Hybrid or Not? Choosing a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica

You are spoiled for choice when it comes to the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. It is available in six trims: L, LX, Touring Plus, Touring L, Touring L Plus, and Limited. There is also a hybrid model that is available in three trims: Touring Plus, Touring L, and Limited. In order to help you make a decision, let’s compare the 2018 Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid by focusing on the Limited trim in both models. Deciding between the two will not be easy, as both have a lot to offer and are top contenders in the new-age minivan class.

The Three P’s: Price, Power, and Performance

The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Limited trim comes at a starting price of $44,095. It sports a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that kicks out 287 horsepower and is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The fuel efficiency of this car is rated at 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, and it has a towing capacity of 3,600 pounds.

The Hybrid Pacifica, starting at a slightly higher price of $44,995, features a 3.6-liter V-6 eHybrid engine paired with an eFlite Si-EVT transmission. This car has a 33-mile electric driving range, which means you can run most errands without gas. The fuel economy is really good, as you might expect from a hybrid, and is rated at 32 mpg city and 33 highway. Towing, however, is not recommended with this car.

Exterior & Technology

As far as the exterior goes, both models sport automatic headlamps, front and rear LED lamps, front LED fog lamps, and LED taillamps. Whereas the Pacifica features HID headlights, the Pacifica Hybrid boasts halogen quad headlamps as well as chrome-accent fog lamp bezels and premium fog lamps.

Both models feature a hands-free power liftgate and power sliding doors, but only the Hybrid model comes standard with a chrome Stow ‘n Place roof rack. The Pacifica, however, sports a tri-pane panoramic sunroof. It also features 18-inch aluminum wheels, whereas the Hybrid model comes standard with 17-inch aluminum wheels.

Interior

Whether you choose the the Pacifica or the Pacifica Hybrid, you are assured comfort and plenty of space. Both can seat up to seven people comfortably, and for additional optional storage space, they both feature a third-row fold-in-floor 60/40 bench. Both models also sport premium Nappa leather-trimmed bucket seats, heated front seats, power four-way driver lumbar adjustment, and a power eight-way driver seat. The Pacifica also features second-row Stow ‘n Go seats, as well as a Stow ‘n Vac integrated vacuum.

As far as technology goes, both models offer SiriusXM radio, Uconnect 4C NAV with an 8.4-inch display, Google Android Auto, GPS navigation, and integrated voice command with Bluetooth. However, the hybrid model adds many exciting features such as Harman Kardon speakers, a Blu-ray DVD player, dual HDMI ports, and Uconnect Theatre with wireless streaming.

Both the Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid models are excellent choices if you are looking for a top-quality minivan. For a slightly higher price, the hybrid model gives you excellent fuel efficiency, plus you will qualify for a federal tax credit for being environmentally friendly. This model also boasts state-of-the-art tech features. The Pacifica, on the other hand, will give you more power and more storage space, while still delivering respectable mileage rates.

Image via Flickr by David Guo’s Master/Under use by CC BY 2.0

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