Yahoo Autos Our 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Is Undeniably Useful but Frequently Annoying
20,000-Mile Update
We've now racked up more than 20,000 miles on our long-term 2018 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid, and unlike Scotch and cigars, it has not gotten better with age. While the gas-powered Pacifica has earned the title of Best Van for the third consecutive year as part of our 10Best Trucks and SUVs competition, our decision to continually disavow the hybrid version has been further solidified by some of our negative experiences in this long-term test. Sure, Chrysler's minivan is routinely useful and an unquestionably unique plug-in hybrid-it's the only such minivan on the market-but its recent mysterious issues and frustrating compromises continue to validate our decision to exclude it.
WHAT WE LIKE: As the only van in our long-term fleet, which also includes just one pickup truck (a Honda Ridgeline), the Pacifica hybrid continues to be requested regularly for hauling duty and long trips-even if that's more out of necessity rather than desire. Its removable second-row captain's chairs and stowable third-row seats make it an effective way to move bulky stuff, especially things that shouldn't travel unprotected from the elements in the back of a pickup truck. Its cavernous interior can hold up to seven adult passengers in near-perfect comfort for prolonged periods. Its hospitable front seats in particular cosseted our backsides on a recent cross-country trip from Michigan to California that covered nearly 5000 miles; road test editor Charlie Dryer returned home singing the praises of the Pacifica's comfort and versatility. And its handsome cabin features excellent ergonomics as well as countless bins, cubbies, and cupholders that keep the small items in your life at your fingertips.
WHAT WE DON'T LIKE: While the Pacifica hybrid has many of the traits that make minivans great, its plug-in powertrain requires various compromises. Such as our previous lamentations that the hybrid loses the (more versatile than comfortable) Stow 'n Go second-row seats that fold flat into the floor. It's a disadvantage that looms large every time we have to remove the pair of cumbersome captain's chairs from their locking mechanisms. And it's not just an annoyance; the seats weigh a hefty 66 pounds apiece, making it impossible for some owners to remove or install without assistance. "The first time an owner removes the second-row seats, they'll be cursing the lack of Stow 'n Go," said our head of testing, Dave VanderWerp. He was also frustrated with the center child-seat LATCH point on the second-row seats, which is located very far down the seatback, making it difficult to reach from the front.
Nearly every other note in the Pacifica's logbook makes mention of its coarse-sounding engine. While the hybrid model uses a version of the gasoline-powered 3.6-liter V-6 found in the regular Pacifica, it features revised internal components and runs the more efficient Atkinson cycle. Many editors have described unpleasant or thrashy noises when the engine is idling. This has seemed to become worse with the arrival of winter temperatures, especially when the engine is fired via the remote-start system. And associate online editor Joey Capparella called the two-motor transaxle's operation "jarring," particularly when restarting the engine, and noted a variety of unusual sounds and vibrations while driving.
WHAT WENT WRONG: Not long after we experienced serious issues with the Pacifica's hybrid system, which required replacing the entire battery pack under warranty and later updating its software because it wasn't charging, a warning light appeared, along with a "Service Hybrid Electric System" message. We eventually discovered that this was triggered by the coolant-level sensor, and the dealership confirmed that the battery coolant was one pint low. The technician refilled the coolant but was unable to diagnose the issue because no leaks were found. A couple thousand miles later, the warning light went off again, and again the battery coolant was low. The dealership drained and refilled the coolant reservoir but still couldn't find any leaks. While we haven't had any problems with the coolant level since then, the issue remains a mystery.
WHERE WE WENT: Our Jazz Blue minivan has now literally traveled from sea to shining sea. With a trip to the East Coast already under its wheels, it was recently driven across the country to the West Coast. We set sail for Sonoma, California, loaded down with various gear to compete in a LeMons race and carrying artwork to be delivered to the family of the late, great Tony Swan. The ambitious trek included stops in Des Moines, Iowa, and Golden, Colorado, to name a few. Otherwise, our Pacifica hybrid has remained mostly in the Midwest since we cracked 10,000 miles.
Months in Fleet: 7 months Current Mileage: 22,536 miles
Average Fuel Economy: 27 MPGe
Fuel Tank Size: 16.5 gal Observed Fuel Range: 440 miles
Service: $264 Normal Wear: $0 Repair:$0
Damage and Destruction: $0
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