2027 Chrysler Pacifica First Drive Review + Video

Not many vehicles from the last 15 years have aged as well as Chrysler’s Canadian-made Pacifica minivan, with styling that’s as timeless as it is tasteful.

But it was time for a change, and the 2027 Chrysler Pacifica delivers plenty of it. Well, sort of.

There’s no denying it looks different, with a heavily restyled front end that’s supposed to usher in a new face for the brand, no matter how limited its lineup might be at the moment. And there are other changes, too, including some added safety technology. Otherwise, it’s the same minivan that’s been shuttling families around since 2016.

A Brand’s New Face

While the Chrysler cupboards are a little bare these days — alongside the updated Pacifica sits the entry-level Grand Caravan, and that’s it — this minivan is meant to be a sign of what’s to come courtesy of its new face and badge. Yes, the wings are gone — or at least they will be; for now, they’ll carry on with the Grand Caravan that skips this facelift.

The Pacifica’s revised front end is like a blown-up version of the badge itself, with the same basic shape that terminates at the corners with the so-called piano key lighting signature that looks a lot like the name suggests. It’s a futuristic fascia, with the same sort of illuminated emblem that’s all the rage these days, although the rest of the exterior is largely unchanged.

The exceptions include the trio of new wheel designs, some of which come in a couple different finishes, as well as the shade of Olive Green paint pictured here. The top Pinnacle trim also comes with a new Blue Agave leather that features copper-coloured accents, although it doesn’t pair particularly well with the green exterior. Otherwise, the interior looks as it did before.

Familiar Foundation

What underpins the Pacifica ain’t broke, so Chrysler certainly wasn’t going to fix it. That means the V6 engine under the hood is unchanged, as is the nine-speed automatic transmission it’s mated to and the available all-wheel-drive system that’s able to shuffle torque to the wheels that need it most (or disconnect the rear ones entirely in the name of efficiency).

It’s a perfectly sound setup, although it isn’t especially miserly. This initial encounter saw two all-wheel-drive examples burn through regular-grade gas at indicated rates in excess of 14.0 L/100 km — worse than the expected average of 12.0 combined. It’s also worth noting that the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Pacifica has been discontinued.

Fortunately, the drive experience is pleasant otherwise, with impressive on-road composure and supple suspension tuning. Engine output is more than adequate at 287 and 262 lb-ft of torque, numbers that probably won’t jump off the page, but they’re put to good use when passing or pulling away from a stop, for which the transmission deserves equal credit.

The Pacifica’s steering betrays its size at least a little, with the electrically-assisted system offering almost no feel or feedback. It’s most troubling as velocity increases, which makes it more difficult to judge input, although low-speed manoeuvres — say, parking, or executing a three-point turn — are about as cooperative as they come.

The Sensible Choice

Chrysler’s people claim minivans are seeing something of a resurgence these days as Millennials age and embrace family life. And while the market isn’t what it used to be, with just a handful to pick from, industry-wide sales have increased almost 10 per cent in recent years, with the Pacifica claiming a segment share of about 40 per cent.

OK, SUVs are still exceedingly popular; and even after that uptick in volume, the 43,000 minivans that found homes across the country last year is less than half the total in 2016 (87,000). But then that’s almost twice as many as the 22,000 sold in 2022, marking a significant reversal of fortunes for the few automakers still competing in the segment.

The appeal of a minivan like the Pacifica is a simple case of sensibility. For those who need the space, no sport utility can compare. Yes, that includes the likes of the plus-sized Jeep Grand Wagoneer, because it isn’t just the room inside but the way it’s accessed and used. From the car-like step-in height to the sliding doors, a minivan makes family life better, full stop.

Where the Pacifica stands apart is with its patented stowable rear seats. While most minivans have third-row seats that tumble into the floor, the “Stow ‘n Go” system means the ones in front can do the same to maximize cargo room. Meanwhile, the wells in the floor where the seats are stashed offer invaluable small-item storage the rest of the time.

Filled With Features

While those Stow ‘n Go seats are standard in Pacifica, as well as the entry-level Grand Caravan, the second-row captain’s chairs in the range-topping Pinnacle trim can’t be tucked into the floor. That’s because they’re bigger and built for increased comfort, according to a Stellantis spokesperson, but they can still fold and tilt, slide fore and aft, and are heated.

Indeed, there’s no shortage of standard or available features here, with stuff like a heated steering wheel and front seats included across the lineup, including in the Grand Caravan that starts at $49,895 before tax but including freight ($2,195). Also standard is a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

A whole suite of advanced safety and driver-assist features is also included — lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control among them — and Chrysler has added available camera-based blind-spot monitoring. However, the system takes over the entire infotainment display when it’s active, which can be frustrating when attempting to follow GPS guidance in unfamiliar areas.

Final Thoughts

While the futuristic front end that’s been added to the 2027 Chrysler Pacifica should turn its share of heads, what’s sure to capture even more attention is the new pricing structure that comes with it. That includes reductions across the three-trim lineup, starting with the Pacifica Select that’s now $52,895 before options and taxes — $4,200 less than the outgoing version.

Importantly, all-wheel drive adds $5,000, just like before, and as it does with the Limited trim that’s had its price slashed $7,200 to $58,895. Finally, the top-of-the-line Pacifica Pinnacle, which only comes with all-wheel drive in Canada, is down the same $7,200 to $72,895. Importantly, that more closely aligns with the other minivans on the market.

None of that means the Pacifica is inexpensive, but it’s not often prices drop in this business, let alone by such significant margins. It’s enough to turn this Canadian-made minivan into a more compelling product than ever. No, it isn’t especially efficient, but there’s no denying its exceptional practicality to go with looks that help usher this entry into the future.