2026 Chrysler Pacifica: Reinventing the Minivan for a New Generation

The minivan may have fallen out of the spotlight in recent years, but Chrysler is making it clear with the 2026 Pacifica: it’s not going anywhere—it’s just growing up. As crossovers continue to dominate driveways, the Pacifica quietly evolves into something more refined, more tech-savvy, and more in tune with what today’s families need.

A Fresh Look Without Losing Its Roots

 This isn’t a dramatic overhaul, but the Pacifica’s design updates speak volumes. Up front, a cleaner, more streamlined look gives off a subtle futuristic vibe. Slimmer LED headlights and a simplified grille are borrowed from Chrysler’s Halcyon concept, hinting at the electric future that’s just around the corner.

From the side, it still wears its minivan shape proudly—but now with a bit more polish. New wheels, sharper body lines, and a handful of metallic paint choices help the Pacifica ditch some of that “strictly functional” image. It’s still built for practicality, but now with a sharper sense of style.

Powertrains That Balance Familiarity and Progress

 Chrysler keeps the Pacifica’s crown as the only minivan in the U.S. with a plug-in hybrid setup. The combination of a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, electric motors, and a 16-kWh battery delivers a total of 260 horsepower—and more importantly, about 32 miles of all-electric range. That’s perfect for everyday errands or school runs without using a drop of gas. Once the battery’s tapped, it seamlessly switches to hybrid mode and delivers over 80 MPGe in city driving.

There’s also a traditional V6 option with front-wheel drive, mainly for fleet or budget-focused buyers. But Chrysler is signaling where things are headed: the gas-only days are numbered. A fully electric Pacifica is coming soon, riding on the STLA Large platform with a promised 300+ miles of range, fast charging, and even bi-directional charging for home power backup. Look for that in 2027.

A Big Step Up Inside

 The biggest changes are found inside, where the Pacifica finally feels as upscale as it’s always been practical. Every trim now comes with a big 15.6-inch touchscreen running Stellantis’ newest infotainment system, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa, and smarter voice controls.

Cabin materials are nicer across the board—think softer-touch surfaces, quilted leather on higher trims, and a layout that feels more cohesive and less cluttered. Chrysler also made its signature Stow ‘n Go seating easier to use and added better cushioning in the second and third rows.

Passenger comfort takes another leap with USB-C ports in all three rows, new ambient lighting options, and an available rear entertainment system that streams right to dual HD screens. And thanks to more sound-deadening materials and acoustic glass, it’s noticeably quieter than before—Chrysler says interior noise is down by 20%.

Safety That Keeps Up With the Tech

 All 2026 Pacifica models come packed with the safety tech you’d expect, like adaptive cruise control, lane centering, emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

But new for this model year is hands-free highway driving on pre-mapped interstates. Using a mix of GPS and radar, the system can steer, change lanes, and even bring the van to a safe stop if the driver doesn’t respond. It’s a big step forward for families who spend a lot of time on the road and want a little more peace of mind.

Pricing and Trim Levels

 The Pacifica lineup remains familiar: Touring, Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle. Chrysler’s done a solid job of spreading out the features so you don’t have to jump to the top tier to get the essentials. The plug-in hybrid starts at the Touring L level, making it more attainable—especially after applying federal tax credits.

Base pricing kicks off just above $41,000, while a fully loaded Pinnacle version can reach around $58,000. With incentives, the hybrid model ends up being surprisingly competitive, especially when you compare it to three-row SUVs that often lack the same interior flexibility.

A Minivan with a Mission

 Chrysler’s made it clear: electrification is the future, and the Pacifica is leading the charge. Every vehicle in the brand’s pipeline will have some form of electrification, but the Pacifica remains the heart of it all.

In a world overrun by SUVs, the Pacifica still makes a strong case for the classic minivan. It’s roomier, quieter, smarter, and now greener than ever—without losing the features that made it a family favorite in the first place.

The 2026 Pacifica isn’t trying to be something it’s not. It’s embracing its role and doing it better than ever. For families who care about comfort, flexibility, and future-friendly power, it might just be the smartest choice on the lot.