Chrysler Pacifica 2024: supporting the brand at arm’s length

Without us noticing, the recent disappearance of the sedan 300 had a major impact on the division Chrysler. On the one hand, because it marks the end of cars in this division, on the other hand because it owes its life to the van. Pacifica (and unfortunately for the Grand Caravan). Indeed, the last one is the only product offered by Chrysler for 2024, while a new all-electric vehicle is awaited which may (remember here the importance of terms and assumptions) arrive in 2026. a vehicle that would revive the name. Air flowit disappeared from the Chrysler catalog in 1937.

By then, Chrysler will be on life support. Because although the van is a product that still appeals to families, few people today rely on it. A question of style, of course, but also of price.

Because if Kia can still sell a Carnival just under the $40,000 mark, you’ll have to pay at least over $51,000 to drive Chrysler’s base subcompact. And I will avoid financing terms, which are not very attractive, not to mention rental rates exceeding 10%, as well as very low residual rates…

Photo: Antoine Joubert

In short, the good years of the woman once nicknamed Autobeaucoup are well and truly a thing of the past. Especially since despite some equipment added over the years, we’ve been serviced for eight years now. Clearly, Chrysler’s ace up its sleeve is in this plug-in hybrid technology, unique in this niche.

A technology that is certainly complex and that is also old, but which nevertheless allows more than 50 kilometers to be driven in all-electric mode, before the V6 engine is activated. On the other hand, during winter, the combustion engine wakes up randomly. That said, this engine will be able to maintain an average consumption of around 7 L / 100 km, if you have traveled 100 km following a full charge. In summer, it can easily drop below 4 liters per 100 km.

Another good news is that this technology allows you to get a total of $10,000 in federal or provincial (Quebec) credit. Because the size of the battery exceeds 15 kWh and because the declared range in electric mode exceeds 50 km. Since the eligibility level is $65,000 and the prices of the plug-in hybrid versions have risen to the same level as all products in the large Stellantis family, The Chrysler division had no other choice but to revise its model range for 2024.

In fact, Chrysler is replacing the Touring-L and Limited with a model called the Select, to which it is possible to add various groups of options. Kits that allow you to get the same deals as last year while taking advantage of government credits, even if the suggested retail price now exceeds $65,000.

Obviously, the $75,190 Pinnacle version doesn’t qualify for any credit, it’s sold for less. However, it is clear that with the financial advantages of Plug-in Hybrid versions, the majority of Quebec buyers choose this technology to the detriment of the traditional gasoline model.

Plug-in hybrid or traditional V6?

Excluding the Chrysler Grand Caravan, whose presence is only relevant to short-term rental fleets, you should pay no less than $57,000 for a gas-powered Pacifica, without options. A total of $10,000 greater than that of a Toyota Sienna with a hybrid engine and better equipment. More than $4,500 more than the more luxurious Kia Carnival, it offers a more satisfying experience. In fact, Pacifica is no longer in the game.

Once again, it’s only the plug-in hybrid that makes some sense, though we do lose the benefit of the Stow N’ Go second-row seats. We also lose the possibility of all-wheel drive available on certain petrol versions, although in this case, the consumption is 15% higher, with an average of around 12 L/100 km.

To be honest, its operation remains pleasant. Quiet, heavy and well-placed on the ground, it offers greater comfort than the Sienna with impeccable ergonomics. Granted, the second-row bucket seats aren’t as comfortable as the Carnival SX’s, but few kids will complain about that. Especially if they use booster seats.

Trust me, the kids will care more about the efficiency of the optional Cinema package, which for almost $4,000, offers better entertainment. This includes two 10-inch screens, 4G LTE WiFi, Amazon Fire TV service, a 13-speaker Alpine audio system, audio equipment, navigation, a cockpit overview camera, all the necessary connectivity ports and Sirius XM satellite radio.

As for our test model (Touring-L late 2023), it had the Road Tripper package, including a unique gray ceramic trim, which has not been updated for 2024. And for good reason, a certain convenience of the range and descent for slow sales.

The Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid minivan remains relevant. If only for its technology and low fuel consumption. But as long as you take it easy with the options and don’t overextend the funding period. For example, including taxes and applicable loans, our test car commanded a 72-month monthly payment (at a 6.99% financing rate) of $1,182 per month. Previously, at a retail price of $ 68,975.

In comparison, the monthly cost of this minivan is the same as that of a four-wheel drive Toyota Sienna XSE with the Technology Package. The second most luxurious in the Sienna range, which has an average consumption of 6.7 L/100 km. A vehicle that enjoys an excellent reputation for reliability and low long-term cost of ownership. That said, it will not allow you to get a green subscription to take advantage of the benefits that come with it.

In conclusion, know that the best way to find such a small car is to find a dealer inventory. At the moment they can allocate some additional discounts, which Toyota or Kia won’t really do, to claim a better price. Therefore, you will get an extended warranty on the electrical equipment and components of the hybrid system, something recommended if you want to keep your car for a long time.