundup, earning the Minivan of Texas award for the eighth consecutive year,” said Cory Fourniquet, TAWA president. “The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Pinnacle was recognized by our members as the ultimate family-friendly vehicle based on its capability, comfort and luxurious interior."

2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Shows Great Capability

As I reported in March, U.S. News and World Report also selected the Pacifica Hybrid as one of its 2024 Best Cars for Families. The minivan has repeatedly been honored for its handling and safety. The Chrysler has the most safety features in its class. It also has available all-wheel drive giving the driver more versatility and capability.  

When using all-wheel drive, if any of the wheels lose traction, Pacifica’s AWD system automatically transfers all available engine torque to the wheels with more traction, with limited slip to control steering in all road conditions.

According to Chrysler, “The Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid, the first hybrid minivan, 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. Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid offers a no-compromise solution for consumers considering battery-electric technology, alleviating range anxiety and delivering peace of mind to customers through a Stellantis-designed, innovative dual-motor eFlite electrically variable transmission (EVT) paired with a specially modified version of the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 gasoline engine.”

The Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid offers a seamless driving experience. The driver doesn’t have to decide between electric and hybrid modes. The Hybrid can help charge the battery when braking or stopping using its built-in regenerative braking feature. A Max Regeneration display keeps drivers aware of the increased system regeneration.

2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Designed for Comfort

Chrysler created the minivan to be a living room on wheels and continues to innovate the concept. Engineers worked to improve the vault-like cabin with improved door and glass seals resulting in the quietest Chrysler minivan ever built.

Pacifica’s class-exclusive Stow ‘n Go seating gives the minivan more cargo room and more options for how the driver wants to configure the cabin space.

My personal favorite feature is designed to give parents peace of mind. Drivers can keep watch on rear seats with the FamCAM interior camera. The camera has a best-in-class, high-definition image that lets the driver see babies in rear-facing child seats. Drivers can even have split-view display and the unique ability to zoom in for a close-up of what is going on.  

The Chrysler clear air filtration system is standard on all Chrysler vehicles and filters 95% of air particulates, reducing many types of solid and liquid airborne matter, such as dust and smoke, giving the minivan its cleanest cabin air ever.

The Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Loads Up on Luxury

The top-of-the-line Pinnacle model features most luxurious interior in its class:

• The Pinnacle offers a large center dual-level console for more storage. A deep storage area underneath the console accommodates a large purse or even a laptop
• Large console area allows for armrest
• Pinnacle model offers best-in-class total storage of more than eight cubic feet – enough to store 60 gallons of milk
• Premium quilted leather seats
• Unique movable lumbar pillows for second-row captain’s chairs
• Platinum Chrome exterior/Satin Chrome interior trim

Pacifica, the most technologically advanced minivan in its class, features the Uconnect 5 system, which delivers:

• Standard 10.1-inch high-definition touchscreen radio
• Can be connected to two phones simultaneously, with Bluetooth capability
• Customers with Alexa-enabled devices at home can easily ask Alexa to start the car, lock/unlock doors
• Pacifica offers up to 12 USB ports

Who voted on The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The Texas Auto Writers Association is one of the most recognized automotive media organizations in the industry. TAWA’s mission is to promote quality and accuracy in automotive content creation and to disseminate information about the automotive industry through news-related print, online and broadcast media. Vehicles were test driven at the Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas.

Chrysler Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories.