2026 Chrysler Pacifica Review

The 2026 Chrysler Pacifica continues to deliver minivan essentials—carlike handling and seating capacity to rival three-row SUVs—with a bit of luxury, as well. Last refreshed in 2021, the Pacifica line carries over with just a few additions for 2026.

Once again, FWD and AWD layouts are available in gas V-6 models, with the only plug-in hybrid in the segment also available. Competitors include the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and the Kia Carnival.

What’s New

For 2026, Pacifica gains a 100th Anniversary Edition package available on Pacifica Select or Pacifica Select Plug-in Hybrid, which adds an assortment of special equipment:

• New “Est. 1925” Chrysler wing badge decal at the rear
• Luster Gray polished wheels (new for 2026 model year)
• Semi-gloss Granite Crystal fascia and grille trim (new for 2026 model year)
• Semi-gloss Granite Crystal Chrysler wing badge on grille, with center in Anodized Ink (new for 2026 model year)
• Gloss black mirror caps and black daylight openings
• Safety Sphere package content, including ParkSense front park assist with stop and 360-degree camera
• Three unique available colors: Red Hot, Bright White, and Hydro Blue

What We Think

Since its introduction, the Chrysler Pacifica has received high marks for its comfort, handling, and functionality, and the minivan remains compelling despite aging fundamentals—its last update came for 2021 and was little more than a face-lift.

The Pacifica’s infotainment is responsive and user-friendly, and its available Stow ‘n Go seating offers remarkable versatility. Interior materials and rear-seat comfort aren’t great, however, nor is gas-engine fuel economy, though there’s a Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid to address that concern.

With a model lineup now comprised entirely of minivans, we hope Chrysler is readying something new for a minivan that’s growing long in the tooth, but until then the 2026 Pacifica remains a worthy competitor in the segment.

MotorTrend Tested

The 2026 Pacifica’s base gas V-6 engine puts 287 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission. In MotorTrend testing, a FWD model set a 7.3-second 0–60-mph time and an AWD took 8.3 seconds, on par with the gas Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival but much slower than the Honda Odyssey.

Stepping up to the more efficient Plug-in Hybrid Pacifica doesn’t hinder performance much. The combo of a gas V-6 and dual electric motors yields 260 hp and 230 lb-ft, good for a 0–60 time of 7.5 seconds in our test, roughly the same as its main hybrid rivals, the Sienna and Carnival.

Those two rivals, however, aren’t plug-ins like the Pacifica hybrid.

MPGs and Range

Gasoline-only 2025 Pacificas log 19/28 mpg city/highway in FWD spec, and 17/25 with AWD. As you’d expect, the plug-in hybrid is more efficient when driven as a hybrid—it returns 29/30 mpg—though it falls short of both the Sienna hybrid and the Carnival hybrid.

Where the 2026 Pacifica PHEV excels is with the electric range: The minivan can cover 33 miles on battery alone, something no competitor can claim. For around-town use, this could make the Pacifica much cheaper to run.

Safety Ratings and Features

In recent testing, a 2025 Pacifica earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. It didn’t fare as well in IIHS testing, though, earning merely Acceptable overall scores in most categories.

Standard driver assist and active safety equipment includes:

• Front and rear automatic emergency braking
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane keep assist
• Adaptive cruise control

The optional Safety Sphere package adds:

• 360-degree camera
• Semi-automated parking assist
• Front and rear parking sensors

Cargo Space and Interior Room

The 2026 Pacifica compares favorably to segment rivals, and the non-hybrid trims are especially roomy.

Technology

Infotainment

A 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard on every 2026 Pacifica.

Sound System

A six-speaker audio system is standard, with a 20-speaker Harmon/Kardon sound system available as the top option.

Available Upgrades

Available optionally is the Uconnect Theater package, which bundles seat-back video screens, upgraded Alpine 13-speaker audio, and built-in Amazon Fire TV. FamCam interior split-screen monitor and an integrated vacuum are also available.

Value

Standard Features

2025 Pacificas include the following equipment, and we expect 2026 models to be similarly equipped.

Exterior

• Five available colors: Bright White, Ceramic Gray, Diamond Black Crystal Pearl-Coat, Fathom Blue Pearl-Coat, and Red Hot Pearl-Coat
• Power sliding doors
• Power liftgate
• Gloss black power mirrors

Interior

• Stow ‘n Go seats
• Black leatherette-upholstered front buckets
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Second-row one-touch windows
• Universal garage door opener
• 10.1-inch infotainment display

Recommended Trim

If you can swing the extra cost and can live without AWD, the Plug-in Hybrid Pacifica is the one to get. It comes with an array of standard and available equipment, and its significant potential for all-electric use makes it a standout in the segment, with no real performance compromise.

What About the Voyager?

Chrysler’s other minivan, the Voyager, presents a cheaper option with some—but not all—of the same content. We think the Pacifica is the better overall value, but if your budget is tight, the Voyager may be worth a look.